Abstract: A vacuum cleaner power and control system wherein a single pair of conductors is employed to transmit electrical power to a remote motor driven agitator and to selectively energize the blower motor of the cleaner. Photo electric means is employed to sense current flow in the conductors and trigger the power switch for the blower in response to the sensing of such flow. A switch includes a load capacitor which may be selectively connected between the conductors to establish current flow therethrough without activating the remote motor driven agitator. In one embodiment, the power supply for the agitator motor is separate from that of the blower and a sensor is provided in the vicinity at which the agitator is connected to sense the supply of power thereto and activate the blower in response to such supply.