Understanding Peak Performance When Shopping For Wed Vacs

When shopping for a wet/dry vac, you may come across the term peak horsepower (PHP). This is a standard industry term used for consumer comparison purposes. It refers to the maximum output of the motor, denoting the horsepower output of a motor, including the motor's inertial contribution, achieved in laboratory testing. In other words, it's the highest amount of power the motor can produce under ideal conditions. It's important to note that in actual use, wet/dry vacs do not always operate at the peak horsepower advertised.

Peak horsepower vs. operational horsepower

When shopping for a wet/dry vacuum, or "shop vac", it's important to consider the types of jobs you will be using it for. Shop vacs are more powerful than standard vacuum cleaners, and the more horsepower a shop vac has, the stronger its suction will be.

Shop vacs with a higher horsepower rating will be able to handle heavier-duty tasks and larger clean-up jobs. The horsepower of a shop vac will determine how much suction it has, which will impact its ability to pick up clunky objects such as nails or small wood scraps, as well as its ability to clean up liquid messes.

When looking at the horsepower of a shop vac, you may come across the terms "peak horsepower" and "operational horsepower". Peak horsepower refers to the maximum output of the motor, while operational horsepower refers to the power that the motor can sustain over a longer period. In other words, peak horsepower is the power that the motor can generate for a short burst, while operational horsepower is the power that the motor can maintain for an extended period of time.

It's important to consider both peak horsepower and operational horsepower when choosing a shop vac. Peak horsepower will give you an idea of the maximum suction power of the vacuum, while operational horsepower will give you an idea of how well the vacuum will perform over an extended period of use.

In addition to horsepower, there are several other factors that can affect the performance of a shop vac, such as the length and diameter of the hose, the type of motor, and the size and weight of the vacuum. It's also important to consider the types of jobs you will be using the shop vac for and choose one with the appropriate features and accessories.

Wet/dry vacs for the home

Wet/dry vacs are a great tool for cleaning your home or workshop. They are similar to standard vacuum cleaners but can also pick up clunky objects such as nails or small wood scraps, as well as wet messes and spills. When shopping for a wet/dry vac, it's important to consider the tank capacity and size, power, filtration, features, and performance.

Tank Capacity and Size

The capacity and size of the wet/dry vac you choose will depend on the type of messes you plan to clean up. Smaller, handheld vacs with a capacity of 2 to 6 gallons are perfect for cleaning up small messes like pet hair or everyday debris in your vehicle. For cleaning up around the house or workshop, a larger capacity of 8 to 14 gallons is more suitable. If you need to clean up heavy-duty jobs, such as large commercial warehouses or construction job sites, you can opt for a wet/dry vac with a capacity of 14 to 18 gallons. Keep in mind that larger models can be heavy and difficult to lift when full.

Power

The power of a wet/dry vac is typically measured in horsepower (HP) and indicates the strength of its suction. For light cleaning tasks, a small capacity wet/dry vac with a horsepower of 1 to 4.5 HP will be sufficient. Medium capacity vacs with a 5 to 6 HP motor can handle fine dust, dirt, and debris. If you're tackling big cleaning jobs, look for a professional-grade wet/dry vac with a motor of at least 6 to 6.5 HP.

Filtration

Wet/dry vacs use different types of filters, including paper filters, foam filters, and HEPA-rated filters. Paper filters are typically removed during wet operation as they can become waterlogged. Foam filters, also known as wet filters, can be used when vacuuming up wet objects or liquids and help protect the motor. HEPA-rated filters are effective at trapping allergens, dirt, and other particles, making them ideal for those with allergies or asthma.

Features

When choosing a wet/dry vac, consider the features that are important to you. Some vacs come with a built-in liquid pump, a blower feature, or different hose sizes. On-board tool storage is also convenient for keeping nozzles and accessories organized. If you plan to use the vac in tight spaces, look for models with retractable cords and wheel locks for added safety.

Performance

When it comes to performance, there are a few key specifications to look for. Wet/dry vacs with a sealed pressure (SP) rating of 75 or higher indicate stronger suction. A cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of 125 or higher is strong enough to pick up fine dust and dirt. Peak horsepower (HP) indicates the maximum output of the motor, and a higher HP doesn't always mean a more robust vac as other factors like hose length and diameter can affect performance.

Whether you're cleaning up small spills, tackling a flooded basement, or dealing with construction debris, there's a wet/dry vac that's perfect for the job. By considering your specific needs and the features offered by different models, you can choose the best wet/dry vac for your home or workshop.

Wet/dry vacs for the workshop

Wet/dry vacs are indispensable for cleaning up messes in your home or workshop that an ordinary vacuum cleaner cannot handle. They are also known as shop vacs and are similar to standard vacuum cleaners but can also pick up clunky objects such as nails or small wood scraps. They can also clean up wet messes and spills, like overflowing toilets or flooded basements.

When shopping for a wet/dry vac, there are several factors to consider:

• Tank capacity and size: The right size for you will depend on the types of messes you plan to clean up. Smaller capacity tanks (2-6 gallons) are suitable for cleaning up pet hair or everyday debris in your vehicle and can be kept in your car or apartment. For cleaning up around the house or in a workshop, opt for a larger capacity tank (8-14 gallons). For heavy-duty jobs, such as cleaning large commercial warehouses, you'll need a tank with a capacity of 14-18 gallons. Keep in mind that larger tanks will be heavier and more difficult to lift and dump when full.
• Power source: Wet/dry vacs can be corded or cordless. Corded vacs are a good option if you need to plug into a power source for in-home cleaning or time-consuming jobs. Cordless, battery-powered vacs are ideal for small jobs and hard-to-reach places, but keep in mind that the battery will drain quickly for large jobs.
• Noise level: The noise level of a wet/dry vac can be as loud as a working dishwasher, so if you plan to use it in a shared space like a kitchen, look for one that operates at less than 70 decibels.
• Attachments and features: Many wet/dry vacs come with attachments and features such as a built-in liquid pump, a blower feature, and different hose sizes. Some models also have safety features like retractable cords and emergency shutoff options. If you have limited storage space, consider a wall-mounted vac.
• Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1200: This vac is powerful, well-reviewed, and easy to manoeuvre, with a great selection of attachments, including two wand extensions and three nozzles. It has a well-designed accessory caddy and is widely available at Home Depot, where you can also find replacement filters, hoses, and nozzles.
• Ridgid 14-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1400: This model is more powerful and has a larger capacity and motor than the HD1200, but it is also heavier and more expensive.
• DeWalt DCV581H 20V 2-Gallon Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vac: This small, lightweight, and portable vac can be used with a battery or plugged into an outlet. It doesn't have the suction power of the larger models but is perfect for cleaning up small projects around the garage, house, or basement.
• Greenworks 40V 3-Gallon Wet/Dry Cordless Vac: This vac is larger and more powerful than the DeWalt vac, with stronger suction, but it does not have a corded option. It comes with two nozzles and smart onboard storage and is a good value if you need a battery and charger included.
• WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vacs Vacuum WS1600VA: This 16-gallon heavy-duty shop vacuum has a powerful 6.5 peak horsepower motor and a large drain for easy liquid disposal. It includes several accessories, such as a 7-foot locking hose, two extension wands, a utility nozzle, a car nozzle, and a wet nozzle. It also has a built-in blowing port and a Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System for easy filter changes.

When shopping for a wet/dry vac, it's important to consider the types of messes you'll be cleaning and the features that are most important to you.

Tank capacity and size

Wet/dry vacuums come in a variety of sizes, from compact and cordless to large and powerful machines. Small shop vacs typically have a two- to six-gallon tank capacity, making them perfect for keeping in the car or an apartment to clean up small messes. Medium-capacity wet/dry vacs have a tank capacity of eight to 14 gallons, making them suitable for most indoor and outdoor cleaning tasks, such as standard workshop and garden cleanup. Large-capacity wet/dry vacs have a tank capacity of 14 to 18 gallons and are ideal for heavy-duty cleaning in large commercial spaces or workshops.

When choosing a tank capacity, it's important to consider the weight of the tank when it's full. A large wet/dry vac with a full tank can be heavy and unwieldy, so it's essential to select a size that you can comfortably lift and empty. Additionally, consider the storage space you have available when deciding on the size of your wet/dry vacuum. Look for models with transport wheels or a top handle for easy portability.

The tank material is another factor to consider when choosing a wet/dry vacuum. Plastic tanks are lightweight and less prone to dents, while metal tanks are more durable and better suited for heavy-duty work areas such as construction sites and body shops.

When shopping for a wet/dry vacuum, it's also important to think about the included attachments, airpower (measured in CFM or cubic feet per minute), and special features such as hose locks, wall mount attachments, and onboard tool storage.

Power sources

Wet/dry vacs have different power sources. Some have power cords, which are perfect for in-home cleaning or time-consuming jobs. Corded wet/dry vacs are usually powered by a wall outlet.

On the other hand, some wet/dry vacs are battery-powered, making them ideal for small jobs and hard-to-reach places. However, a large job will quickly drain the battery. Battery-powered wet/dry vacs are usually cordless and can be powered by a rechargeable battery.

Wet/dry vacs can also be electric or air-driven, also known as pneumatic. Electric wet/dry vacs are powered by a wall outlet or a rechargeable battery, while pneumatic wet/dry vacs are connected to an air pump and don't require an electric power source. Pneumatic wet/dry vacs are incredibly powerful but are only used for niche applications.

Frequently asked questions