In the US, it’s not common for vacuum cleaners to have a fuse, but often a thermostat or heat sensor that will shut off power if the motor overheats or shorts out.
A fuse is common in the UK, and the fuse is located in the power plug. It’s common for appliances in the UK to have a fuse in the power plug and if your vacuum cleaner is not turning it’s a good idea to check it.
How To Replace The Fuse
If your vacuum cleaner does have a fuse, and it needs to be replaced, then follow these steps:
- Unplug the vacuum cleaner from the power outlet.
- Remove the back cover of the power plug. Sometimes a screwdriver is needed.
- Take out the old fuse and replace it with a new one that is the same amps.
- Put the cover back on the power plug.
- Plug the vacuum cleaner back in to the power outlet and turn it on.
If your vacuum cleaner doesn’t have a fuse, then let it sit for an hour to cool down, as it could be the thermostat keeping it from turning on. If your vacuum cleaner has overheated, here is what you need to do.
Overheated
If your vacuum cleaner has overheated, here are the steps you must follow:
- Unplug the vacuum cleaner from the power outlet.
- Let it sit for an hour to cool down.
- Check for any blockages in the hose or beater brush area.
- Clean or Replace the Filters.
- Remove any debris that may be causing a blockage.
Once the vacuum cleaner has cooled down, plug it back in to the power outlet and turn it on. If the vacuum cleaner is still not working, go to the next section.
Fuse Good And Not Overheating
If the fuse is good, or you don’t have one and overheating is not the issue, then it could be the power outlet itself or the breaker.
- Try plugging in your vacuum cleaner into different outlets in your home.
- Check the breaker box for any flipped breakers.
- Make sure the power cord is not damaged or bent, causing it to not work.
If you’ve tried all of these things and your vacuum cleaner still won’t power on, then it may need to be serviced by a professional.
Reset Button
Most vacuum cleaners do not have a reset button.
However, if your vacuum cleaner has an electronic control board or a computer chip, and it’s not working, you may see a red light or some indication on the board. If this is the case, unplugging the vacuum for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in, may reset the board and fix your problems.
If your vacuum cleaner is battery powered, removing the battery for 30 seconds can also reset the computer onboard your vacuum.