Specifications

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12. VACUUM CLEANER AND WASHING MACHINES
12.1 Function of Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is common household appliance used for cleaning purposes. A vacuum
cleaner cleans by creating suction. A pump creates a pressure difference inside the unit causing
atmospheric air to be forced up through a tubing system. Most vacuum cleaners utilize a rotating
brush at its entrance to help “sweep” dust and dirt into the suction path. Vacuumed particles are
finally deposited in some collecting container that can either be removed or emptied after use.
12.2 Principle of Vacuum cleaner:
When you drink through a straw, you are using a simple suction mechanism. Sucking the
liquid up causes pressure to drop between the bottom and the top of the straw. With greater
pressure at the bottom than the top, the drink is pushed up to your mouth. The same principle
happens in a vacuum cleaner.
12.3 Main Components:
There are six main components to a standard vacuum cleaner. They are
1. Intake port which may include attachments such as a brush 2. Exhaust port
3. Electric motor 4. Fan 5. Porous bag or container 6. Housing
12.4 Vacuum Cleaner Features:
1. Weight – lighter vacuum cleaners can be more portable
2. Wheels – most vacuum cleaners move along on wheels
3. Power – although suction does not always depend on the power, a higher-powered
vacuum cleaner will clean more efficiently, although energy costs can be higher.
4. Power settings – adjusts power according to surface and cleaning needs. Settings can
be fixed and/or variable
5. Dust container/dust bag full indicator – tells you when to empty the dust container or
dust bag
6. Cord length – the longer the cord, the further you can vacuum clean from the power
socket. This also means you don’t have to change power sockets
7. Automatic cord rewind/storage – saves time, effort and space
12.5 Types of Vacuum Cleaner:
1. Cylinder vacuum cleaner - usually more versatile, and are easier to store.
2. Upright vacuum cleaner - ideal for cleaning carpets and large areas of the home, with
a handle at waist height making it easy to move along.
3. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner - will wash surfaces and carpet as well as vacuum clean
them, but can be a little heavier.
Cylinder vacuum cleaner: The electric current makes the motor work. The motor is attached
to the fan, which has angled blades. As the fan blades turn, they force air forward, toward the
exhaust port. When air particles are driven forward, the density of particles (and therefore the air