Dirty filter caused vacuum to swtich off mid-use. Filter's cleaned, but machne won't start again. Is there reset switch or do I need to take it in to get fixed?

It sounds like there may be a problem with the vacuum's sensor that detects when the bag or filter is full. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the issue:

1. Check the bag and filter: Make sure that the bag and filter are properly installed and not damaged. If the bag or filter is damaged or not properly installed, it can cause the sensor to malfunction.
2. Reset the sensor: Some Nilfisk vacuums have a reset button or switch that can be used to reset the sensor. Check the owner's manual or the vacuum itself for a reset button or switch and try resetting the sensor.
3. Clean the sensor: Dust and debris can sometimes accumulate on the sensor and cause it to malfunction. To clean the sensor, turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Locate the sensor and use a small brush or compressed air to carefully clean it.

If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, it is possible that the sensor itself is damaged or malfunctioning. In this case, it may be necessary to have the sensor repaired or replaced by a professional.

This is usually caused by blockage or dirty filter. Try removing wand and brush head then switch on if machine still pulses pull out top conical filter switch on again if it stays running it will be the filter needs a good clean or replacing. I'm taking it that the bin is empty .
if machine runs ok with filter in and wand removed check brush head and wand for blockages.

Maybe it over heated or the hose was jammed. Unplug it for a few minutes, check the hose for any stuck debris, then plug it back in. Shop vacs also come with a filter. If the filter is too dirty, it might have shut off as a safety precaution to not cause a fire. Follow directions to clean the filter. Hope this helped. Dee

Hello! The vacuum will reset itself, you only need to allow it time to cool off.This can take up to an hour. Overheating is usually caused by a clog or a filter that needs to be cleaned or replaced. Below are simple instructions for checking your vacuum for clogs.

1. Remove the dirt cup. Twist off the dirt cup lid.
2. Remove the filter cartridge from dirt cup.
3. Separate the foam and cartridge filters. Wash foam filter under running. Allow 24 hours to air dry outside the vacuum.
4. Tap the excess dirt out of Hepa filter. Hepa filter may also be washed. Allow 24 hours to air dry.
5. Check the secondary filter by removing the filter cover from base. Rinse the foam filter under running water until it runs clear. Allow 24 hours to air dry.
6. The red baffle tube inside of the dirt cup is apart of the filtration of the vacuum and needs to be cleaned as well. Twist out the baffle tube by turning 1/4 turn clockwise. Remove any hair or debris wrapped around baffle tube. Baffle tube can be rinsed if needed. Allow to dry thoroughly.
7. Remove the hose from both ends. Use a broom stick to loosen and remove any clogs from the main hose.
8. Remove the bottom plate and the brushes as instructed in the owner's manual. Use a wooden spoon or something similar to gently break up and remove any clogs from the lower hose.

If the filters are too dirty they may need to be replaced. With regular maintenance the filters should be replaced about once a year. Follow the links below to order replacement filters for your UH20020.

Hope this was helpful!

Primary Filter
Exhaust Foam Filter

this is caused by a plugged up suction hose AND / OR a dirty filter.
clean the filter - and remove the bottom floor plate and clean out the hose where it bends down to the floor unit ( this is always where the dirt collects when the filter gets dirty and suction is low ).

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If you can't smell burning then it's probably a broken power switch or the vacuum got too hot and the thermal overload protection has tripped. Try leaving it off for 15-30 minutes and try it again. The thermal overload will reset itself during this time and it should work again.

In the meantime, make sure you have power to the vacuum, check for any blockages and check that the rollers in the cleaning head will turn by hand. Also, give your filters a clean. Any of these could cause the vacuum to overheat.

If you've already done this and/or power doesn't return after 15-30 minutes, I would start by checking the switch.

A couple of questions . . .

1. Does the power switch feel "normal" - basically does it have a positive feel when you switch on and off?
2. How long had you been using the vacuum before it stopped working?

Hi There,

This sounds like the Thermal Switch in your motor tripped. All Riccar vacuum cleaners have a motor reset switch, that will shut the motor down when it gets hot. Usually it's caused by a full bag, clog, or dirty filter.

Try resetting the thermal switch first. If this doesn't work, you may have done some more serious damage to the motor, and it might be a good idea to take it into a local Riccar dealer in your area.

Here's a step by step guide on how to check the reset switch on your Riccar 8850:

To reset the thermal fuse:

1. Unplug the vacuum cleaner
2. Check for problem – over–filled bag, clog in hose, clogged filters, etc.

Remove the vacuum bag, and see if you can visibly see any obstructions, or replace the bag if it's full:



Also inspect the Secondary filter while you have the vacuum bag removed from the machine. If the filter is clogged or dirty, rinse under warm water, and air dry completely before reinstalling it into the vacuum. It's best to wash this filter every 30 days, and replace after 4-5 washings.

Here's a link to the secondary filter on our website if you ever need to purchase one:
Riccar 8800 Series Secondary Filter



Your Riccar 8850 also has a set of exhaust filters that are on the front of the vacuum, near the bottom where the upright body meets the agitator housing. These filters when clogged may also cause the thermal switch to trip. These filters are recommended to be replaced every 6-12 months, and are not recommended to be washed.

Here's a link to 2 sets of the exhaust filters for the Riccar 8850 on our website:
Riccar 8850 Exhaust Final Filters, 2 Sets, 4 Total Filters



It's also possible that you may have clog in the suction port inside of the agitator housing. Remove the bottom plate from the vacuum, and look for the tube that runs on the left hand side from the tray to the rear of the agitator housing. Make sure that this tube is clear from obstructions:



Locate "tripped" fuse – the small white button located on the bottom of the back side of
the main body (roughly one inch to the right of the left wheel)


Using a pencil, paper clip or other pointed object, push the reset button in, you should hear a clicking noise when it resets.

Plug the vacuum cleaner back into the wall, and try turning the vacuum on. It should come right back on. If not, it's best to take your machine into a local Riccar authorized repair facility for further more advanced diagnosing.

Please feel free to ask any follow up questions by adding a comment to this repair, I'm always more then happy to answer any and all follow up questions if you need some clarification. If this was helpful, please rate the repair helpful or leave some feedback for me. Thanks so much,

Chris Jones
Govacuum.com

Greetings from GoVacuum,

The answer to this question is yes, sometimes the filters can cause the vacuum to shut off. This typically happens when the filter behind the bag, or the pre-motor filter is clogged or dirty. Also if you have a clog somewhere in the system, this can also cause the machine to power down after a short usage time.

If the machines shuts down, and won't start until waiting for a period of 1-2 hours, then what's happening is that for some reason the motor is overheating, and to protect the motor from damaging itself because the motor can not breathe, it will shut it self down as a precaution.

This is either caused by a clog in the vacuums hose or power nozzle, or it can also be caused by a full bag, or dirty filter.

If the vacuum will not turn on at all, not even for a short time, this indicates something more serious then a clog or filter, and can be one of a number of things from the cord, or switch, and can also be an electronic circuit board, the motor itself, or the hose to vacuum cleaner may have gone bad.

If you can kindly be a little more specific on the problems that you are having I would love to try and diagnosis this thing to help you figure this out. I always happy to share my knowledge with others.

You may email me if you'd like, or just respond here with a clarification request.

If you found this helpful please help me out as I start here on Fixya by clicking the 4 Thumbs Up Icons in the top right hand corner of each repair.

Thanks again,

Chris Jones
Govacuum

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The most common cause of a cut-out is that the cleaner has a blockage or the filter needs washing. A high room temperature may also trigger it. Before you continue vacuuming, ensure the filter is clean and there are no blockages. You can download the user guide at www.dyson.co.uk/support/. Just click on ‘Get Expert Help’ then ‘Using my Dyson product’ then ‘User Guide’.


Hope that this information is useful to you.


Kind regards
Darran
Dyson Customer Service

The electric motor has a thermal switch and is self-resetting so there is no re-set switch. Make sure the air filter for the exhaust is clean. Also make sure that the height adjustment is not too low causing strain on the motor. Always bring the height down to where the brushes just make contact with the carpet. It is possible that the thermal safety switch is tripping due to a bad switch. In that case I would contact Drit Devil if it is still under warranty.