Vacuum cleaner and system operable with AC and DC power sources

A vacuum cleaning system comprising:

• a suction inlet;
• a motor;
• an impeller connected to the motor and operable to generate suction through the suction inlet upon operation of the motor;
• a power connector electrically connected to the motor for supplying electrical power thereto;
• a direct current (DC) power source selectively connectable to the power connector;
• and
• a power supply cord having a first end that is selectively connectable to the power connector and a second end that connects to an AC power source,
• wherein the power connector includes external terminals accessible from an exterior of the vacuum cleaning system, the external terminals configured for removable mechanical connection to each of the DC power source and the first end of the power supply cord such that the DC power source and the power supply cord are selectively and mechanically connectable to the same external power connector terminals,
• wherein the power connector is electrically connectable to the motor via an electrical path such that an AC current is supplied to the motor when the AC power source is connected to the power connector, and a DC current is supplied to the motor when the DC power source is connected to the power connector,
• wherein the electrical path is a common electrical path that extends from the power connector to the motor such that the AC current and the DC current travel along the same electrical path from the power connector to the motor regardless of the power source connected to the power connector.