Dec 10, 2013

A proposed new ASTM International standard will provide a laboratory conditions test for determining the sustained air performance and exhaust emissions of central vacuum cleaners. ASTM WK14392, Test Method for Evaluating the Sustained Air Performance and Exhaust Emissions of Central Vacuum Cleaning Units, is being developed by Subcommittee F11.22 on Air Performance, part of ASTM International Committee F11 on Vacuum Cleaners,

“One of the advantages central vacuums have over portable vacuums is sustained air performance, that is, their ability to maintain a high level of performance over a long period of time without maintenance being performed,” says Darrell Nieschwitz, engineering manager, H-P Products Inc., and an F11 member. “Central vacuums typically have much larger, more powerful motors and a larger dirt capacity.”

Nieschwitz notes that ASTM WK14392 will test how vacuum performance will be affected after multiple vacuuming events over an extended period of time. The proposed standard will be used by central vacuum manufacturers to ensure that products can be rated for consumers to select a product that meets their needs and price point.

“ASTM WK14392 will primarily be used by manufacturers to help determine how well products perform over time, help identify areas in which they may be able to improve designs and provide sensible advertising claims based on an industry test,” says Nieschwitz.

All interested parties are welcome to participate in the development of WK14392 and other Committee F11 standards. The subcommittee maintains four air performance standards and is also developing ASTM WK18687, Test Method for Evaluating Air Performance Characteristics of Battery Powered Vacuum Cleaners.

ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-consumer or follow us on Twitter @ASTMProductsRec.

ASTM Committee F11 Next Meeting: May 5-7, 2014, May Committee Week, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Technical Contact: Darrell Nieschwitz, H-P Products Inc., Louisville, Ohio, Phone: 330-875-5556, ext. 2272; dnieschwitz@h-pproducts.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Diane Trinsey, Phone: 610-832-9661; dtrinsey@astm.org 
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org   

Release #9532