Car vac (100W) vs Home Vac (1000W)....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the performance comparison between car vacuum cleaners and home vacuum cleaners, specifically focusing on their power specifications, suction capabilities, and the factors influencing their effectiveness in dirt removal. The conversation includes technical aspects, user experiences, and theoretical considerations related to suction and airflow.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note the significant difference in specifications between home vacuums (1000W, 80 inch H2O suction) and car vacuums (100W, estimated 10 inch suction), questioning how car vacuums can effectively pick up dirt given their lower power and suction.
  • One participant suggests that the size of the inlet is a critical factor in vacuum performance, implying that a smaller inlet could enhance suction efficiency.
  • Another participant asserts that car vacuums do indeed pick up dirt, indicating practical effectiveness despite lower specifications.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about how lower power does not necessarily equate to lower suction, suggesting that nozzle design could allow for similar flow velocities and suction capabilities.
  • There is mention of Bernoulli's Principle, with participants unsure of its application in the context of vacuum cleaners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of car vacuums compared to home vacuums, with some supporting the idea that car vacuums can perform adequately despite lower specifications, while others question the validity of their suction capabilities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact mechanics of suction and airflow in relation to vacuum performance.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the lack of specific data on car vacuum suction and output, relying on estimates and assumptions. There is also uncertainty regarding the application of Bernoulli's Principle in this context, indicating a need for further clarification on theoretical aspects.

escape_velocity
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A typical home vacuum cleaner has the following specs
Input watts (Electrical) = 1000W
Suction = 80 inch H2O
Output watts = 100 air watts

where as a 12V car vacuum cleaner has
Input watts (Electrical) = 100W
Suction = unspecified (10 inch guesswork)
output watts = unspecified (10 air watts guesswork)

car vac manufacturers don't publish output air watts or suction so let's say we guess it to the above figures.
The fact is even at such low suctions car vacs still do sell and people use them.

But what I don't understand is given that there is such a huge difference in specs how does a car vac even pull in dirt, is 10 inch of water capable to generate enough suction power, or are car vacs actually generating higher suctions than my initial guess which I don't see how they could given that the input power is so low?
 
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The size of the inlet is a big factor for performance.
 
Have you ever used a car vac? It demonstrably picks up dirt.
 
Since the application is smaller, the lower suction is less noticeable.
 
jerromyjon said:
The size of the inlet is a big factor for performance.
I guess you are saying that a car vac would have a smaller inlet than a home vac but I don't have any idea how that help's here?o_O
 
escape_velocity said:
I guess you are saying that a car vac would have a smaller inlet than a home vac but I don't have any idea how that help's here?o_O
They could have the same flow velocity and suction if the nozzles are sized appropriately. Less power doesn't necessarily mean less suction.
 
I'm pretty sure Bernoulli's Principle applies but I don't know how to apply it with a vacuum,
 
jerromyjon said:
I'm pretty sure Bernoulli's Principle applies but I don't know how to apply it with a vacuum...
I'm not quite sure I understand your issue, but could you just assume there is no such thing as a vacuum and apply it then?
 

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