How to change the power switch on a Rainbow vacuum cleaner SE

SOURCE: Rainbow Vacuum Model D3B

If it won't work without a ground wire, but still works with one, then you must have a ground/earth connection to make it work - it sounds like there is a safety device that needs an earth to release, you could almost certainly bypass this relatively easily, but it will be there for a good reason and that would be dangerous. Bearing this in mind, regardless of which 2/3 prong adaptors you use, without an earth connection it will not function without risk probably of electric shock from the case or damage to the vacuum, else the safety device would not be there. Get an electrician to your home, and make him install grounded sockets where necessary (should be all, but at least get a couple). Ungrounded/unearthed domestic power sockets at all domestic AC voltages are lethal eventually, to man or machines. A lot of devices don't need an earth, but especially something with a big motor or a metal case usually does. At least ask a local electrician what he thinks. If you want to do it yourself, an Earth circuit in your home is not too hard to achieve if you have basic wiring skills (and access to the ground floor), but most insurance would dislike the idea - if you want to - post again and I may talk you through it. Hope this helps :) Please be careful :(

SOURCE: Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner starts slow smells hot

We ahve a canister Rainbow E series with powerhead. We took the Handle apart because it was clogged and now can't figure how to put back together. Any help would be great.

SOURCE: rainbow d4 model wet/dry/vacuum cleaner

Go here.

http://www.zianet.com/alkone/Manuals/Rb_d4/rb_d4.htm

SOURCE: Rainbow SE makes Squealing Noise when switching it On/Off

http://geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=19674&thid=528929
Rainbow SE makes Squealing Noise when switching it...
Posted by ray_s51 on Apr 20, 2008
My Rainbow SE works and runs strong but when I switch it on and off for approx. 20 to 30 seconds the motor makes a loud squealing noise. Do I need to oil something or what? Nothing smells, it does not make the noise all the time, but it does more often than not. Thanks

Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. Rainbow E Series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum.
The Rainbow has 3 fans in the bottom of the motor and if they are weak they will make noise from the motor unit. Watch out… the repair of the Rainbow may exceed the cost of a new motor of which will solve your problem of noise and separator --- compare the cost and the labor and make a decision. The separator is part of the armature, the separator should be able to be removed and that might be one of the things making noise. As normal maintenance the separator should be removed and cleaned after every use and re-installed, then place a newspaper or towel under the motor unit and turn on the Rainbow and spin the moisture out of the motor unit. This should be done every time you use it. If you have further questions please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer. . So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.
The Rainbow / RexAir Factory phone number is listed below:
http://rainbowvacuum.com Customer Service
1-248-643-7222 Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST
Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

SOURCE: motor won't start

Most times this will be caused by one of 3 items, the cord, the switch or the carbon brushes in the motor. Inspect the plug area on the cord for strain twist it gently and look to see if the cord appears a bit white where it meets the plug or if the cord appears crushed just before the plug.
Also inspect where the cord meets the body of the vac for the same signs of wear or any locations where it may have been caught in the power head , etc.
If you have test meter, check for resistance change at the plug while twisting and finally try the same twisting with the vac plugged in if necessary but keep your fingers back from the plug in case the cord blows... gently twist and pull slightly to see if the motor continues to run.
Most often when a switch fails it just dies and doesn't become intermitant... so with a meter it will generally test good or bad , nothing else..
Sometimes on a well worn vac when the motor doesn't start the carbon brushes in the motor have worn down. A heavy duty motor such as the Rexair can often be rebuilt if brushes are required.
If you turn the machine on and bump or jolt the side of the body as if to spin it, you can often "trick " the motor into starting. If this happens it is most likely a carbon brush issue , if not time for a new motor.
Rainbow/Rexair machines have a fairly good motor however because of how they run drawing moist air through they often rust as they age. This is a tedius rebuild and best left to a pro shop with parts on hand if requiring brushes. Most shops will simpley scrap a worn motor if rusty and replace it completely.
Before you spend big $ on a repair or replacement....
One last thing....... pull the exhaust cap at the back of the vac. You will seen fine powder dust and residue.Wipe your finger across it. This is what the Rexair releases into your home each time it runs, but you don't smell it because it comes out in the form of humidity...like after a spring rain.
That same humidity is rusting your motor gradually year by year. Although this motor has a long life span, consider that you have been breathing dirty humidity as it runs. If you put orange drink crystals in the water bucket and run the vac, the exhaust air would smell like orange juice,... so what is in the tank comes out in the air, including your dirty water.
Most Rexair owners buy thinking they are helping to reduce allergins.. yet what is on that exhaust plug proves otherwise. If your home is essentially carpet free and you are vigilant maintaining and rinsing the bucket, you might consider rebuilding this vac.. Otherwise consider a good High end European vac like a SEBO,MIELE, Nilfisk etc for better filtration and reliability