Electrolux upright

[luxkid1980]

I found this Electrolux Regency Series upright vacuum, model 1572E at a thrift store this week. I tested it in the store and the carpet setting on the switch wouldn’t engage the brush roller. Probably the reason it was taken to the thrift store in the first place. But, I figured for the $6.98 price tag, I could tinker with it. Turns out, just the switch had some slight corrosion or dirt on it and some Deoxit spray sorted it out. The vacuum was a bit scuffed up but I was able to remove a lot of them with a magic eraser.

The brushroll was in pretty good shape and it seems to pick up as well as my Epic upright. Overall, I think it was a pretty good deal! It even came with 6 generic bags.
Can anyone tell me when this cleaner was made?

 

[quebecois]

I'd like to learn more about ELectrolux upright, I haven't own any. I wonder if they do a decent cleaning job.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Very good machines. I always found them a bit too cumbersome for daily use, but I enjoy mine nonetheless.

 

[bikerray]

Since the cord plugs in to the bulkhead it's 1989 or 1990
In 1991 they went to the cord coming out of the handle.

 

[suckolux]

But, wasn't there a recall to change that somehow?

 

[paul]

Congratulations.

To add to the info. above, the RS was Electrolux Corporation's premium store line, sold from c.1987 to c.1992. It included 9 amp. economy (RS 1000) and automatic (RS 2000) tanks and a shampooer/polisher along with the upright. Around 1989 they put a HP 10-amp. motor in the automatic model & named it RS 1500 (discontinuing the 2000).

Along with the changes in cord attachments I've seen RS uprights with 8.1 amp and 8.5 motors (probably upgraded around 1989 with the 10 amp. ones). You can see which yours has by looking at the specs on the hood. The nozzle was also changed when new models of the tank power nozzles were introduced. Earlier ones were similar to PN6As and later ones were like 6Bs or 7Bs). Some customers also opted to purchase the onboard tool caddy set shown in the users manual.

 

[paul]

Re: Reply 4

David,

You're correct. The top-corded style was named "ponytail". See the November 10, 1998 article below from https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1998/c...e-recall-to-repair-top-corded-vacuum-cleaners:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Electrolux, L.L.C., of Atlanta, Ga., is recalling about 226,000 Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaners. The power cords on these vacuums extend out of the very top of the handle, and the cord is often used as an extension of the handle. The power cord can break inside the handle or the casing around the cord can break, and cause shocks or burns to the user's hand. Even when there is no apparent breaking of the casing around the cord, these vacuums can still cause injuries.

Electrolux is aware of at least 75 reports of the cords on these vacuums breaking or the casing around the cord exposing wires. About half of these incidents reportedly resulted in burns or shocks to users. Of these reports, there were 11 serious injuries which included consumers suffering second or third degree burns, shocks, or a combination of these injuries.

The Ponytail vacuums were sold under the following names:

Genesis
Prolux S/R
Genesis LX
Prolux Warehouse
Genesis LXE
Regency
Prolux
Special Edition
Prolux Plus

Only Electrolux upright vacuums with the cord coming out of the very top of the handle are included in this recall. "Electrolux" and the model name are written on each vacuum.

Most of these vacuums were sold through direct sales and retail stores, including Sam's Club, Service Merchandise and Macy's, between May 1991 and September 1993 for between $150 and $550, depending on the model and accessories. Some vacuums were sold directly to corporate customers.

Consumers should immediately stop using these vacuums, and return them to an Electrolux store for a free repair. The handle on the vacuum will be replaced with a new model handle. For more information and to find the Electrolux store nearest to you, call Electrolux at (800) 896-9756 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Picture of Ponytail Top-Corded Handle Upright Vacuum Cleaner

 

[luxkid1980]

Thanks for all the great information. Luckily, I have never come across any of the uprights with the ponytail cord connection. I recall reading a bad experience by someone on this forum with an Electrolux store regarding the recall and their refusal to honor the free repair.

Anyways, as Andy mentioned, these uprights are a bit cumbersome for daily use. The Epic series upright I have seems to weigh just as much. Overall, I think they clean well, but probably not as well on thicker carpet as say a Kirby. However, if one was using this on short pile carpet at home or in an office, it would be great.

Mine seems to be missing the cord wrap on the top of the handle. I only see one hole on the back of the handle, but I thought that the cord wraps had two screws on them, like the one here: https://evacuumstore.com/p-7360-electrolux-upright-cord-wrap.aspx. Or, was the cord wrap different altogether on these earlier models?

 

[human]

Has this machine been modified?

I'm wondering if this machine might have originally had the 'ponytail' cord and was modified. Looking at the back of the handle in photo 7, there is a hole at the bottom of the handle where the cord now goes on my Genesis LXe. It originally had the 'ponytail', which was replaced by an Aerus dealer shortly after I acquired it. The machine in the photo has the cord connecting below the handle where my Genesis' accessory power port is located.

I also see that the upper cord hook is missing from the back of the handle. A screw hole is visible just below the hand grip where it should go. Interestingly, that hook is tack welded in place on my three uprights. While wrapping the cord around the handle itself as it is in the photo works reasonably well, care should be taken not to put too much tension on the cord as it could bend the handle back slightly, causing the bag door not to latch properly. I have this issue with my Discovery Plus but that is more an issue with the weight of the hose. On-board tool storage wasn't very well thought out on that machine.

All that said, I like the Electrolux uprights. I own three of them--a Discovery II that I rescued from the curb, a Discovery Plus with onboard tool storage and the aforementioned Genesis LXe. The only one I'm not all that fond of is the Discovery Plus because the onboard tools make it very ungainly. It's a cool concept but poorly executed. They're powerful cleaning machines, integrating the classic Electrolux tank and the Omniflow power nozzle into a single unit. If I had bought the OP's machine for $6.98, I would have been watching for the security guards on my way out the door because that was an absolute steal.

 

[paul]

Re: Reply 1

Francois,

Aerus (Electrolux Corporation)'s L-shaped twin motor uprights were introduced in April 1986 and encompass many model numbers and model names. There have also been privately-labeled ones such as Veridian, ProTeam, Sanitaire, Pullman-Holt, etc.

Besides colors, differences I know of have included:

HOUSEHOLD

1) motors (original—8.1A, HP—8.5A, 9.5A , LF—10A, VM3—8.5A, JEI—8.5A 2004-present)
2) full bag indicator (earliest models don't have)
3) slider or rocker switch
4) nozzle style (air channels, metal to plastic intake crossbars)
5) reset button from back side to nozzle
6) headlight
7) single helix to double helix brush roll; the Lux 6000 also came with a extra stiff-bristled brush roll for awhile & it was an option for others
8) cord attachment (some hard-wired allowing open receptacle for Sidekick attachment and some plugged in receptacle)
9) 2-wire cord length (20', 25', 30', or 40'—Prolux industrial)
10) optional onboard tool caddy set
11) attached hose and small tool; differently-designed bag/motor housing (ProTeam? Lux 4000 & Lux 6000)
12) carrying handle

Color coordinated optional Accessory Kits may include: non-electric or electric hose, Sidekick, small combo tool, 4" crevice nozzle, 2 plastic wands


COMMERCIAL (joint production--ProTeam's power nozzle w/lighted system performance indicators (SPI) and handle grip; Electrolux's bag chamber/motor housing, handle, & carrying handle) with *50' 3-wire cord plugged in back (no Sidekick provision); no headlight

1) motors (ProTeam?—10A or current JEI—8.5A)
2) optional onboard tool caddy set (single wand holder due to switch placement)
3) attached hose and small tool; differently-designed (ProTeam?) bag/motor housing (Xtreme Plus retail model)

*I think the current iteration may only have a 35' cord.

Optional Storm Gray or black (current) Accessory Kits may include: fixed length or slinky hose; small combo tool, 4" crevice nozzle; 1 plastic wand


I've used two Lux Commercials, the Genesis LXe, and the Epic 3500SR. They perform ok, but the SPI indicator's red full bag light only flickers sometimes when the bag is full, and the 'self-adjusting' nozzle doesn't seem to clean deeply. Also, the hose ends must be frequently retightened or they'll detach, and the hose can easily get pulled out of the intake.

 

[paul]

Re: Reply 8

Edgar,

You're correct, that the cord has been replaced from the original hard-wired to the plug-in type.

However, it didn't have the ponytail cord, which would have come out out the very top of the hand grip.

 

[paul]

Re: Reply 7

Jason,

According to Jimmy ("rugsucker") the cord cleat on the first Discovery II, model 1500, was problematic, so the next model 1500C, corrected it. I'm not sure of the design details, but yours may have been made during the time of the 1500.

 

[luxkid1980]

Thanks Edgar and Paul.

So, if I understand correctly, the power cord on my Regency was probably changed at some point? I didn't realize that the plug in cords were not original. I just figured this model and similar era Lux uprights came that way. I saw a few other Regency Series vacs online and they too had the same cord set up as mine, with the clear rubberized cord holder thing. There was also an odd cord wrap mechanism on the back of the handle. Perhaps this is what mine originally had?

https://megazakaz.com/ebay/product/192767710230

 

[human]

The original uprights (Discovery II, Plus and III) had the cord connecting where yours is and then it was later moved to the handle. On those earlier machines, there was an optional pyramid-shaped electrical adapter that went in between the power cord and the cleaner to provide a power output for an electrified cord to run a Sidekick. I lucked up on one of these to add that functionality to my Discovery II and would love to find one for my Discovery Plus. On later models like my Genesis LXe, the power cord was moved to the handle and what had previously been the power cord connector became the output for the Sidekick.

 

[luxkid1980]

Ah, I see now. Well, I think I will gift this vacuum to my aunt who has several indoor animals. Her Oreck appears to have bit the dust and she was given a loaner Oreck from my parents. I think this Electrolux will clean the carpets better as her house basically has nothing but carpet throughout, save for a couple rooms with linoleum.

 

[rugsucker]

Regency upright

These are nice vacs,easy to use,easy to change bag,very few belt problems.Above Elux looks good with much life left.
The cord would be original but should be pushed further down as white label instructs.The rubber cord retainer should be moved up to about 2-3 inches under plastic handle.Not sure if upper plastic hand grip was changed but rotating upper hook is missing as often happens if it is turned to the left which loosens the screw.Any Elux rotating cord hook could be used to replace hook,washer,spring washer and screw on above vac.

 

[luxkid1980]

Thanks Jimmy. I tried pushing the plug connector down further into the bulkhead, but it will not seat any further. I did however manage to slide the rubber cord holder further up the vacuum handle. I may call the local Aerus store to see if they have a spare cord hook.

 

[paul]

You're welcome, Jason.

Jimmy's information is some of the most reliable, because he has worked for so long with many of the Aerus (Electrolux) models, so I yield to him.

I also appreciate that he's always respectful and doesn't try to start or participate in arguments with others who give incorrect information or who have different opinions as he has once again proven in this thread (thanks, Jimmy).

I mistakenly took the hole of the cord 'cleat' (Aerus's term) to be the hole for the cord; so, yes, your cord is original. Sorry about that.

I think the cord was first designed to be hard-wired on the Genesis 1572F, which was introduced c.1990 and was equipped with the 9.5A motor.

In case your aunt has a need for a Sidekick for cleaning hair from the furniture, here's a link to the Discovery III Adapter Kit (service number 43542) currently listed on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Discovery-...152391&hash=item3407b8d33d:g:5oYAAOSwYutaxPLd

Although its casing is taupe to match the DIII 1572E, it would still be compatible with the RS. Fyi, I have seen light sand gray ones, too, that would match the RS and others. In fact, I had an opportunity to purchase a Discovery Advantage 1572E with one attached at a thrift store, but I passed on it. I ended up getting a Genesis LXe 1717 another time, though, so I'm not disappointed.

_______

I neglected to mention before that my GLXe does have the 'dreaded' ponytail cord; but since someone had cable-tied the first part of it to the handle, it works just fine.

_______

Ideas to help make an Aerus (Electrolux) upright a top performer:

1) Remove the brush roll to clean the bristles, the roll, and the bearings. Replace if bristles are short, too soft/deformed, or bearings are gummy.
2) Clean out the inside of the nozzle and brush motor.
3) Check air duct for holes or cracks and make sure it's secure at both ends. Replace if necessary.
4) Add a foam filter (if none is present) in the bottom of the bag compartment to prevent any contaminants from a leaky or broken bag to enter the suction motor. If there is a filter, make sure it's clean.
5) Avoid using the blue Home Solutions bags due to leakage issues. I use 4-ply aftermarket ones that have better air flow and contaminant retention performance.
6) Always ensure that the bag door is closed tightly.
7) Oil the detents and wheel shaft.
8) Check/tighten nozzle, bag door hinge, and handle screws.
9) Clean and lube suction motor.

 

[luxkid1980]

Thanks Paul! These are great tips! The wheels actually don;t turn as easily as they should so I'll be sure to oil them..what do you use.. something like 3-in-1 oil or more of a bearing grease?

The local Aerus store said they can fit me a cord holder on it, so I'll take it by sometime.