Home Appliance Tips: Cleaners and powertools part 1

Vacuum cleaners

The domestic vacuum cleaner has been with us now for some 90 years, during which time it has become the most popular labour-saving appliance in the home. The basic principle of operation is quite simple. An electric motor drives fans to create a fast-moving air flow. At one end, a vacuum (suction) of air is created, while at the opposite end the air is exhausted. If the air is moved quickly enough at the inlet end, it will carry with it any debris that enters the airflow. A means of removing the debris from the airflow is required to prevent its redistribution as the air is expelled.

Over the years there have been several operational variations. The first two styles to emerge were the upright cleaner and the cylinder cleaner. The upright cleaner was designed to drive a rotating brush as well as to suck up dirt. The cylinder model cleaned purely by suction, using a flexible hose and a range of attachments. For many years, manufacturers stayed with these two basic styles, altering the design by increasing the suction power and adding refinements, such as automatic cord rewind and variable power and height settings.

Modem variations

More recently the humble vacuum cleaner has undergone more major changes. Models have been designed that combine the functions of both upright and cylinder cleaners. Some upright models even have power drive take-offs from the motor, not only for driving the revolving brush, but also to drive a clutch and gear system that powers the vacuum cleaner wheels, driving it back and forth at the lightest touch of a button. Cylinder cleaners have undergone a complete rethink and are now split into three main categories.

Redesigned suction vacuum cleaners range from simple suction only to electronic control, variable power settings and even cleaners that are self-diagnostic (a display indicates what fault has occurred within the appliance). There is now a version with a speech processor chip that actually ‘tells’ you the fault!

Canister or bin cleaners are a domestic version of what were normally regarded as commercial machines. The greatest change has been to include the facility to vacuum up liquids: something that would in the past have damaged the appliance and created a safety hazard. The wet-and-dry operation, as it is known, has now become an option. Not all bin/canister cleaners have this option. Make sure that if a cleaner is to be used for sucking up liquids, it is designed to do so. Ordinary vacuum cleaners must not be used in wet conditions. The wet-and-dry machine must be prepared for liquid pick-up, that is, on most models specific items must be removed first to avoid damage to the appliance.

A relatively new variation of the cleaner described above combines a carpet cleaning facility with the wet and-dry bin-type vacuum. This combination is commonly known as a 3-in-1 wet-and-dry. In addition to wet-and dry vacuuming, it incorporates a system whereby a detergent solution from a tank is forced into the carpet or fabric and removed by suction into the main body of the vacuum. This is a fairly efficient cleaning operation that does not leave the carpet or fabric excessively damp, unlike earlier carpet shampoo machines that could not extract the soiled liquid. This function can be carried out only by a machine fitted with this feature and in most cases requires extra attachments and specialized cleaning fluids to avoid excess foaming within the tanks.

Hand-held versions of the first two types are now available. They can be mains powered, rechargeable (ni-cad battery) or 12 volt-powered for use from a car battery.

Maintenance and repair

Despite the variety of shapes, sizes and makes of vacuum cleaner, they all function in much the same way and are prone to similar faults and user-handling problems.

At the heart of a vacuum cleaner there is a powerful high-speed motor. In most cases this is a series-wound brush-gear motor. This is the most versatile motor and suits this type of appliance well. It is adaptable in shape and size and capable of high speeds. Induction motors have been used in upright cleaners but their application has been restricted to one or two makes only. Small hand-held versions have motors to suit: mains-powered versions have series-wound brush motors, rechargeable (ni-cad battery) cleaners have a DC- powered permanent magnet motor and car battery types have a DC-powered series motor or a permanent magnet-type motor.

The following covers the repair of all types of vacuum cleaners and also advise on regular maintenance procedures to keep them in good working order. However, even with care and attention, faults will occur from time to time because of the heavy demands on these appliances. Faults fall into three categories electrical, mechanical and misuse. The last category often has a strong link with the first two.

For ease of reference the information has been split into two sections: the upright models and cylinder/bin types. For some models reference to both sections will be required.

More Help'n Tips: air, appliance, battery, carpet, Cleaner, cleaners, cylinder, first, models, motor, power, rechargeable ni-cad battery, suction, types, upright, vacuum, vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaners.

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