an inlet valve for a central vacuum cleaning system having a central vacuum motor connected to a piping network , is disclosed . the inlet valve includes a main body having an air inlet passageway formed therethrough and a pipe connector to connect the air inlet passageway of the inlet valve to the vacuum piping . an outer door is provided which is pivotally mounted to the main body on an opposite side to said connector and an inner door is provided which is pivotally mounted to said main body at one end between the outer door and the main body and seals the air inlet passageway when the inner door is in a closed position . a releasable latch is operatively connected to the outer door to keep the outer door and the inner door closed on the front of the valve when the inlet valve is not in use and a spring is provided to cause the inner door and the outer door to open upon the latch being released .