Glossary of Terms

Actvated Carbon-Powdered or granular carbon used for purifying by adsorbtion

Airflow-A rate of flow measured b mass or volume power unit of time typically rated with CFM. 

Allergen-substances that can cause reactions to peoples within the respiratory system or skin.  Particles typically in the .5-micron size that can cause allergies.

Amps-the amount of electrical current going through the motor.  Twelve amps is the highest allowable in the US for a single appliance on 110 volts.  That comes to 1300 watts.

Anion-A negatively charged ion

Anti-Microbial-Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms

Automatic Cord Winder-allows rewinding of the electrical cord by pressing a button. Adds some weight to the unit. 

Bare Floor brush-Used to clean bare floors.  Brush is skirted around the nozzle.  Performs well on tile and is effective on grout lines. Can also be used on walls or hardwood.

Bare Floor nozzle-Used to clean bare floors.  Hard nozzle is designed to increase airflow directly under the nozzle to suck up particles.  Performs well on hardwood and linoleum.  Cannot be used on walls or on tile very well.

Bare floor option/selector-selector on the base of an upright that stops the agitator from rotating to go onto flooring.  A rotating agitator will not work well on bare floors.

Bypass Motor-motor that diverts airflow straight into the bag. Particles or possible objects do not go through the fan or motor.  Also increased suction with tools.

CFM-Cubic Feet per Minute.  A measurement of airflow. Airflow can relate to suction but suction does not relate to airflow.  (Rating not available for most vacuums)

Cog/gear Style belt-belt that has teeth or cogs.  A no slip design of belt that is much more expensive but rarely requires replacement.

Cyclonic/bagless-the use of circulating air in a circular motion to drive particles to the bottom of a dirt chamber.  Keeps airflow unrestricted and allows for the chamber to be emptied manually, not requiring the use of vacuum bags.

Demonstrator-a vacuum that has been out of the original box for display purposes and may have been shown in a professional demonstration.  Considered to be in new condition but not sold as new.  

Dirt Sensor/Detective/Finder/Alert-A laser or light beam that detects particulate or debris passing into the vacuum. 

Exclusive ABC warranty-A warranty that is offered and honored only by ABC Vacuum.  ABC is solely responsible for all warranty work if needed.

Factory Serviced-A product returned to the factory where it was repaired of any defects, thoroughly tested, and then repackaged in a factory carton.  The defects were spotted by a dealer who sent the product back to the manufacturer or the product was damaged in shipping.  Most of our factory serviced items come with an exclusive ABC warranty.

HEPA filter-High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor.  Cartridge style exhaust filter that traps particles in the .3-micron range.  Typical allergens are in the .5-micron range.  Good for allergies and low dust emissions. 

Horsepower-Rating used for engines (such as gasoline), not for electrical motors. Should never be considered in a vacuum purchase.

Ionizing-Turning an atom into an ion by giving the atom a positive or negative electrical charge

Micron-approximately 1/25,000 of an inch

Plasma-An electronically neutral, ionized gas composed of ions, electrons, and neutral partivles.  It is a phase of matter distinct from solids, luquids, and normal gasses.  Not to be confused with blood plasma.

Power nozzle/brush- Electric driven agitator for the carpet.

Rebuilt-Product has been returned to mechanical specifications of a new machine.  Parts may have been replaced with new ones if they did not meet new specifications. 

Self Propelled-A transmission driven by the motor helps to power the machine and loco mote it.  Allows for forward and reverse movement with little effort on the part of the operator.

Triforce-Panasonic three-stage design.  Two fan design motor with an additional air diffuser to create additional airflow.  Results in more airflow with the same amount of amperage.

Turbo brush/nozzle-Air or suction driven agitator for the carpet.

Turbo Tool-A hand-held tool with an air or suction driven brushroll.  Also known as Turbo Hand Tool.

Twin Energy-Sharp two-stage or two-fan motor.

ULPA filter-Ultra Low Particulate Arrestor.  Filter that traps microns at the .1 level.  Excellent for allergies and is approved extreme jobs such as asbestos or lead dust.

V5 Cell Filter-Muti-layered air filter that removes particles greater that 0.3 microns, 200 gaseous pollutants, volitile organic compounds, bacteria, viruses, allergens, and sub-micron sized dust.  Features a pre-filter, a five chambered V5 odor and gas filter, and a cleanroom-grade HEPA filter.

Water lift rating-The amount of sealed suction.  Rates in inches.  How high a vacuum would pull water up a one-inch diameter tube.  This rating does not mean that a unit can vacuum water.  It is only a measurement of suction.

Watts-Standard measure of electricity.  Amps X Volts = Watts.  A watt takes into account the amperage and voltage together. 1300 watts is the highest legally in the US for one appliance on 110 volts.

Zeolite-Any one of a family of hydrous aluminum silicate minerals, whose molecules enclose cations of sodium, potassium, calcium, strontium, or barium, or a corresponding synthetic compound, used chiefly as molecular filters and ion-exchange agents.