Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner includes a rotating brush driven by an elastomeric belt coupled to a motor spaced from the brush. Jamming of the brush bearings, wear of the belt, separation of the belt from the drive shaft, or breaking of the belt hinders or prevents rotation of the brush. A brush speed indicator provides a first signal rerpesentative of the rotational movement of the brush and a second means is adapted to receive the first signal and generate a second signal in response thereto. The second signal is preferably an electrical current and is transmitted to power an indicator such as an LED. The brush speed indicator also is used to sense motor performance by diagnosing motor drop-off.