Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Technically, the Rainbow vacuum was the first to not lose suction.  It uses a more primitive dual cyclone design with water as a pre-filter.   If the Rainbow didn't have such a ridiculously high price and clumsy power nozzle, it would be a pretty good vacuum.  I don't know why they require you to hold a button down to keep the power nozzle operating.  One would think that they would use a simple 2-way switch.  All that on/off cycling can't possibly be good for the power nozzle motor.   The Rainbow uses an innovative brushless motor.  It would be a pretty good $800 vacuum with a better power nozzle. 

Hi mole,

Speaking of central vacuum systems, are there any self-contained types that you might recommend for condo or co-op owners?

Venson

Hi Venson, there are a few centrals that would merit looking into for condo applications.

1 the sweep away by GALAXIE SYSTEMS[very new to the market]

2 the vax system by nutone

3 the condo lux by aerus/electrolux

mole

There are two hepa filters? I only see one....and it's still bright white..I looked through the manual and see nothing about a 2nd hepa. How do I change it and how often should it be changed when machine is used properly? For those who rebuild Rainbows..I'd be curious to see what the inside of a properly used one looks like after years of use.

Hi Mark,it's called an internal air filter,part#R-7287es.The unit has to come apart to change it.It's not listed in the manual,and even the rainbow sales people dont know it's there because rexair doesnt want them to know about it.So much for water filtering the air..................

  mole

I did some looking and found that the E1 Rainbow has an internal cooling filter but not the E2.

Hi Mark,according to rexair in troy your e2 uses an internal cooling filter,sort of looks like an automotive,round air cleaner........

mole

I noticed a website offering every product for eash model...The e1 model they offered the internal cooling filter...But for the e2..they didn't..SO this internal cooling..Is this hepa?

Hi Mark,no it's not a hepa rated filter,my only quess would be a pre hepa filter,that is used for cooling and air deflection,the reason for it being there is really undefined,My figuring is for when consumer reports rates the machine,it cuts down on the emmisions for the period of the testing.

mole

Hi Mole,

I think this would mean that the Rainbow may have a true by-pass system that compartmentalizes the motor and fan chambers.  Air coming into the suction port is not used to cool the motor but exhausts separately as in many wet-and-dry shop vacs. The second filter would be used to clean air brought in to air inlets meant expressly for cooling the motor.  If this is the arrangement, it helps to ward off motor damage due to accidents if the machine is tipped or over-filled and I would thnk may even lower shock hazard in such cases.  In my soap suds story, the Rainbow D2 I had began to sputter as the foam got past the fans and into the armature area of the motor. I unplugged it before it could short out.

Hey Mark, um-m . . . could we take yours apart for a look? :)

Best,

Venson