Festool Vacuum Remote Control

The Festool Bluetooth Remote Control is a convenience device that enables you to start up the vac from a remote control button on the end of the hose. You can also do spot or occasional cleaning tasks without having to change the vac from Automatic to Manual mode. This might be a minor convenience not worth a separate gizmo or a lovely way to avoid getting off a ladder or stepping away from your project to trudge over to the vac. Up to you.

You can also pair the remote to cordless tools that use Bluetooth batteries so that the vac is started automatically when the cordless tool is switched on.

Do you need the one piece or two? Here's where it gets a little tricky.

If you have a CT 26, 36, 36AC, 48 or 48AC that is not Bluetooth enabled (clues: does not have EI in its name; was purchased before 2025), you will need to get two pieces - the button for the hose (578499) and a small module (578968) that is installed on the vacuum's main panel to enable it to connect wireless to Festool cordless batteries.

If you have a Bluetooth-enabled 26EI, 36EI, 36AC EI, 48AC EI (there is no 48 EI), CT Midi 2 or Mini 2, you will just need the one piece CT-F I for the hose.

The Remote Control uses a CR2032 button cell battery (included). Up to five remote controls can be paired with one dust extractor.

The Remote Control may also be useful if you are trying to use corded and cordless tools in tandem - see our Explainer on this subject.

Please note: The Bluetooth module is not compatible with the CT 15 and CT 25 (this is in part why these models cost less) and the discontinued CT 22 and CT 33 models.

The set that included both the module and remote in one box (#578500) has been discontinued by Festool.

Festool cautions that the module should be installed by a qualified electrician.