The CV6500i is as versatile as it is powerful with quiet low noise engineering, user selectable bagless or bagged collection system and user selectable intake and exhaust systems with bidirectional conection for nearly unlimited installation locations. The Eureka CV6500i is an excellent vacuum for new home installations and an one of the best designs for those looking to replace their old power unit. Much more information is available by viewing the Detail Review.

Eureka central vacuum systems are manufactured in the USA by Electrolux Home Care Products, North America (EHCPNA) in Webster City, IA. Electrolux is the worlds largest central vacuum supplier with products in many brands including Eureka, BEAM, Honeywell, Volta (Europe), Electrolux (USA & Europe) and others. The CV6500i Eureka central vacuum chassis made from VALOX resin is a break through in central vacuum design that allows for quality exacting designs with superior high impact performance, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, scratch resistance and heat resistance.

The enhanced design freedom of precision manufacturing in VALOX resin allows for inherent benefits over sheet metal canisters including electronic insulation, lower noise & vibration, built-in color system, reduced weight, and rust proof construction. VALOX resins are also an environmentally wise choice for both production and recycling. The Eureka vacuum chassis was instantly popular both here in the USA and in Europe where the units are sold under the Electrolux label (Electrolux Model ZCV785) in many countries including Sweden, UK and down under in Australia.

In the USA the Eureka CV6500i is coupled with Electrolux's most powerful two stage 5.7" tangential bypass motor system, the Ametek-Lamb 119992. Ametek makes this motor for many Electrolux central vacuums including the Electrolux PU3450 & PU3650, the Beam 275, 375 & 3700 models and the Honeywell H703 power unit along with many others. The 119992 has maximum performance ratings of 600 Airwatts with 125CFM airflow and 140IWL suction strength. The Eureka CV6500i model is rated as 590 Airwatts and 124CFM with 138IWL. The Lamb motors are part of Ametek's AirWatt Series which use a tapered dual fan system on a dual ball bearing armature (drive shaft).

The CV6500i is the only Eureka model with a true central vacuum style tangential by-pass design. While the CVMINI and CV5500 models have a single fan Cinderson brand thru-flo motor which uses the vacuumed air to also cool the motor, the CV6500i ejects all vacuumed air through the exhaust horn and out of the vacuum. A secondary fan at the opposite end of the drive shaft is used to cool the motor using clean air from around the power unit. The cooling air is brought in through the top of the vacuum and exhausted out the side vents.

Bypass motors enjoy a substantially longer life than thru-flo motors in central vacuum systems and do not suffer from performance robbing build up inside the motor system. The power and performance is impressive in the CV6500i power unit and coupled with the large capacity Electrolux gives the CV6500i an extraordinary manufacturers suggested cleaning area of 10,000 square feet. Like all manufacturers suggested ratings this is an optimal maximum. The 119992 motor is exceptional and provides superior performance for most applications with runs of 150 feet and sometimes more. The max tube run is the distance to the farthest inlet from the power unit plus the exhaust system, if any. This will allow for high performance usage in homes of 3,500 sqft up to 5,500 sqft. Installation and performance may vary based on the type of system, the type of floors and the homeowners preferences.

The CV6500i is an intelligent power unit and features a unique control system with LCD user interface. Like all central vacuum control boards the ECS (Electrolux Control System) provides switching for the main power and a relay + transformer to run the low-voltage inlet sensor system. The Eureka ECS is a reliable printed multi-layerd circuit board that also includes an LED for main power, a 6 foot detachable power cord, low-voltage terminals and a power over-ride switch for manual activation. The ECS also features a user resettable overload protection system that protects the motor system from voltage and thermal overloads. The ECS is also connected to the Message Center LCD to provide you valuable information about your vacuum system on the LCD panel with easy to use icons. Two icons are always displayed to keep you informed of performance and the hours of service. Two additional icons are used to indicate when maintenance is needed for normal service and when a more serious need for service is required.

	Performance Indicators Power unit motor is operating at peak or optimum performance when all five power bars are illuminated. Normal operating performance is when three to five bars are shown. Fewer bars will be illuminated as performance decreases. Display will illuminate operating performance of the last operating cycle during sleep mode.
	Hours of Service Indicator The Hours of Service Indicator shows hours of machine usage. When the last bar is flashing service is urgently required. This system helps you keep track of the hours your system has been operating so you can best judge when your vacuum may require a tune up or a general cleaning/servicing may be warranted.
	Clean Filter Indicator The cloth filter installed in the power unit may require cleaning depending on the amount of usage and type of debris vacuumed. If the vacuum system is used to vacuum fine debris such as fireplace ash or drywall dust (not recommended) system performance will be significantly impaired and the unit's permanent filter must be cleaned of these soils. The Clean Filter Indicator will light when the power unit senses a loss in power that will affect cleaning performance. The Clean Filter Indicator will also provide information about a disposable collection's airflow. This will help you to gauge when it is necessary to replace the disposable bag.
	Call for Service Indicator - The Call For Service Indicator will light when the power unit reaches a period in the life cycle when motor brushes and filter should be checked for wear. Replacing the motor's carbon brushes can tremendously extend your vacuum's service life and prevent damage to the motor. When this indicator lights you should contact your nearest service station for proper service to avoid major maintenance costs.

The ECS and Message Center display provides valuable insight to the performance of your vacuum system and will help you to get the most from your vacuum system with the ability to diagnose any performance issues directly on the vacuum. A Message Center sticker is included with the Eureka CV6500i that can be applied directly to the power unit or nearby to let anybody know at a glance what the message center icons represent. The Message Center will help you to keep your vacuum operating at peak efficiency for thorough and deep cleaning performance. With the added benefit of knowing when your vacuum needs to be serviced you will not have to pay for unnecessary service calls or tune-ups for your vacuum system and you can often diagnose and correct limited performance issues yourself without hiring a professional.

With increased power often comes increased motor noise but the Eureka CV6500i does an excellent job at taming its acoustical emissions and providing a low 64.2dBa noise level rating. Along with foam in the motor compartment for airflow regulation and noise diffusement, structural closed cell foam rubber is used to isolate motor noise and vibration from the motor chassis. The motor compartment is also double insulated for low noise with a design that adds a double wall and airspace between the motor and the outside environment.

Eureka also includes an Sound-Off exhaust muffler system for the CV6500i to reduce output noise up to 50%. The exhaust muffler uses a foam lining to diffuse the loud roar of exhausting air so the system makes considerably less noise. The CV6500i is suitable for both self-venting applications where the exhaust is vented at the unit, or to a ducted exhaust system where the exiting air is sent through a tube system to vent outside the home for the ultimate in low-noise cleaning. The CV6500i's exhaust port is a unique rear facing connector that allows you to run the exhaust left or right of the unit, or straight up if you prefer. Accessories included with the unit have all the components you need to attach the exhaust muffler to the vacuum unit.

The vacuum unit's intake is equally as flexible as the exhaust. Two intake ports, one on the left and the other on the right give you many options for installation of the power unit. A cap is included to block off one port. If using the right side intake the tube system is connected to the intake and the cap covers the left side intake. The cap can be easily moved from one side to the other to accommodate most any type of mounting requirements.

Included with the power unit are a sweep-tee fitting and a utility inlet. The utility inlet is wired for low voltage and allows you to control the power unit directly from a switched hose. You can also use the over-ride switch on the vacuum control panel to turn the system on manually. If using the system as a bagless vacuum you can use an optional sweep elbow to connect the utility inlet to one intake and connect your intake system to the other side. If using a paper bag collection system you can use the included sweep-tee to mount your utility inlet on the intake system so all debris is collected in the disposable bag.

The utility inlet can be remotely mounted as well which allows you to install the power unit in a convenient place in the garage or basement that is out of the way and out of weather. With a remote utility inlet you can have cleaning access near your garage door for example which will allow you to vacuum a car inside the garage and one in the drive from just one inlet while your vacuum is mounted elsewhere. If a utility port is not needed it can be eliminated from the system all together.

One feature that increases performance and often the central vacuum users satisfaction is the ability to use a disposable bag collection system. The Eureka CV6500i features a standard bagless collection system with a Triumph HEPA media permanent filter system, with disposable bag option. When coupled with the large 8 gallon transparent collection bin, the large surface area cone shape permanent filter system separates the dirt, dust and debris from the air. As airflow is pulled through the Triumph HEPA fabric media the vacuumed soils are dropped into the transparent collection bin below.

As the bin fills it is easy to monitor the debris level and know when the vacuum cleaner needs to be emptied. Removal of the bin is easy with a twist-lock closure system that is easy to remove and transport with easy grip handles on each side of the collection bin canister. Bagless collection is the preferred method for some and uses no consumables. When the unit is full or system performance decreases (as indicated on the Message Center LCD) you need only dump the collection bin and occasionally clean the permanent filter.

For those that do not want, or can not use a bagless collection system Eureka provides a disposable bag connection system that is easy to install and can be removed at any time. Included with each unit is a PVC elbow with tabs on one end and a notched hub on the other. By connecting this elbow inside the vacuum unit you can use disposable collection bags to hygienically dispose of vacuumed debris.

Using either the included paper bags or the optional high performance synthetic bags the CV6500i Bagless system can be switched to a permanent filter vacuum with disposable collection that is convenient to use and allows installation of the system into areas that would not be appropriate for a bagless model including an inside closet, utility room or finished basement where maintenance of a bagless unit may be too messy. The disposable bag adaptor is simple to install and the unit can be switched from bagless to bagged, and back again if needed. Using disposable bags both increases overall performance of the vacuum system and also eliminates the periodic requirement to clean the permanent filter.

Mounting the Eureka CV6500i is simple and the flexible intake/exhaust connection system make this model an excellent vacuum to replace older non-working or under performing vacuum units. A metal mounting bracket is included to attach the power unit to a wall. Using the included screws the vacuum power unit's mounting plate can be attached directly to a stud on a sheetrock wall. Use optional plastic or metal anchors if the unit needs to be mounted to a masonry wall. The power unit slides into the cleats of the mounting bracket for a snug and secure fit that also allows for easy removal should it be needed. The Eureka CV6500i measure 37.5" tall with the collection bin attached and closed.

The vacuum body is 14" in diameter with a slight taper at the top and 16" across in the center where the handles are located on each side. You should allow a minimum 12" of space from the ceiling above the unit for proper cooling. A 12" space is also recommended on each side of the unit to allow easy connection to the tube system using large radius elbows and to also provide space for easy collection bin removal. A minimum 28" of space is recommended below the power unit so the collection bin can be dropped down for removal. The intake ports are 7.75" from the wall to center and 22" from the top of the unit. The exhaust port is on the top back of the power unit and is connected with an elbow that allows rotation 180° from left to right. As with all central vacuums the CV6500i should be mounted in an easily accessible area which is not confined and/or heat producing, such as an attic. The universal 24V low-volt inlet signal system works with all brands of inlets and all brands of attachment sets. Both intake and exhaust connections are for standard 2" vacuum tube.

Each CV6500i power unit includes: Mounting Bracket 6ft Detachable Power Cord (2) low-volt wire terminals (2) stud mounting screws Paper Bag Adaptor Utility Valve, Low-Volt Wired PVC Sweep-Tee (2) 45° Elbows (black, for exhaust system) 90° Connector Elbow (black, for exhaust system) 10" Tube Section (black, for exhaust system) Sound-Of Muffler (black, for exhaust system) 2" Tube Section (black, for exhaust system) Metal Hose Clamp (for exhaust system) (2) Screws & Nuts (for muffler connection) Message Center Icon Definitions Sticker (includes english, spanish and french languages) (1) Disposable Bag (paper style) Utility Inlet valve Install Diagram Owners Manual Muffler Install Supplement (english & french) Power Unit Registration Card

The Eureka CV6500i and it's Ametek-Lamb motor are made in the USA. Eureka central vacuums are covered with a 5 year parts and 1 year labor warranty from Electrolux Home Care Products, North America. Vacuum warranty service and non-warranty service can be obtained through any Authorized Eureka vacuum dealer or directly through the Vacdepot Inc. service center.

A Vacdepot Original Product Review. ©2010 Vacdepot Inc.