A separation system for a vacuum cleaner

A separation system 400 for a vacuum cleaner (1, fig.1), preferably a second stage downstream of a first stage (200, fig.22) having first and second dirt collection chambers (228, 230, fig.22), comprising first and second parallel sets 474, 476 of cyclone bodies 464 preferably arranged in a cone assembly (408, fig.42) with dirt outlets (473, fig.43) facing towards a central axis (C, fig.43), where the first is greater in number than the second, and a valve (406, fig.) movable between a first position in which it permits airflow through first and second inlets 472 of the first and second sets, and a second position in which it permits airflow through the first inlets and inhibits airflow through the second. The inlets may be in a common plane normal to the central axis. The valve may have a flow separator (404, fig.42) with a central bore (420, fig.42) and outlet apertures (428, fig.42) within a central channel 462, controllable, via user selection or sensed conditions, by an actuator (448, fig.44) coupled to airflow paths (488, 490, fig.44) upstream and downstream of a motor (500, fig.78). The first and second positions may correspond to first and second suction power modes.