Installation guide · 2026 technical edition

Retractable hoses.
Retraflex & R-Flex.

The complete guide, from the site plan to the final check. Storage run, stop, traditional network, central unit and door fitting.

Hose storage run, stop, traditional network, central unit, locking and door fitting — brought together in a single document, in site order.

Before you start

How to read this guide.

This document brings together in a single guide the best of the Retraflex 2 instructions, the older Retraflex / Hide-A-Hose manual, the R-Flex guide and the AspiWall guides. It is written to be followed in site order, even by someone who has never installed a retractable hose before.

A Retraflex or R-Flex installation is not an ordinary suction network. The hose is not stored in a cupboard: it is drawn in and stored inside the PVC network itself. This calls for precise rules on length, bend radius, fitting orientation and the internal cleanliness of the pipe. These rules differ from — and are stricter than — those of a standard traditional network.

AspiWall priority rule

In case of contradiction between older instructions and this guide, the AspiWall rules apply. Some values from older instructions (a +1.5 m margin before the stop, inlet height "at electrical socket height", ceiling height "1.30 to 1.40 m") have been deliberately replaced by the AspiWall values below. Do not use the old values.

The two zones of the network

This is the single most important point in the whole guide. A retractable hose network is always split into two zones separated by the stop (red stop coupling). These two zones do not follow the same rules.

① Before the stop — storage zone

The PVC acts as a storage sleeve for the hose. Only special large-radius Retraflex fittings (90°, 45°, 22.5°). No traditional elbow. The hose travels through here every time it is used.

② After the stop — traditional network

The pipe becomes a standard suction line: the hose never travels there. Traditional fittings are used (long 90° elbow, 45°, T/Y) all the way to the collector and the central unit.

Two ranges, one method

This guide covers the Retraflex Soft Touch (soft fabric coating, for private homes) and the R-Flex Bleu Flash (no fabric, easy to clean, for professional use). Installation of the network, the stop and the fittings is identical for both. Only the hose changes.

The AspiWall golden rules

If you only remember one page, make it this one. Each of these rules is detailed further on in the guide.

AspiWall ruleKey takeaway
Height — hose coming from the floorInlet centreline at 80 cm from the finished floor.
Height — hose coming from the ceilingInlet centreline at 140 cm from the finished floor.
Storage length / stopStop placed at hose length + 2 m safety margin (never +1.5 m).
Before the stopOnly large-radius Retraflex elbows 90°, 45°, 22.5°. No traditional elbow.
Number of elbowsMaximum 4 large-radius 90° elbows before the stop. As few as possible.
Never two 90° elbows in a rowDo not chain two 90° elbows together; space out direction changes.
GluingOnly apply glue to the male end of the pipe, never the female end (no internal ridge).
PVC clipsNever tighten / crush the PVC: it must be able to move slightly sideways.
After the stopEmpty traditional network: long 90° elbow, 45°, T/Y oriented toward the central unit.
Main lineAs direct as possible to the central unit, without unnecessary detours.
50.8 mm antistatic pipeNever bend or heat it: every change of direction is made with an elbow.
Tests before closingAirtightness + retraction + free sliding, network still accessible.

The essentials

The 4 rules that make
all the difference.

1

Stop = hose length + 2 m, never less.

2

Before the stop: large-radius Retraflex elbows only.

3

Glue on the male end of the pipe, never inside the female.

4

Two zones, two logics — never mix them.

Part 01

Understanding the system

Where the air, the dust and above all the hose go.

Before drilling anything, you need to understand where the air goes, where the dust goes, and above all where the hose goes. This is what separates a successful installation from a network that jams.

The principle of central vacuum

A central unit is installed in a dry utility room (garage, cellar, laundry room), away from the living areas. It is connected to the suction points by an airtight network of Ø 50.8 mm antistatic suction PVC. A low-voltage control wire links each inlet to the central unit and triggers the motor. Dust is drawn all the way to the central unit, away from the living areas, where it is processed and collected: it never comes back into the room where you live.

Retractable network or traditional network?

The retractable hose

The hose lives inside the network. You pull out the length you need from the wall inlet, vacuum, then the central unit draws the hose back into its PVC sleeve. Nothing to carry, nothing to put away. This is the zone before the stop.

The traditional hose

The hose is a separate pipe that you plug into an inlet, then put away by hand. The network always stays empty. This is the logic of the zone after the stop — and of existing traditional installations.

Never mix the two logics in the same zone

A hose storage network is not sized the same way as a traditional network, and vice versa. The stop is the physical boundary between the two: before it, everything is designed for the hose to slide; after it, everything is designed for the air to flow toward the central unit.

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Part 02

Planning the installation

A good network is decided on paper, before the first glue joint.

Planning is the key to a successful installation. A good network is decided on paper, before the first glue joint — never improvised on site.

Choosing the hose length

The hose length determines the coverage of each suction point, but also the length of storage network to plan for. At AspiWall, retractable hoses come in 9 m, 12 m, 15 m and 18 m. The 12 m and 15 m lengths are the most requested and cover the majority of projects.

Airflow and length

The longer the hose, the more airflow drops over its whole length. To compensate, a more powerful central unit is chosen. Sizing the central unit therefore happens together with choosing the hoses, not afterwards.

Choosing the central unit (S100 to S500)

The central unit is chosen according to the surface area, the number of suction points and the length of the hoses. The AspiWall rule: a central unit must never be pushed beyond its limits by the network or the hoses — it is sized to use only around half of its capacity.

Central unitPositioning
S100Entry-level, small surfaces / few points.
S200 · S300Standard homes, several suction points.
S400Large surfaces, long hoses.
S500Twin-motor (main unit + booster) for the most demanding projects.

The order of the trades

Ideally, the AspiWall network is installed before the other trades. Electrical, plumbing or heating ducts then pass above the PVC afterwards, without ever crushing it.

  • Install the suction network after the main plumbing runs where possible, and before the wall linings are closed up.
  • Do not attach anything directly to the ducts, and check that no neighbouring installation obstructs the sliding of the hose.
AspiWall advice on the plan

For new construction or major renovation, send your plans to AspiWall: inlet locations, hose lengths and the network layout are validated before installation. With this support, installing it yourself remains entirely achievable.

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Part 03

Choosing and positioning the inlets

Real coverage matters more than the number of inlets.

Real coverage matters more than the number of inlets. A poorly placed inlet is an unusable inlet; fewer, well-positioned points are better.

Where to place a suction point

  • Favour open areas, corridors, halls, stairwells and walls near doors: a central point covers more than a point in a corner.
  • Plan for going around furniture: a hose never works in a straight line. The real usable length is shorter than the hose length.
  • Avoid locations hidden by an open door, a fixed piece of furniture, or an appliance.
  • A retractable inlet is discreet: it is placed at skirting-board height, one inlet per suction point.
A simple validation method

Using a rope the length of the hose's usable reach, start from each planned location and physically check the blind spots: behind doors, around kitchen islands, in bedroom corners, at the foot of staircases and in the garage. This is the only reliable way to know whether the coverage is real.

Hose orientation: floor or ceiling

A retractable suction point is designed according to the direction the hose enters the inlet: the storage PVC runs down toward the floor (hose coming from the floor) or up toward the ceiling (hose coming from the ceiling). This choice directly determines the inlet height — see the "AspiWall heights" section.

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Part 04

The AspiWall heights

Two heights, two cases. Fixed values.

Two heights, two cases. These are fixed AspiWall values. They replace the older instructions' guidance (electrical-socket height, "1.30 to 1.40 m"), which should no longer be used.

Direction the hose arrives fromHeight of the inlet centreline (finished floor)
Hose coming from the floor (PVC running down)80 cm
Hose coming from the ceiling (PVC running up)140 cm
Always measure from the finished floor

The measurement is taken from the finished surface (tiling, parquet, finished screed), not from the raw slab. In new construction, account for the thickness of the screed and floor covering to come before fixing the frame.

Why these heights

The height ensures the hose enters and exits the inlet at the correct angle to retract without forcing. An inlet placed too high when the hose comes from the floor, or too low when it comes from the ceiling, creates a difficult angle that hinders retraction — the most common mistake on older installations.

A height designed for comfort

Every time you use it, you pull several metres of hose out of the inlet — up to 12, 15 or 18 m. The motion is far more comfortable when the inlet sits at a comfortable height, close to hip level, rather than at floor level. These AspiWall heights save you from bending down unnecessarily.

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Part 05

The storage run (before the stop)

The most specific zone — and the most demanding.

This is the zone where the hose lives. Here, everything is designed so it can slide and retract without ever catching: sufficient length, smooth elbows, a clean pipe. This is the most specific — and the most demanding — part of the installation.

The PVC length follows the hose length

The storage network must be at least as long as the hose, with a safety margin. The AspiWall rule is simple and fixed: pipe length before the stop = hose length + 2 m.

Hose lengthStop position (from the inlet)
9 m hoseStop at 11 m
12 m hoseStop at 14 m
15 m hoseStop at 17 m
18 m hoseStop at 20 m
Do not keep the old margins

The older instructions indicated +1.5 m (e.g. 13.5 m for a 12 m hose) or other values. These are abandoned. A +2 m safety margin is applied systematically. Measuring tip: count the PVC lengths (2 m each) without counting the large-radius elbows — the length these elbows add comes as extra margin.

Only large-radius Retraflex elbows

Before the stop, only the large-radius elbows specific to retractable hoses are used. They are designed so the hose passes through without catching. No tight traditional elbow is allowed in this zone.

90° large-radius Retraflex elbow

The 90° direction change in the storage zone.

45° large-radius Retraflex elbow

Softens a direction change when the layout allows.

22.5° large-radius Retraflex elbow

A 90° → 22.5° sequence is often useful to work around an obstacle smoothly.

  • Maximum 4 large-radius 90° elbows before the stop — and as few as possible: each 90° elbow increases the force needed to pull the hose out of the wall.
  • Avoid two 90° elbows one after the other (in succession). Space out direction changes as much as possible.
  • Small elbows (traditional 45° or 90°) are only allowed after the stop, never before.

A hose stored on a single plane

The hose must be stored on a single plane (for example flat on the slab, or within the same false ceiling). A network that rises and falls in "waves" creates dips where the hose forces and eventually jams.

A logical route

You generally start from the inlet wall, go down to the floor, then follow the perimeter of the room with as many straight lines as possible. The route should stay as direct as possible, without unnecessary detours. A clean layout makes the hose's return easier and limits crossings with other trades.

Installing the PVC without ever crushing it

  • Never over-tighten the clips. The PVC must be able to move slightly sideways. A crushed or ovalised pipe blocks the hose's retraction.
  • The pipe is installed flat and level: no need to plan a slope in the storage zone.
  • Never bend the PVC: it must be neither curved nor heated. Every change of direction is made with a large-radius 90°, 45° or 22.5° elbow.
  • The 50.8 mm antistatic PVC limits dust build-up and helps the hose, hair and pet hair pass through cleanly.

Gluing cleanly — the male-end rule

The internal cleanliness of the pipe is vital: the slightest ridge of glue or the slightest burr can catch and damage the hose's sock every time it passes.

01
Glue only the male endApply glue only to the male end of the pipe, never to the female part of the coupling or elbow. Gluing the female end forms an internal ridge when the joint is pushed together — a ridge that catches dust, hair and pet hair.
02
Mark at 2 cmDraw a mark about 2 cm from the end of the pipe before inserting it. The mark confirms the pipe is fully seated, with no gap between the fitting's ribs and the edge of the PVC.
03
A clean cutUse a RIDGID pipe cutter for clean, straight, burr-free cuts. With another tool, deburr carefully. Avoid sandpaper inside the pipe: it creates micro-grooves that trap dust, hair and pet hair.
04
Inspect the insideBefore connecting a length, check that the inside is smooth and that the pipe is properly round and undamaged.
The AspiWall cutting tool

For cutting 50.8 mm PVC, AspiWall uses the RIDGID P-TEC 5000 plastic pipe cutter (50 mm model, ref. 40868). Automatic deburring and chamfering, fast straight cuts, a perfectly smooth pipe interior — exactly what the storage zone requires. The PTEC 3240 model (32–40 mm) is not suitable for the AspiWall network.

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Part 06

The stop (red stop coupling)

The physical boundary between the two zones.

The stop is the physical marker that separates the network's two zones. It is both a stopping point for the hose and a safety feature. Its location is never approximate.

Where to place the stop

The stop is placed exactly at hose length + 2 m, measured from the wall inlet along the pipe. For a 12 m hose, it is therefore fitted around 14 m of pipe; for a 15 m hose, around 17 m (see the "Storage run" section).

Two roles, one marker

A stopping point

The red stop coupling stops the hose exactly at the intended spot, at the end of its storage path. The hose cannot go any further: it always retracts to the correct position.

A safety feature

If a hose were to break, it remains easy to retrieve: it cannot travel further into the network, beyond the coupling. The stop protects the whole traditional network located behind it.

What changes at the stop

Before the coupling: the PVC is a storage sleeve — large-radius Retraflex elbows only, clean pipe, never crushed. After the coupling: the PVC becomes a standard suction line — traditional fittings are used again and the hose never travels there.

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Part 07

After the stop: the traditional network

An empty pipe that carries air toward the central unit.

Past the stop, the network becomes a standard suction installation again: an empty pipe that carries air toward the central unit. It is what connects each suction point to the motor, and a fitting or orientation mistake here costs power.

A main line that is as direct as possible

The main line connects the furthest point to the central unit. The other points join it via short branches. The goal is constant: reduce pressure losses and the risk of blockage. Short network, suitable fittings, correct suction direction, clean pipe interior.

Choosing the right fitting, in the right direction

Long 90° elbow

For any 90° direction change on the network.

45° elbow

To be preferred whenever the layout allows, to soften direction changes.

T/Y 90°

Always oriented in the direction of airflow toward the central unit.

The direction rule

Air must enter a branch without hitting a wall or doubling back. Orient the branch of the T or Y toward the central unit. This is the rule that guarantees the air from each point flows directly toward the motor.

Avoiding gravity drops

When a point's branch drops vertically directly under the main line, dirt can fall into it by gravity even when that point is not in use. It stays there until the next time it is used.

  • Do not create a vertical branch directly under the main line.
  • Take the branch off to the side or above the main line, depending on the layout.
  • Use the correct T/Y orientation and keep a connecting slope that avoids debris free-falling.
  • Check the air direction before any final gluing.

Connecting several Retraflex points to the network

In a house with several retractable points, each hose has its own storage run and its own stop. It is only after their respective stops that the lines join, on a shared collector, before running toward the central unit.

The collector

The collector is the point where the empty lines coming from each stop (and from the house's other suction accessories) join together. Upstream of each stop: an individual storage zone. Downstream of the collector: a single main line toward the central unit. A storage run and the main line must never be mixed.

Connecting accessories to the empty network

The traditional network (after the stop) can also receive accessories connected to the suction system (traditional inlets, dustpan…). They connect to the empty part of the network, with traditional fittings and the correct direction toward the central unit — never to a hose's storage zone.

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Part 08

Fitting the inlet and the back-boxes

Its finished position must be planned before plastering.

The back-box is the part embedded in the wall; the inlet (or valve) is fitted onto it after the finishes are done. Its finished position must be planned before plastering — this is the moment where everything is decided.

Choosing the route based on the construction

SituationRecommended installation
Ground slabInstall the network in a bed of sand after compacting; protect the ducts (conduit / mechanical protection).
Inaccessible crawl spaceInstall the ducts before the floor is closed up; flag pipes that protrude from the slab.
Accessible crawl spaceInstallation possible after the slab, regular fixings, direct route.
Basement / attached garageExposed network fixed under the slab; upper floors reached via a closet, duct, double partition or reserved chase.

The frame and the back-box

01
Fix the frame levelFix the frame onto the stud or support, perfectly level. A crooked back-box gives a crooked inlet, impossible to correct after finishing.
02
Fit the pipe couplingThe pipe coupling slides into the frame and adjusts to the thickness of the wall covering. Behind a retractable inlet, it is paired with its short elbow: allow the necessary depth (roughly 10 cm behind the inlet).
03
Glue the pipe into the couplingInsert and glue the pipe up to the coupling's stop (glue on the male end). Check that it is fully seated.
04
Fit the mud coverInstall the temporary cover (mud cover): it protects the inside during plastering and serves as a template for the finished level.
Reference the finish, not the raw wall

The face of the back-box is positioned relative to the finished covering, never the bare block. A back-box set too deep complicates fitting the inlet and can compromise airtightness.

Adapting the back-box to the support

Drywall / plasterboard

The frame is fixed to the framing (stud). The frame's pointed tabs hold the back-box in the board during fitting. Respect the wall-covering thickness for the inlet model.

Brick & plaster

Reserve the recess in the masonry. Important rule: the plaster thickness must not cover the frame's yellow plate; the plaster must reach halfway up it. This is what guarantees the finished inlet sits flush.

Concrete

Plan the reservation before pouring and protect the conduit against debris. The pipe must be neither crushed nor filled with cement laitance inside. Flag and cap any stub-ups protruding from the slab.

Renovation (existing wall)

Use the cover as a template to cut the hole. Insert the frame vertically, then straighten it up behind the partition. Fold / trim the mounting tabs depending on the proximity of a stud, then press the tabs in to hold the frame during fitting.

Verticality, reservation and cable

  • Check verticality with a level and fix the back-box firmly: it must not move during plastering.
  • Leave about 20 cm of low-voltage cable available outside the back-box to connect the inlet after the finishes are done.
  • Temporarily cap the duct to keep out site dust and debris.
  • Photograph the exact position before closing up the wall.
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Part 09

24 V low-voltage wiring

It triggers the central unit's start-up.

The low-voltage cable does not carry dust: it triggers the central unit's start-up. It is a simple circuit, but it tolerates no inaccessible connection.

All inlets in parallel

Each inlet is connected to the central unit, and all inlets are wired in parallel. The key point is circuit continuity between every inlet and the central unit.

  • The cable can run alongside the PVC or follow a more direct path: it does not need to follow the PVC route and can run in a dedicated conduit to the central unit.
  • Avoid more than two wires under the same terminal: use an accessible junction box if needed.
  • No connection must become inaccessible inside a slab or a closed wall.
  • Do not run the cable through doorway openings.
  • In masonry crossings and recessed areas, protect the cable inside a 16 mm ITCA conduit.
  • Leave about 20 cm of slack at each back-box.
Control only

The low-voltage circuit is used solely to trigger the central unit. The central unit's mains power supply (230 V) remains a completely separate circuit. On the usual control terminals, the order of the two wires does not matter — check the diagram for the installed model, however.

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Part 10

Fitting the central unit

Supported by the wall, never by the PVC; removable for servicing.

The central unit is the heart of the system. Two rules come first: it is supported by the wall, never by the PVC, and its last fitting remains removable for servicing.

Choosing and preparing the installation area

Install the central unit in a dry, ventilated and accessible room: garage, basement or utility room. The location must allow the tank to be opened, the bag to be changed and the filter to be accessed, depending on the model.

ClearanceValue
Around the central unit (servicing + ventilation)30 cm
Under the tank (removal and servicing)40 cm recommended
Distance to the dedicated power outlet1 m max.
Do not enclose the central unit

A narrow, unventilated cupboard makes servicing harder and hinders cooling and air exhaust. Before drilling, simulate servicing: open the tank clips and check that the bag, tank and filters remain accessible without dismantling the network.

Warm air at the outlet is normal — and useful

AspiWall central units are fitted with large motors: it is entirely normal for the air exiting the outlet to feel warm to hot. This is not a defect. It is even a benefit: this gentle warmth helps ventilate and dry out the utility room — cellar, garage or laundry room — where the central unit is installed.

Fixing and connecting

01
Fix the wall plateSolid support, suitable fixings, plate perfectly level.
02
Hang the central unitIt must be fully engaged in its bracket and supported by the wall, never by the PVC.
03
Dry-fit the networkThe pipe must neither push nor pull on the central unit.
04
Removable final fittingThe last fitting on the central unit is not glued: a rubber sleeve and clamps are used. This is what allows it to be dismantled for servicing.
Air inlet and silencer

Any unused air inlet must be capped with the supplied plug. Fit the silencer on the air outlet and always keep its exhaust clear (at least 30 cm free if directed downward). On the S200/S300/S400, the air inlet can be moved from left to right according to the instructions; the S100 and S500 do not follow this option.

Power supply and control

Provide an outlet less than 1 m away, earthed, on a dedicated circuit. For the S100 to S400: 220/240 V - 10 A. No extension lead, no modification to the power cord. For the control wiring, strip about 0.5 cm of each conductor, press the button, insert the wire then release; repeat for the second terminal.

Electricity — RGIE

The outlet, earthing and protection must comply with the RGIE (Belgian electrical code). If in doubt, call in a qualified electrician.

The case of the S500 (twin-motor, series mounting)

The S500 differs from the S100 to S400: it consists of a main unit (with tank and filtration, a single air inlet on the left) and a booster (secondary motor unit), mounted in series. Respect the dimensions of both supports, then connect the network to the main unit, the link to the booster, and the booster's silencer.

Reference point (S500 series mounting)Dimension
Main support height154.94 cm
Booster support height208.28 cm
Vertical gap between supports58.10 cm
Horizontal offset43.18 cm
  • S500 power supply: dedicated 220/240 V - 15 A circuit, earthed, no extension lead.
  • On the S500 in series: a single air inlet (on the left) feeds the main unit, its outlet runs to the booster — nothing to cap.
  • In operation, the metal air-outlet ducts become hot: keep heat-sensitive materials away and keep service access clear.
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Part 11

Locking mechanism & door fitting

Safe everyday use.

Once the walls are finished, the valve assembly (the mechanism) and its door are fitted onto the back-box. This is also where the hose locking mechanism comes in, which governs safe everyday use.

Fitting the valve assembly onto the back-box

01
Prepare the tabsThe frame's pointed tabs hold the back-box in place during fitting. In new builds, they have sometimes been cut off during plastering; a few finishing nails driven horizontally into the frame's side holes replace them.
02
Lubricate the sealApply a lubricant to the o-ring to ease insertion and ensure airtightness.
03
Connect the control wiringConnect the two wires from the switch mounted on the valve assembly to the low-voltage cable (wire-nut / terminal connections depending on the model).
04
Insert and screw in the valve assemblyFit the valve assembly into the frame, align the four holes and fix it with the four screws supplied in the finishing kit.
05
Fit the doorInstall the door by aligning its hinge with that of the valve assembly, then press it into place. The door closes off the inlet and contributes to the system's airtightness.
The door is part of the airtightness

The inlet doors are needed to seal the network. As long as a door is not fitted (for example during testing), the corresponding opening must be temporarily capped, otherwise the network "leaks air" and the suction test is thrown off.

The hose locking mechanism

At the inlet, the hose locks and unlocks by means of a black trigger latch. This is what holds the hose out during use, and releases it for retraction.

Two safety actions to respect

Never pull on the hose while the black trigger latch is engaged. Always push back (reset) the trigger latch before extending or retracting the hose. Failing to follow these two actions is the leading cause of premature wear on the hose and the mechanism.

Start-up: at the inlet or wireless

By default, suction starts at the inlet as soon as the hose is locked, and stops when it is allowed to retract and the flap is closed again. As an option, a radio remote on the handle allows switching on / off at a distance. AspiWall advice: wait until the system is running to assess the real need before adding the remote — it can always be fitted later.

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Part 12

Tests before closing

Never close a network without having tested it.

A fault can be fixed in a few minutes while the network is still accessible — and in several hours once the walls, floors and ceilings are closed up. Never close a network without having tested it.

Airtightness test

Once the network is in place, carry out an airtightness test — either yourself by temporarily connecting a suction source, or with AspiWall on site. Cap all openings that are not yet tested (inlet doors not yet fitted) to seal the system.

Airtightness criterion

Using a portable suction source, compare the vacuum reading at the inlet and at the central unit: the gap must not exceed a few centimetres of water column. A large difference points to a leak, a poorly closed inlet or a blockage.

Retraction and sliding test

  • Use a shop vac to test the hose's retraction into its storage run.
  • Cut the suction and pull the hose by hand to check that it slides freely, with no rough spot or jam.
  • A rough spot almost always reveals a crushed pipe, an elbow that is too tight, a ridge of glue or storage across two planes: fix it before closing up.
Before closing up the wall

Test the continuity of the low-voltage cable, photograph the position of each back-box and pipe route, and keep both a wide shot and a close-up shot of each branch. These photos are invaluable for any future work.

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Part 13

Commissioning & final check

The job is only finished once every inlet has been tested.

The job is only finished once every inlet has been tested. A methodical check immediately picks up a leak, an uncapped inlet or a badly connected control wire.

The commissioning sequence

01
Network closedAll inlets are fitted or temporarily capped.
02
Low-voltage controlThe two control wires are connected to the central unit.
03
Mains power supplyThe central unit is plugged into its dedicated circuit, in line with its instructions.
04
Test each inletDeploy the hose (or activate the control) and check start-up and shut-off at each point.
05
Suction testCompare the power at the different inlets and listen for abnormal whistling.
06
Visual checkInspect accessible fittings, crossings, branches and fixings.
First run

For commissioning, do not vacuum water, hot ashes or plaster dust. Let the central unit run for a few minutes and check that it starts up steadily with no abnormal mechanical noise (and, for the S500, that both the main unit and the booster run steadily).

Quick diagnosis

SymptomPriority checks
The central unit does not start on any inletMains power; circuit breaker; connection of the two control wires; contacts as per the instructions.
Only one inlet does not startInlet contacts; loose wires; cable broken somewhere before the last branch; inlet mechanism.
Weak suction everywhereFull bag / tank; clogged filter; an inlet left open; a leak; a blockage near the central unit.
Weak suction in one areaBlockage / leak on the branch; gravity branch; badly oriented fitting; a stuck object.
The hose retracts poorlyCrushed pipe or clips too tight; too many 90° elbows or two in a row; storage across two planes; internal glue ridge.
Continuous whistlingInlet / door not closing properly; displaced seal; a fitting that is not airtight.

Final check checklist

  • Stop placed at hose length + 2 m.
  • Before the stop: only large-radius Retraflex elbows, max 4×90°.
  • No traditional elbow in the storage zone.
  • No two 90° elbows in a row; hose stored on a single plane.
  • After the stop: T/Y fittings oriented toward the central unit.
  • Short 90° elbows reserved for traditional inlets.
  • No downward branch trapping dirt.
  • Pipes cut straight, deburred; no internal ridge.
  • PVC not crushed, clips not fully tightened.
  • Heights respected: 80 cm (floor) / 140 cm (ceiling).
  • Back-boxes at the correct level relative to the finish.
  • 24 V cable protected in masonry areas, connections accessible.
  • Every inlet starts and stops the central unit.
  • No closed inlet whistles; power is consistent everywhere.
  • Central unit supported by the wall, final fitting removable.
  • Unused inlet capped; silencer clear.
  • Power supply compliant (earth, dedicated circuit, no extension lead).
  • The client keeps this guide plus their central unit's instructions.
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Part 14

Use & maintenance

Durable and easy to maintain.

A well-designed network is durable and easy to maintain, provided the central unit's limits are respected.

  • Handle the hose with care; reset the trigger latch before every extension or retraction.
  • Use the accessory suited to the type of floor or surface.
  • Empty the tank or replace the bag according to frequency of use and the central unit's instructions.
  • Clean or replace the filter only as directed by the model's instructions.
  • Do not vacuum water with a "dust only" central unit; do not vacuum long or rigid objects that could get stuck.
  • If power drops suddenly, stop and diagnose rather than forcing it.
Most problems have a simple cause

A saturated bag or filter, a poorly closed inlet, a leak on a fitting or an object stuck in a tight-radius area explain the vast majority of performance drops. Always start by checking these simple causes.

Available hose lengths

Retractable hoses come in 9, 12, 15 and 18 m. The 12 m and 15 m lengths cover the majority of projects. The Retraflex Soft Touch offers a soft fabric coating (private homes); the R-Flex Bleu Flash, with no fabric, is easier to clean (professional use).

Any doubt before closing up a network?

AspiWall supports the design of the layout, the inspection of an installation and troubleshooting, throughout Belgium. Take photos of the whole installation and contact AspiWall before any doubtful final gluing. +32 470 71 22 22 · info@aspi-wall.be

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Everything you need to install.

Unified installation guide for Retraflex & R-Flex retractable hoses: the two zones of the network, AspiWall heights, stop, large-radius elbows, gluing, back-boxes, 24 V wiring, central unit installation, locking, tests and commissioning.

Any doubt before closing up a network?

AspiWall supports the design of the layout, the inspection of an installation and troubleshooting of a central vacuum system, throughout Belgium.

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