How to Measure Vacuum Suction Power? (5 Factors Affecting Suction Power)

The Short Answer is:

To measure the suction power, a manometer is attached to the applicable part of the system, such as the suction feet area, to simulate a load and measure the vacuum level. Vacuum suction power is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), water lift, and air watts (a combination of CFM and water lift). The suction power is measured in watts (W) and is typically between 250 W and 450 W for machines with one motor.

Vacuum cleaners are essential household appliances that help keep our homes clean and free of dust and debris. The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is a crucial factor in determining its effectiveness in cleaning.

Suction power is the force that a vacuum cleaner can generate to lift dirt, dust, and debris off a surface and into the vacuum’s dirt cup or bag.

In this article, we will discuss how to measure vacuum suction power and the different methods, units, and scales used to measure it.

Importance of Measuring Suction Power

Measuring the suction power of a vacuum cleaner is important in determining its cleaning ability. Suction power is a common metric used in the floor care industry to gauge the performance of vacuum cleaners.

It is measured in air watts, which is a measurement of the airflow at the end of the cleaning hose. However, suction power alone is not sufficient to determine the cleaning ability of a vacuum cleaner.

Airflow is also important, as it determines how much air the vacuum cleaner is able to move. The sealed suction of a vacuum cleaner is measured in inches of water lift, which refers to how many inches the motor will vertically lift a 1″ column of water.

Manufacturers may use different methods to measure suction power, and some may show higher powers that are not comparable. It is important to verify whether the suction power is indicated according to EN60312, which makes it easier to compare the data of various vacuum cleaners.

While suction power is an important element of vacuum cleaner performance, it is not the only factor to consider. Consumers should also consider other specifications such as airflow, noise level, and sealed suction when selecting a new vacuum cleaner.

Understanding Measurement Units

Vacuum cleaners are an essential tool for cleaning floors, carpets, and other surfaces. Understanding the specifications of a vacuum cleaner is important when selecting a new one.

Here are some of the common measurement units used to measure the suction power of vacuum cleaners:

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is a unit used to measure the airflow of a vacuum system. It determines how many cubic feet of air can be moved or exchanged each minute.

CFM is a critical measure of the velocity of suction. If you want to vacuum through a larger opening, you need more CFM. Therefore, high CFM is needed for deep carpet cleaning.

CFM is used to measure things like blowers, fans, air purifiers, HVAC units, leaf blowers, wet/dry vacuums, or suctions in general. CFM is one of the three primary measurements used to determine vacuum power, along with Water Lift and Air Watts.

AW (Air Watts)

Air Watts (AW) is a measurement unit that is used to describe the suction power of a vacuum cleaner. It is a more accurate measurement of a vacuum’s cleaning ability than just the motor’s power in watts.

AW takes into account both the airflow and the amount of resistance that the vacuum cleaner has to overcome. In simple terms, AW is a measure of the amount of air that a vacuum cleaner can move through its system, multiplied by the amount of suction that it can generate.

A higher AW rating means that the vacuum cleaner is more powerful and can clean more effectively. It is important to note that AW is not the only factor that determines a vacuum cleaner’s cleaning ability.

Other factors such as the design of the vacuum cleaner, the type of filter used, and the type of brush roll can also affect its performance. However, AW is a useful measurement unit to consider when comparing different vacuum cleaners.

Inches of Water Lift

When it comes to measuring vacuum suction, one common unit of measurement is inches of water lift. This unit refers to the height in inches that a vacuum can lift a column of water through a straw-like tube.

Essentially, it measures the strength of the vacuum’s suction power. Inches of water lift is a useful measurement unit for understanding the suction power of vacuums, particularly in industries such as cleaning, where strong suction is necessary for effective cleaning.

It is also commonly used in the HVAC industry to measure the suction power of air conditioning systems. It is important to note that inches of water lift is not the only unit of measurement for vacuum suction.

Other units include cubic feet per minute (CFM), air watts, and pounds per square inch (PSI). Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of unit depends on the specific application and the desired level of precision.

How is Vacuum Suction Measured: A Step-by-Step Guide

Vacuum cleaners are essential household appliances that help keep our homes clean by removing dirt, dust, and debris from floors, carpets, and other surfaces.

One important factor that determines the effectiveness of a vacuum cleaner is its suction power, which is the force generated by the vacuum to lift dirt and debris off surfaces and into the vacuum’s dirt cup or bag. We will provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure vacuum cleaner suction power.

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools

To measure the suction power of a vacuum cleaner, you will need a vacuum cleaner suction gauge, water lift gauge, and a stopwatch or timer.

Step 2: Prepare the vacuum cleaner

Before measuring the suction power, ensure that the vacuum cleaner is clean and free of any blockages that may affect its performance. Also, make sure that the vacuum cleaner’s filter is clean and in good condition.

Step 3: Attach the suction gauge

Attach the suction gauge to the end of the vacuum cleaner’s hose or wand. The suction gauge measures the vacuum cleaner’s airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Step 4: Measure the airflow

Turn on the vacuum cleaner and use the stopwatch or timer to measure the airflow for 10 seconds. Record the CFM reading on the suction gauge.

Step 5: Attach the water lift gauge

Attach the water lift gauge to the end of the vacuum cleaner’s hose or wand. The water lift gauge measures the vacuum cleaner’s suction power in inches of water lift.

Step 6: Measure the suction power

Turn on the vacuum cleaner and use the stopwatch or timer to measure the suction power for 10 seconds. Record the inches of water lift reading on the water lift gauge.

Step 7: Calculate the air watts

To calculate the vacuum cleaner’s air watts, multiply the CFM reading by the inches of water lift reading and divide the result by 8.5.

The air watts measurement is a combination of CFM and water lift and is recognized as the best way to measure the actual cleaning power of a vacuum cleaner.

Step 8: Repeat the process

Repeat steps 4-7 two more times to get an accurate reading. We recommend averaging your three readings for greater accuracy.

Step 9: Compare vacuum cleaners

To compare different vacuum cleaners’ suction power, repeat these steps using each one in turn and compare your findings side by side.

It is important to note that cleaning ability is not just about vacuum suction power, even though this is an important element of vacuum cleaner performance.

Measuring vacuum cleaner suction power is a simple process that can be done using a few tools and a stopwatch or timer.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can accurately measure the suction power of your vacuum cleaner and compare it to other models to make an informed purchasing decision.

Factors Affecting Suction Power

Factors affecting vacuum suction power include the following:

1. Airflow: The amount of air that a vacuum cleaner can move through its system affects its suction power. A vacuum cleaner with a high airflow can pick up more dirt and debris than one with a low airflow.

2. Vacuum Level: The vacuum level is the amount of suction that a vacuum cleaner can generate. A higher vacuum level means more suction power.

3. Head Performance: The performance of the head of a vacuum cleaner can have a significant impact on its suction power. The suction power is measured with the head removed, but the actual cleanliness of a surface depends on the performance of the head.

4. Motor Efficiency: The efficiency of the motor can also affect the suction power of a vacuum cleaner. A more efficient motor can generate more suction power with less energy consumption.

5. Design Factors: Other design factors, such as the number of fans in the motor and the overall efficiency of the vacuum cleaner design, can also affect its suction power.

It is important to note that suction power is not the only factor that determines a vacuum cleaner’s cleaning ability. Other factors, such as the type of filter and the design of the brush roll, can also affect its performance.

How to Improve Suction Power

If you want to increase the suction power of your vacuum cleaner, there are several steps you can take. Here are some tips from the search results:

1. Use the right vacuum cleaner for the job: Not all vacuums are created equal, and some are better at sucking up dirt and debris than others. If you have a particularly tough cleaning job, make sure to use a vacuum that is designed to handle that type of mess.

2. Clean or change your filters regularly: Over time, filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can decrease the suction power of your vacuum. Make sure to clean or change your filters regularly to ensure that the maximum amount of suction is being used during cleaning.

3. Empty your vacuum regularly: If your vacuum cleaner has lost suction power, it may be time to empty the dust container. Any amount of dirt and lint in the cup or bag of your vacuum can hinder its performance, so empty the cup every time you vacuum and empty the bag when it is at most two-thirds full.

4. Check the hoses for blockages: A blocked hose will cause your vacuum to lose suction. Take the hose and attachments apart to see if there is a foreign item, dust or hairball restricting the airflow. You can unblock the hose with the help of a long stick or a broom handle.

5. Clean the attachments: Threads and hairs can get tangled around the brush, making the bristles less effective. In extreme cases, wrapped-up hair and threads can even stop the brush from turning or block suction. Once a week or so, flip your vacuum over and get a good look at the brush. If there is debris wrapped around it, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut it away.

By following these steps, you can improve the suction power of your vacuum cleaner and ensure that it is working at its best.

Common Misconceptions About Suction Power

Myth 1: More wattage equals more suction power. In reality, wattage only tells us how much energy is used, and suction power is determined by the motor’s ability to move air.

Myth 2: Suction power is the only factor that determines vacuum cleaner performance. In fact, airflow is also important, as it determines how quickly a given volume of air is moved. Suction alone is not sufficient for good performance.

Myth 3: Suction power is the same as useful suction. Useful suction is the amount of suction that actually reaches the surface being cleaned, and it is affected by factors such as the design of the vacuum cleaner head.

Myth 4: Dyson vacuums don’t lose suction. While Dyson vacuums are known for their strong suction power, they can still lose suction if the filters are not cleaned regularly.

Myth 5: The amp rating on the motor determines the performance of the vacuum. In reality, amp rating only tells us how much electricity the motor uses, and it does not necessarily correlate with suction power or performance.

It is important to understand these misconceptions about suction power in order to make an informed choice when purchasing a vacuum cleaner or other suction machine.

Conclusion on How to Measure Vacuum Suction Power

In conclusion, vacuum suction power can be measured using various methods, including Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM), Water Lift, and Air Watts.

CFM and Water Lift are commonly used to measure central vacuums in North America, while Air Watts is recognized by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) as the best way to measure the actual cleaning power of a vacuum system.

Suction power is the force that a vacuum cleaner can generate to lift dirt, dust, and debris off a surface and into the vacuum’s dirt cup or bag.

To measure the suction power of a vacuum cleaner, a unique tool called a “Vacuum Cleaner Suction Gauge, Water Lift Gauge” can be used. Suction can be measured on a suckometer gauge, it measures the amount of suction in terms of water lift in inches.

This measurement indicates how high (in inches) the suction will lift a column of water, and it is a good rating to use when evaluating performance.

Therefore, when evaluating vacuum cleaners, it is important to consider both suction power and airflow, rather than just wattage.