Thread Number: 30741  /  Tag: 80s/90s Vacuum Cleaners
Transformed fans!
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Post# 340182   12/29/2015 at 19:56 (3,011 days old) by PaigeReader ()        

I have a green Transformax from around 1995. It works perfectly. I have all the original attachments. The problem: my puppy chewed off the electric plug at the end of the cord.

I don't remember what I paid for it way back when, but it will cost $50 (parts and labor) for the vacuum shop to replace it.

Is it worth it? What would you sell it for if the cord were intact?

Thanks for any advice.

Paige


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Post# 340184 , Reply# 1   12/29/2015 at 21:41 (3,011 days old) by dustin (Jackson, MI)        

dustin's profile picture
It won't cost you any $50 to replace the plug, do it yourself. Not hard at all. If you have a local hardware store you might even get them to wire on a new plug for you.

Post# 340191 , Reply# 2   12/29/2015 at 23:18 (3,011 days old) by PaigeReader ()        
Transformax fans!

Hey Dustin, thanks. Are you saying that a new plug can be joined to the old cord? The dog bit it clean off: it's a bunch of copper wires sticking out of the end of the cord.

Post# 340202 , Reply# 3   12/30/2015 at 05:33 (3,010 days old) by Eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
Keep it! The Sanyo Transformax was the top-rated stick-vac in Consumer Reports tests in the mid 1990's. It is powerful, quiet and lightweight. Finding bags is a challenge, however.

That vac shop is out of its mind to charge you $50 to change the plug. Let me see if I can find a YouTube clip showing you how to attach a new one yourself....


Post# 340203 , Reply# 4   12/30/2015 at 05:42 (3,010 days old) by Eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
Here's a link to a videoclip which shows how to replace a 2-prong plug like the one on your Sanyo. See link below...

I agree that your local hardware store might have a staff-member that will do it for you for a small fee - certainly less than $50.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Eurekaprince's LINK


Post# 340212 , Reply# 5   12/30/2015 at 10:50 (3,010 days old) by dirtmaster37 (Ypsilanti, Michigan USA)        
it will cost $50 (parts and labor) for the vacuum shop to..

dirtmaster37's profile picture
My opinion on this, which the original poster can take as one wishes...

One has been a appliance/ vacuum repair person now for over 20 years...putting a replacement plug on a item such as a lamp for example, that does not require lots of fiddling with the cord or plug is FINE to a degree. Such an item is not drawing a ton of current, and it "can be" relatively safe...This even CAN apply to SOME other older appliances that draw lower amounts of power (amperage) such as early vacuums.

One would never want to do something like this on a toaster, coffeemaker, waffle iron etc (that draws a high amount of power), but it has been done for years. usually at the behest of a customer that wants cheap over the benefits of doing it RIGHT!!! Replacement plugs, from what one has learned in this business, were NEVER intended to be a proper fix, but a definite stop gap, until a new complete cord could be obtained.

One is not saying that it cannott work. It can. There are even youtube vids to prove such. In fact, most commercial vacuums I deal with, have the replacement plugs on them and work just fine. But they arent of MY doing. When your dealing with an oft used home appliance however, one is dealing with YOUR safety, YOUR home, or YOUR appliance....the actual dangers one can face over such a repair...is far more an issue/ liability than ponying up and just getting a complete cord assembly.

With that said, for US ...it IS a LIABILITY. Today, most repair shops of good caliber and conscious refuse to do such a fix.... In today's sue happy society, doing hack jobs, or even temp fixes are rife grounds for a lawsuit. Roll your eyes if one must.... BUT...it's happened and will continue to happen. It's just not worth it to a good repair center to take that liability anymore.

Cord assemblies are not all that expensive. And, knowing the amount you were quoted...is actually kinda on the low side...

Further explained...these replacement plugs on high draw (amperage) vacuums is potentially DANGEROUS on the account of the cord and plug on newer 12 amp machines draw high enough current which cause cords and plugs to "heat up", while in ise. If you take this into account, plus the constant twisting of the cord while in use, not to mention the occasional yanking of the cord, causes these "replacement"plugs" to separate from the cord causing a electrical pop/flash when it is yanked once too many times...electrocution, AND or fire.

If one couples that up with self-attempted hack jobs one sees, that are for the most part being improperly put on in the first place, or a combination of any of what I have said, seems to me to make A $50.00 repair not seem so pricey when it comes to the safety of the user and ones home and items. Then again people do things all the time that put themselves in jeopardy over lack of money/ wanting to spend any....

In summary...do what one wishes, but it seems far more logical for one to play it safe and just replace the whole cord. IN the long run, it's better to be safe than sorry. You may temporize, but it's like playing the lotto....for the most part, the gains are far FAR less than the losses you might incur...

Best of luck to you!!!


Post# 340242 , Reply# 6   12/30/2015 at 19:04 (3,010 days old) by PaigeReader ()        
Transformax fans!

Thanks, everyone, for your generous responses to my question. I did find a couple of videos on youtube showing how to replace the plug only. I went back to the shop to pick up the vac. The repairman told me I was risking my life if I only replaced the plug, for the same reasons commented on by dirtmaster37.

I'm not one to try to save money by doing a hack job. I called a friend who's an electrician. He's stopping by tomorrow after work to replace the cord for me as a personal favor. I'll send him home with a big plate of Christmas cookies.

I really appreciate everyone who contributed to my education on this thread!!

Paige


Post# 340251 , Reply# 7   12/30/2015 at 20:53 (3,010 days old) by PaigeReader ()        
Transformed fans!

By the way, I have no trouble finding Transformax bags. I get mine from Arbor Vacuum in Ann Arbor, but you can also order them online from Enviro-Care.

Paige


Post# 340254 , Reply# 8   12/30/2015 at 21:06 (3,010 days old) by Eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
It is interesting to note that up until a few years ago, those who bought a vacuum in the United Kingdom were required to attach their own plug to the cord that came with the vacuum. Not quite sure why, but it was quite common for the consumer to fit their own plug onto the cords of many appliances.

I can't imagine that the motor in the Transformax is one of those huge 12amp 1440 watt motors sold in vacs today. More likely it is half the amperage. Your electrician friend can see this on the rating plate.

If he needs it, there is a complete breakaway, blow-out diagram of all the components of the Transformax on the website called "Usermanualsonline"! Plus a full instruction manual too! Just search for "Sanyo Transformax User Guide" on the internet.


Post# 340256 , Reply# 9   12/30/2015 at 21:10 (3,010 days old) by Eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada)        

eurekaprince's profile picture
And here is the link to the component diagram for your vac:



CLICK HERE TO GO TO Eurekaprince's LINK


Post# 340260 , Reply# 10   12/30/2015 at 21:44 (3,010 days old) by human (Pines of Carolina)        

human's profile picture
I replaced the plug on my Kirby G5. It cost me $2 for the plug, versus about $30 for a cord, and it works just fine. Neither the plug nor the cord have ever overheated or shorted out from normal use. The trick is to get a plug that is designed for a heavy duty application. In other words, a plug for a lamp cord just won't cut it. And speaking of cutting, you should cut away any damaged cord. Make sure the wires are screwed down tightly and check them regularly to make sure they stay tight. If you do it right, you should be fine.

Post# 340280 , Reply# 11   12/30/2015 at 22:47 (3,010 days old) by delaneymeegan (Mary Richards lived here)        

delaneymeegan's profile picture

 

Nice vac. 


Post# 340432 , Reply# 12   1/1/2016 at 22:27 (3,008 days old) by dustin (Jackson, MI)        

dustin's profile picture
If I'd have known you are in Ann Arbor when I posted my first reply, I'd have offered to put a new plug on for you! I've replaced many plugs on vacuums and never had a problem with any, one is a commercial machine at my Church- I always use a heavy duty plug, and make sure it's attached securely. It has been used every week for a year or so since without issues. Glad you found someone to install a new cord for you though, and $50 is VERY high- vacuum cords can be bought for less than $20 and it might take 10 minutes to install at worst.


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