Information for users of vacuum cleaners with 240 volt power brush attachments

Electrical safety risks associated with the general maintenance of vacuum cleaners incorporating 240 volt power brush attachments have been brought to the attention of the Electrical Safety Office.

Power brush heads are normally connected to the main vacuum unit by a flexible hose and are commonly supplied with electricity at 240 volts. The electricity is usually supplied from the main vacuum unit to the power brush either by an external lead or more commonly now internally, being integrated as part of the vacuum hose and the control handle.

Many designs have the hose permanently connected to the handle which contains 240 volt electrical parts (like slip rings) inside. If the handle is removed from the hose, dismantled or broken, this can expose 240 volt electrical parts creating an electrical safety risk to the user. Similarly if the hose is damaged, 240 volt electrical parts could be exposed.

The Electrical Safety Office reminds all users of vacuum/power brush assemblies to follow all manufacturers’ instructions when using or maintaining the vacuum cleaner.

The Electrical Safety Office reinforces the need to turn off the vacuum cleaner at the power point and unplug it before attempting any maintenance including the removal of any blockage from within the vacuum hose or power brush attachment.  After following the manufacturer’s instructions, if the blockage is still unable to be removed then the unit should be taken to the manufacturer’s authorised repair agent or a licensed electrical contractor so that any blockage can be removed.

For more information about electrical safety (including the Codes Of Practice) visit the Electrical Safety Office website or contact the Electrical Safety infoline on 1300 650 662.

Peter Lamont
Executive Director
Electrical Safety Office