Abstract: A vacuum hose storage and access apparatus for a central vacuum cleaning system is described, which includes a power unit. A 12 volt direct current retraction motor powered by the power unit is mounted on a base and has an output shaft. A gear reduction unit is provided having an input shaft and an output shaft. The input shaft is rotatably coupled to the output shaft of the motor. A clutch is disposed between the output shaft of the gear reduction unit and a vacuum hose reel. The clutch has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the disengaged positioned the reel is freely rotatable thereby enabling vacuum hose to be freely pulled from the reel. In the engaged position the reel is indirectly coupled through the gear reduction unit to the output shaft of the motor such that upon rotation of the output shaft of the motor the output shaft of the gear reduction unit rotates the reel at a reduced rate of rotations per minute in a direction which retracts the vacuum hose back onto the reel.