Current and/or electrical power

These values represent the electrical consumption used by the vacuum cleaner when it is started. Units are Amp for current and Watt for electrical power. Electrical energy used by the vacuum cleaner comes from the electrical circuit breaker box belonging to the dwelling.

It is commonly accepted that the more power consumption a device has, the better performance output must be. However, most of the time, there is no direct relation between electrical consumption and the cleaning performance of a vacuum system.

Horse power or php – Peak horse power

This value is in direct relation to the electrical power consumption. It represents the mechanical power developed by the vacuum motor (1HP = 747W). As mentioned above, there is no direct relation between the Horse Power value and the cleaning performance of a vacuum system.

Suction / Vacuum / Water column / Mercury column

Suction is a synonym of vacuum. This value represents the capacity to move a fluid, by attraction, from a space. Measurement units frequently used are kiloPascal (kPa), water column in mm (mm H2O), and water column in inches (in H2O).

Suction maximum value is reached when a complete vacuum is created, meaning the air intake is completely closed. However, when this occurs, there is no air movement and therefore no cleaning performance is obtained.

Therefore, suction measurement is an important element to consider when evaluating a vacuum system’s performance, especially a wet and dry system. Note: To be effective, suction must be combined with air movement. Air movement is called air flow.

Air flow

Air flow measurement is defined as the air volume in motion in a given space and during a given time. Measurement units frequently used are dm3/s, liters per second (l/s), and cubic feet minute (CFM).

Contrary to suction, air flow value is at its maximum when the air intake of the system is completely opened. However, when this occurs suction is very low and therefore cleaning performance is also very poor.

Therefore air flow measurement must be considered when evaluating a central vacuum system, but in addition must be combined with an adequate suction for a unit to obtain peak performances.

Air Power combines suction AND air flow by multiplying the both values

Air Power combines suction AND air flow by multiplying both values. Air Power measurement represents the effective cleaning performance of a vacuum and the units used are the same as the standard unit for power, Watt. These units are sometimes also referred to as Air Watt.

Suction and air flow fluctuate depending on the opening at the air intake of a system, Air Power value is always the maximum value. This value is frequently obtained at an opening that varies from 19mm to 23mm (0,75² to 0,90²).

Per the well-known American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM). Air Power is the recommended measurement used to determine the effective cleaning performance of a vacuum system.

Air power: it's good but there is more !

Although Air Power measurement is the most effective value required to quantify the effective cleaning performance of a vacuum system, it is also very important to consider the following:

Firstly, Air Power is always obtained by taking measurements directly from the vacuum motor. Therefore, the value does not take into account several important factors such as :

• the vacuum design,
• the installation of the central vacuum system,
• the hose (length, diameter),
• the accessories.

So it is possible for a vacuum to have a very good Air Power measurement but also a very poor effective cleaning performance. This type of situation may occur if a machine is poorly designed and/or poorly installed. It is very important to consider the whole vacuum system with all its components, not just the power unit.

Secondly, it is also important to correctly identify the needs of the customer. A customer who will use a vacuum mostly for dry applications is the perfect customer for a vacuum with a high Air Power value (QCompact, 8510/8610/QAIR, 8010/8410/Q AIR CYKLON). However, for wet and dry applications, it is recommended to use a system with a high a suction value (3211/Q PRO V, 3611). On the other hand, when vacuuming light particles such as sawdust, it is recommended to use a system with a high air flow value (DA7000, DA9000).