Knowledge Base:  
You are here: Knowledge Base > Kirby FAQ
How to use American switch in European model
Last Updated: 11/15/2010
How to use 110/120 volt Kirby power switch in 220 /230 / 240 volt Kirby vacuums with electronic module under the motor.
Disclaimer:
 Goodvac.com is not affiliated with The Kirby Company and/or The Scott Fetzer Company.  All manuals and maintenance tips for Kirby vacuum cleaners and repair manuals for Kirby model vacuums are authored by GoodVac.com and are not endorsed or approved by the Kirby vacuum manufacturer - Kirby Company and/or The Scott Fetzer Company.  These materials  should be only used at your own discretion and risk. .
Read our "Terms of Use".
Using American 120 volt Kirby model switch on European Kirby models
 
1.

European TV sets and radios are operating on different frequencies and Kirby vacuums may interfere with some of them while vacuuming. Therefore EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) module is installed. There may be some other functions that this module may perform but we are unaware of them. Since Kirby vacuums sold in USA do not have this module - the switch is also different. We have modified the American switch so it would work with European Kirby sweepers and you can buy it HERE. But for those who want to save few extra dollars (or Euros) here is how to use switch that is made for American market
240 volt Kirby module

2.

Remove the defective switch Remove 230 volt switch

3.

Remove the module from under the motor Remove kirby safety module

4.

Install the new switch and connect the long motor brush wire to the upper terminal connect long wire

5.

To conect the other motor brush to the switch you will need a short wire. You can buy it from us HERE. Install short wire

6.

Here is how it will look when everything is installed properlyFinal result

7.

You may have noticed that ground wire is not there anymore. Now Kirby vacuum may build us some static charge. On new Sentria Kirby vacuum models with plastic base Kirby Company has grounded the motor to the transmission. However to do this you would have to take apart the motor to install the static washer and then make or buy a static wire to connect it to transmission or main body of the vacuum (if this is older - METAL body).



Was this article helpful?

Comments:
 

Related Articles
 > How We Rebuild Kirby Vacuums
 > Transmission does not work (inspecting primary drive belt)
 > Not sure what brush roll to buy
 > Vacuum is vibrating when pushed forward
 > Self propelled function that makes the Kirby glide easily does not work
 > Remove Kirby outer bag strap
 > Kirby has no suction (belt and fan are fine)
 > Kirby vacuum stinks
 > How to replace Kirby N/D pedal and Bracket-Cam assembly
 > How to replace Kirby fan blade
 > How to replace Kirby power switch
 > Servicing Kirby slide assembly
 > Kirby G3 and G4 hose will not fit later Kirby models
 > How to replace Kirby belt lifter body (nozzle)
 > Kirby nozzle lock lever screw replacement
 > Can I use Kirby ZipBrush for spot shampoo
 > What does new or used Kirby mean?
 > "Buy or not to buy" Kirby vacuum during in home demonstration question answered in 5 minutes
 > How to cancel Kirby sweeper purchase from a dealer contract?
 > How much does Kirby vacuum cost?
 > How to buy Kirby vacuum online?
 > How can I make my Kirby vacuum shiny again?
 > How to tell if Kirby has ever been used?
 > Servicing New Kirby Sentria sweeper transmission
 > Vacuum cleaner testing description
 > Kirby does no start - safety switch
 > Kirby was in storage / basement for years
 > How are Kirby models different?
 > Kirby Sentria II model
 > New Kirby 100th Anniversary Avalir
 > Which Kirby Fill Tube do you need?