TERMINOLOGY

 

TERMINOLOGY

Airflow or CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) |

When a vacuum cleaner is started, it creates a vacuum or an area of low pressure. Outside air rushes in to fill this vacuum. This rush of air or Airflow is controlled and directed for maximum cleaning efficiency. The more Airflow/CFM a unit has, the more air movement is generated thus increasing sweeping power. While Airflow is important to system performance, suction or the "pulling of air" maintains the Airflow velocity necessary to sweep dirt and debris away at the hose end where vacuuming takes place.



Air Watts |

Represents a measurement of overall performance

AirWatts=(Water Lift X CFM)/ 8.5

While suction can be measured consistently at various diameter openings in all installations, Airflow changes drastically from installation to installation. Even adding 5 feet of hose will greatly change the Airwatt performance characteristics whereas measured suction would remain relatively constant. When comparing machines, Airwatts is a good reference to see the cleaning power of the machine.



Amperage |

Represents the amount of electrical current consumed by the motor during use.



Conical Shaped Motors |

In conventional flat motors, the air intake is restricted, so the motor is actually somewhat starved for airflow. Conical fans are simply more efficient; their special design allows for a considerable increase in air intake, thus producing 50 to 100 more airwatts than the conventional motors, with the same electric input (amps). That's a 20% increase in airwatts, available to improve dirt and dust pick-up!



Decibel ratings |

measurement of sound volume



Electric Power Nozzle |

Power head that cleans your carpet with an electrically driven motor that rotates the roller brush (beater bar).



Outlets |

The port which is at the end of the PVC piping and mounted in your walls at the same height as your electrical outlets. The hose is plugged into the outlet which is connected to the PVC piping to carry the dirt and dust back to the power unit.



PVC |

Poly-Viynal-Cloride, material used for the central vacuum piping.



Sealed suction |

Measures the maximum suction generated by the motor without airflow.



Suction/Water Lift |

This measures the suction strength of the central vacuum motor. Essentially, it tells how much "pull" or "lift" power the motor has and the height to which water can be raised by a vacuum motor.



Turbine Nozzle/Air Driven Nozzle |

This type of power head is powered by the suction of the machine. The suction of the motor is what rotates the brush/beater bar on this type of power head.



Vac Pan |

Most commonly installed in the kitchen. This outlet sits flush on the floor (hard surface) and you sweep the dirt and debris right up to the VacPan and by simply kicking the switch on to activate the vacuum, the dirt and debris is sucked away.