A hose storage system and method for an electric hose for use in a central vacuum system comprising a hose storage area and a vacuum inlet valve. The system has a manual switch which can independently activate the vacuum system to create suction in the hose storage area to retract the hose and is covered when the hose is stored. The hose comprises a first end with a hose cuff for connection to the vacuum connection opening of the inlet valve, and, a second end with a wand connection for connection to a wand or other electric device. During storage, the switch is operated to activate the vacuum system generating a vacuum in the storage area and retracting the second end of the hose into the hose storage area while the hose cuff is connected to the vacuum inlet opening. Once fully retracted, except for the hose cuff, the hose cuff is removed from the vacuum inlet connection opening and the vacuum system is again manually activated by the switch to retract the remainder of hose until the hose cuff abuts a hose storage abutment surface. The inlet valve has a hose access door with a seal providing access to the hose storage area which may be separate from a waste conveying portion to provide more hygienic storage of the hose.

A self-retracting air compressor assembly includes a motorized pump device that drives in opposing directions. A reservoir tank is in fluid communication with the pump device and stores air pumped by the pump device. The air compressor includes a cord assembly that supplies air and electrical power from the pump device. The air compressor assembly pumps air when the motor is driving in a pumping direction, and self-retracts the cord assembly when the motor is driving in a winding direction.

An inlet conduit assembly for a hose reel assembly includes a clip assembly that is structured to be accessible from the outer side of the frame assembly. The clip assembly is structured to be operated without the use of tools. The clip assembly, essentially, prevents the inlet conduit assembly from being moved axially once installed. In this configuration, a user may quickly and easily actuate the clip assembly to release or engage the inlet conduit assembly. Thus, a user may quickly and easily remove the inlet conduit assembly.