ASTM F1284-09(2016)

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Residential Central Vacuum Cleaning Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides a laboratory test for determining the relative carpet dirt removal effectiveness of residential central vacuum cleaning systems when tested under standard conditions and on representative types of carpets.  
4.2 This laboratory test method may not give a representation of carpet embedded dirt cleaning effectiveness in the home.  
4.3 In order to provide a uniform basis for measuring performance as described in 1.2, standardized test carpets and standardized test dirt are employed in this procedure.  
4.4 The results reflect a non-loaded cleaning capability and may not be representative of cleaning capabilities under dirt loading conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers only a laboratory test for determining the relative carpet dirt removal effectiveness of residential central vacuum cleaning systems when tested under specified conditions.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to residential central vacuum cleaning systems intended for cleaning carpets.  
1.3 This test method applies only to embedded dirt removal from carpets, not the removal of surface litter and debris.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2016
• ICS: 91.140.99 - Other installations in buildings
• Technical Committee: F11 - Vacuum Cleaners
• Drafting Committee: F11.21 - Cleanability

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F1284 − 09 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of
Residential Central Vacuum Cleaning Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1284; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F884 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of a Built-In
(Central Vacuum) Vacuum Cleaner
1.1 This test method covers only a laboratory test for
F922 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of an Electric
determining the relative carpet dirt removal effectiveness of
Motorized Nozzle
residential central vacuum cleaning systems when tested under
F1038 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of a Canister,
specified conditions.
Hand-held, Stick, and Utility Type Vacuum Cleaner With-
1.2 This test method is applicable to residential central
out a Driven Agitator
vacuum cleaning systems intended for cleaning carpets.
F1334 Test Method for Determining A-Weighted Sound
1.3 This test method applies only to embedded dirt removal Power Level of Vacuum Cleaners
from carpets, not the removal of surface litter and debris.
F1409 Test Method for Straight Line Movement of Vacuum
Cleaners While Cleaning Carpets
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.1 cleaning ability, n—the potential of a vacuum cleaner
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the to remove dirt from a surface (sometimes referred to in the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- industry as cleanability, dry).
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.2 model, n—the designation of a group of vacuum
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cleaners having identical, mechanical and electrical construc-
tion with only cosmetic or nonfunctional differences.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.1.3 population, n—the total of all units of a particular
model vacuum cleaner being tested.
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
3.1.4 sample, n—a group of vacuum cleaners taken from a
Sieves
large collection of vacuum cleaners of one particular model,
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
which serves to provide information that may be used as a basis
ASTM Test Methods
for making a decision concerning the larger collection.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
3.1.5 test run, n—the definitive procedure that produces a
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
singular measured result.
F608 Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt
Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial
3.1.6 test unit, n—a single vacuum cleaner of the model
Vacuum Cleaners
being tested.
F655 Specification for Test Carpets and Pads for Vacuum
Cleaner Testing
4. Significance and Use
1 4.1 This test method provides a laboratory test for determin-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F11 on Vacuum
ing the relative carpet dirt removal effectiveness of residential
Cleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.21 on Cleanability.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016. Published April 2016. Originally
central vacuum cleaning systems when tested under standard
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F1284 – 09. DOI:
conditions and on representative types of carpets.
10.1520/F1284-09R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.2 This laboratory test method may not give a representa-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
tion of carpet embedded dirt cleaning effectiveness in the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. home.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 1 Dirt Embedment Tool
4.3 In order to provide a uniform basis for measuring 5.6 Dirt Embedment Tool, with the roller locked (see Fig. 1).
performance as described in 1.2, standardized test carpets and
5.7 Dirt Dispenser—Dispensing system that provides the
standardized test dirt are employed in this procedure.
operator with a method to distribute the test dirt uniformly on
the carpet test area.
4.4 The results reflect a non-loaded cleaning capability and
may not be representative of cleaning capabilities under dirt
5.8 Carpet Conditioning Equipment, to support the test
loading conditions.
carpet during new carpet conditioning and the removal of
residual dirt from the test carpet before each test run (Fig. 2).
5. Apparatus
5.9 Rotating Agitator Conditioning Vacuum Cleaner/
5.1 Weighing Scale (for weighing carpets; see 9.1.1.5 and
Equipment, for conditioning new test carpets and removing
9.4.5)—The scale must be accurate to 0.035 oz (1 g) and have
residual dirt from the test carpet before each test run. This
a weighing capacity of at least 15 lb (6.82 kg).
cannot be the unit being tested.
5.2 Weighing Scale (for weighing test dirt and non-
NOTE 1—Automated methods for spreading the test dirt, embedding the
disposable dirt receptacles; see 9.2.1.2 and 9.4.12)—The scale
test dirt, and cleaning and reconditioning the test carpets are acceptable if
must be accurate to 0.0035 oz (0.10 g) and have a weighing
they do not change the results of this test method.
capacity of at least 1.1 lb (500 g).
5.10 Temperature and Humidity Indicators, to provide tem-
perature measurements accurate to within 61°F (6 ⁄2 °C) and
5.3 Stopwatch with a second hand, or other type of equip-
humidity measurements accurate to within 62 % relative
ment capable of establishing the specified rate of movement
humidity.
and total cycle time.
5.11 Supporting Surface—A flat surface consisting of a
5.4 Voltmeter, to measure input volts to the cleaning system
piece of ⁄4-in. (19-mm) thick exterior-grade plywood with the
to provide measurements accurate to within 61 %.
“A” surface upward to support the test carpet and pad. If
5.5 Voltage Regulator System, to control the input voltage to
necessary, the four corners (only) of the test carpet and pad
the vacuum cleaner. The regulator shall be capable of main-
may be fastened to the supporting surface by any acceptable
taining the vacuum cleaner’s rated voltage 61 % and rated
means.
frequency having a wave form that is essentially sinusoidal
5.12 Rotating Agitator Reference Vacuum Cleaner, one, for
with 3 % max harmonic distortion for the duration of the test.
calibrating test carpets (see 9.2.4).
5.13 Straight-Air Canister Reference Vacuum Cleaner, one,
The OHAUS Models GT-8000, LB30-CO and 1119D, all available from
for calibrating test carpets (see 9.2.4).
OHAUS, Inc. Florham Park, NJ, or the equivalent, have been found suitable for this
purpose. It is recommended that the scale read directly in grams.
5.14 Orifice Adapter Tube—See Fig. 3.
The Mettler-Toledo Model PM 2000, available from Mettler-Toledo, Inc., Box
71, Highstown, NJ, 08520. The OHAUS Model-GT-8000 available from OHAUS,
6. Materials
Inc., Florham Park, NJ, or equivalent, have been found suitable for this purpose. It
is recommended that the seal read directly in grams. 6.1 Standard Carpets, conforming to Specification F655.
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 2 Carpet Cleaning Rack
6.2 Standard Carpet Padding, conforming to Specification of the sample from the population shall be established by
F655. testing it to a 90 % confidence level within 65 % of the mean
value of the cleaning ability rating.
6.3 Test Dirt (see Annex A1).
7.1.2 Annex A3 provides a procedural example for deter-
6.3.1 Silica Sand—(see Annex A1).
mining the 90 % confidence level and when the sample size
6.3.2 Talc—see (Annex A1).
shall be increased.
7. Sampling
NOTE 2—See Annex A3 for method of determining 90 % confidence
level.
7.1 A minimum of three units of the same model vacuum
cleaner selected at random in accordance with good statistical
8. Conditioning
practice shall constitute the population sample.
7.1.1 To determine the best estimate of the cleaning ability 8.1 Test Room—Maintain the test room in which all condi-
effectiveness for the population of the vacuum cleaner model tioning and vacuum cleaner testing is done at 70 6 5°F (21 6
being tested, the arithmetic mean of the cleaning ability rating 3°C) and 45 to 55 % relative humidity.
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 3 Orifice Adapter Tube
8.2 All components involved in the test must remain and be 9.1.1.6 Run a test carpet calibration in accordance with
exposed in the controlled environment for at least 16 h prior to Section 9.3.
the start of the test.
9.1.2 Reconditioning Used Test Carpet Samples:
9.1.2.1 Initial Daily Reconditioned Weight: At the begin-
9. Procedure
ning of each day, it is necessary to remove any dirt that may
9.1 Test Carpet Preparation (see Fig. 4): have settled on the carpet surface and stabilize the moisture
9.1.1 Preconditioning New Test Carpet Samples: content of the carpet. Clean the carpet with a rotating agitator
9.1.1.1 New Test Carpets shall conform to Specification conditioning vacuum cleaner until its weight does not exceed
F655. the initial reconditioned weight from the previous day of
9.1.1.2 Cut a sample of each test carpet to a size of 27 by 72 testing by more than 0.07 oz (2 g) or less than 0.035 oz (1 g)
in. (690 by 1830 mm) minimum. If the warp direction or “lay”
is picked up by the conditioning vacuum cleaner using the
of the carpet can be determined, it shall be in the 72 in. procedure in 9.1.2.3.
direction as indicated in Fig. 5. Carpets shall be bound on all
9.1.2.2 Following each test run, it is necessary to remove the
sides.
residual dirt and stabilize the moisture content of the carpet.
9.1.1.3 Mark the test area on each carpet as indicated in Fig.
Clean the carpet with a rotating agitator conditioning vacuum
5.
cleaner until its weight does not exceed the initial daily
9.1.1.4 Precondition New Test Carpet Samples:
reconditioned weight requirement of 9.1.2.1 by more than 0.07
(1) Precondition the entire area of the carpet by cleaning
oz (2 g) or less than 0.035 oz (1 g) is picked up by the
with the rotating agitator conditioning vacuum cleaner. Con-
conditioning vacuum cleaner using the following procedure.
tinue the operation until less than 0.07 oz (2 g) of carpet fiber
9.1.2.3 Procedure:
is picked up in 5 min.
(1) Place the carpet on the carpet cleaning rack (Fig. 2)
(2) Run ten carpet-embedded dirt removal effectiveness
with the pile side down. Run the rotating agitator conditioning
test runs in accordance with Sections 9.4.6 – 9.4.19.
vacuum cleaner over the carpet for 2 min concentrating on the
test area at 1.8 ft/s (0.55 m/s); then run the rotating agitator
NOTE 3—Recondition the new test carpet following each precondition-
ing test run. It is not necessary, however, to meet the requirements set forth
conditioning vacuum cleaner thoroughly over the entire carpet
in 9.1.2.1 with respect to the preconditioned weight.
area at least one time.
9.1.1.5 Weigh and record the preconditioned weight of the (2) Place the carpet (pile side up) on the pad, on the
carpet. plywood supporting surface, and clean it with the rotating
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 4 Carpet Conditioning/Calibration Procedure
NOTE 1—Cleaning test area should be positioned as shown. First forward stroke of rotating agitator or carpet is in direction with lay of carpet.
FIG. 5 Test Carpet
agitator conditioning vacuum cleaner for 2 min, concentrating on the test area; then run the rotating agitator vacuum cleaner
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 6 Vacuum Cleaner Conditioning Procedure
thoroughly over the entire area at least one time. 9.1.3.2 Replace the carpet padding when it has holes, tears,
(3) Weigh the carpet. or other signs of wear.
(4) Keep alternating 9.1.2.3(1) and 9.1.2.3(2), always end-
9.2 Preparation of Test Systems and Cleaning Tools (see
ing with the pile side up, until the carpet weight meets the
Fig. 6):
requirement of 9.1.2.1 or 9.1.2.2.
9.2.1 New Test Systems and Cleaning Tools:
(5) Change the disposable primary filter after a maximum
9.2.1.1 Run the system in at rated voltage 61 % and rated
of every 4 runs on the conditioning vacuum cleaner or more
frequency with filters in place.
often if required.
(1) If a rotating agitator type cleaning tool is included with
(6) Reconditioning equipment that uses nondisposable fil-
the system operate it for 1 h with agitator bristles not engaged
ters should have the filter or filters cleaned after every four
on any surface.
carpet reconditioning runs or more often, if required.
9.2.1.2 For vacuum cleaners with non-disposable dirt
NOTE 4—A high-cleaning performance rotating agitator vacuum cleaner receptacles, weigh and record the receptacle’s original weight
is recommended for reducing the time to recondition the carpet.
to the nearest 0.0035 oz (0.10 g). This may not be possible with
some systems in which the nondisposable filter cannot be
9.1.3 Reconditioning Used Carpet Padding:
9.1.3.1 Clean the carpet padding by shaking weekly or more removed.
often, if necessary, to remove any collected dirt. 9.2.2 Used Test Vacuum Cleaners:
F1284 − 09 (2016)
NOTE 1—Due to the height required for the tubing assembly, the assembly (in a plane) can be at any angle from vertical to parallel with the floor.
NOTE 2— If flexible tubing is used for pipe sections, then flexible tubing must be supported in a straight line.
NOTE 3—Hose is to be laid out in a straight line so as to minimize kinks or bends.
FIG. 7 Vacuum Cleaning System Test Set-Up
9.2.2.1 Recondition a used test vacuum cleaner, prior to F922, and F1038) tests shall be conducted using the same
each test run, as follows: settings (nozzle, motor speed, suction regulator, etc.) for each
(1) Thoroughly remove excess dirt from the test system. specific carpet.
Without using tools for disassembly, clean the entire outer 9.2.4 Reference Vacuum Cleaners or Systems (Calibr
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1284 − 09 F1284 − 09 (Reapproved 2016) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of
Residential Central Vacuum Cleaning Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1284; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers only a laboratory test for determining the relative carpet dirt removal effectiveseffectiveness of
residential central vacuum cleaning systems when tested under specified conditions.
1.2 This test method is applicable to residential central vacuum cleaning systems intended for cleaning carpets.
1.3 This test method applies only to embedded dirt removal from carpets, not the removal of surface litter and debris.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
F608 Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
F655 Specification for Test Carpets and Pads for Vacuum Cleaner Testing
F884 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of a Built-In (Central Vacuum) Vacuum Cleaner
F922 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of an Electric Motorized Nozzle
F1038 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of a Canister, Hand-held, Stick, and Utility Type Vacuum Cleaner Without a
Driven Agitator
F1334 Test Method for Determining A-Weighted Sound Power Level of Vacuum Cleaners
F1409 Test Method for Straight Line Movement of Vacuum Cleaners While Cleaning Carpets
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 cleaning ability, n—the potential of a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from a surface (sometimes referred to in the industry
as cleanability, dry).
3.1.2 model, n—the designation of a group of vacuum cleaners having identical, mechanical and electrical construction with
only cosmetic or nonfunctional differences.
3.1.3 population, n—the total of all units of a particular model vacuum cleaner being tested.
3.1.4 sample, n—a group of vacuum cleaners taken from a large collection of vacuum cleaners of one particular model, which
serves to provide information that may be used as a basis for making a decision concerning the larger collection.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F11 on Vacuum Cleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.21 on Cleanability.
Current edition approved July 1, 2009April 1, 2016. Published August 2009April 2016. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20082009 as
F1284 – 04 (2008).F1284 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/F1284-09.10.1520/F1284-09R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 1 Dirt Embedment Tool
3.1.5 test run, n—the definitive procedure that produces a singular measured result.
3.1.6 test unit, n—a single vacuum cleaner of the model being tested.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method provides a laboratory test for determining the relative carpet dirt removal effectiveness of residential central
vacuum cleaning systems when tested under standard conditions and on representative types of carpets.
4.2 This laboratory test method may not give a representation of carpet embedded dirt cleaning effectiveness in the home.
4.3 In order to provide a uniform basis for measuring performance as described in 1.2, standardized test carpets and standardized
test dirt are employed in this procedure.
4.4 The results reflect a non-loaded cleaning capability and may not be representative of cleaning capabilities under dirt loading
conditions.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Weighing Scale (for weighing carpets; see 9.1.1.5 and 9.4.5)—The scale must be accurate to 0.035 oz (1 g) and have a
weighing capacity of at least 15 lb (6.82 kg).
5.2 Weighing Scale (for weighing test dirt and non-disposable dirt receptacles; see 9.2.1.2 and 9.4.12)—The scale must be
accurate to 0.0035 oz (0.10 g) and have a weighing capacity of at least 1.1 lb (500 g).
5.3 Stopwatch with a second hand, or other type of equipment capable of establishing the specified rate of movement and total
cycle time.
5.4 Voltmeter, to measure input volts to the cleaning system to provide measurements accurate to within 61 %.
5.5 Voltage Regulator System, to control the input voltage to the vacuum cleaner. The regulator shall be capable of maintaining
the vacuum cleaner’s rated voltage 61 % and rated frequency having a wave form that is essentially sinusoidal with 3 % max
harmonic distortion for the duration of the test.
5.6 Dirt Embedment Tool, with the roller locked (see Fig. 1).
The OHAUS Models GT-8000, LB30-CO and 1119D, all available from OHAUS, Inc. Florham Park, NJ, or the equivalent, have been found suitable for this purpose.
It is recommended that the scale read directly in grams.
The Mettler-Toledo Model PM 2000, available from Mettler-Toledo, Inc., Box 71, Highstown, NJ, 08520. The OHAUS Model-GT-8000 available from OHAUS, Inc.,
Florham Park, NJ, or equivalent, have been found suitable for this purpose. It is recommended that the seal read directly in grams.
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 2 Carpet Cleaning Rack
5.7 Dirt Dispenser—Dispensing system that provides the operator with a method to distribute the test dirt uniformly on the
carpet test area.
5.8 Carpet Conditioning Equipment, to support the test carpet during new carpet conditioning and the removal of residual dirt
from the test carpet before each test run (Fig. 2).
5.9 Rotating Agitator Conditioning Vacuum Cleaner/Equipment, for conditioning new test carpets and removing residual dirt
from the test carpet before each test run. This cannot be the unit being tested.
NOTE 1—Automated methods for spreading the test dirt, embedding the test dirt, and cleaning and reconditioning the test carpets are acceptable if they
do not change the results of this test method.
5.10 Temperature and Humidity Indicators, to provide temperature measurements accurate to within 61°F (6 ⁄2 °C) and
humidity measurements accurate to within 62 % relative humidity.
5.11 Supporting Surface—A flat surface consisting of a piece of ⁄4-in. (19-mm) thick exterior-grade plywood with the “A”
surface upward to support the test carpet and pad. If necessary, the four corners (only) of the test carpet and pad may be fastened
to the supporting surface by any acceptable means.
5.12 Rotating Agitator Reference Vacuum Cleaner, one, for calibrating test carpets (see 9.2.4).
5.13 Straight-Air Canister Reference Vacuum Cleaner, one, for calibrating test carpets (see 9.2.4).
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 3 Orifice Adapter Tube
5.14 Orifice Adapter Tube—See Fig. 3.
6. Materials
6.1 Standard Carpets, conforming to Specification F655.
6.2 Standard Carpet Padding, conforming to Specification F655.
6.3 Test Dirt (see Annex A1).
6.3.1 Silica Sand—(see Annex A1).
6.3.2 Talc—see (Annex A1).
7. Sampling
7.1 A minimum of three units of the same model vacuum cleaner selected at random in accordance with good statistical practice
shall constitute the population sample.
7.1.1 To determine the best estimate of the cleaning ability effectiveness for the population of the vacuum cleaner model being
tested, the arithmetic mean of the cleaning ability rating of the sample from the population shall be established by testing it to a
90 % confidence level within 65 % of the mean value of the cleaning ability rating.
7.1.2 Annex A3 provides a procedural example for determining the 90 % confidence level and when the sample size shall be
increased.
NOTE 2—See Annex A3 for method of determining 90 % confidence level.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Test Room—Maintain the test room in which all conditioning and vacuum cleaner testing is done at 70 6 5°F (21 6 3°C)
and 45 to 55 % relative humidity.
8.2 All components involved in the test must remain and be exposed in the controlled environment for at least 16 h prior to the
start of the test.
9. Procedure
9.1 Test Carpet Preparation (see Fig. 4):
9.1.1 Preconditioning New Test Carpet Samples:
F1284 − 09 (2016)
FIG. 4 Carpet Conditioning/Calibration Procedure
9.1.1.1 New Test Carpets shall conform to Specification F655.
9.1.1.2 Cut a sample of each test carpet to a size of 27 by 72 in. (690 by 1830 mm) minimum. If the warp direction or “lay”
of the carpet can be determined, it shall be in the 72 in. direction as indicated in Fig. 5. Carpets shall be bound on all sides.
9.1.1.3 Mark the test area on each carpet as indicated in Fig. 5.
9.1.1.4 Precondition New Test Carpet Samples:
(1) Precondition the entire area of the carpet by cleaning with the rotating agitator conditioning vacuum cleaner. Continue the
operation until less than 0.07 oz (2 g) of carpet fiber is picked up in 5 min.
(2) Run ten carpet-embedded dirt removal effectiveness test runs in accordance with Sections 9.4.69.4.6 – 9.4.19– 9.4.19.
NOTE 3—Recondition the new test carpet following each preconditioning test run. It is not necessary, however, to meet the requirements set forth in
9.1.2.19.1.2.1 with respect to the preconditioned weight.
9.1.1.5 Weigh and record the preconditioned weight of the carpet.
9.1.1.6 Run a test carpet calibration in accordance with Section 9.39.3.
9.1.2 Reconditioning Used Test Carpet Samples:
F1284 − 09 (2016)
NOTE 1—Cleaning test area should be positioned as shown. First forward stroke of rotating agitator or carpet is in direction with lay of carpet.
FIG. 5 Test Carpet
9.1.2.1 Initial Daily Reconditioned Weight: At the beginning of each day, it is necessary to remove any dirt that may have settled
on the carpet surface and stabilize the moisture content of the carpet. Clean the carpet with a rotating agitator conditioning vacuum
cleaner until its weight does not exceed the initial reconditioned weight from the previous day of testing by more than 0.07 oz (2
g) or less than 0.035 oz (1 g) is picked up by the conditioning vacuum cleaner using the procedure in 9.1.2.39.1.2.3.
9.1.2.2 Following each test run, it is necessary to remove the residual dirt and stabilize the moisture content of the carpet. Clean
the carpet with a rotating agitator conditioning vacuum cleaner until its weight does not exceed the initial daily reconditioned
weight requirement of 9.1.2.19.1.2.1 by more than 0.07 oz (2 g) or less than 0.035 oz (1 g) is picked up by the conditioning vacuum
cleaner using the following procedure.
9.1.2.3 Procedure:
(1) Place the carpet on the carpet cleaning rack (Fig. 2) with the pile side down. Run the rotating agitator conditioning vacuum
cleaner over the carpet for 2 min concentrating on the test area at 1.8 ft/s (0.55 m/s); then run the rotating agitator conditioning
vacuum cleaner thoroughly over the entire carpet area at least one time.
(2) Place the carpet (pile side up) on the pad, on the plywood supporting surface, and clean it with the rotating agitator
conditioning vacuum cleaner for 2 min, concentrating on the test area; then run the rotating agitator vacuum cleaner thoroughly
over the entire area at least one time.
(3) Weigh the carpet.
(4) Keep alternating 9.1.2.39.1.2.3(1 (1) ) and 9.1.2.39.1.2.3(2 (2), ), always ending with the pile side up, until the carpet
weight meets the requirement of 9.1.2.19.1.2.1 or 9.1.2.29.1.2.2.
(5) Change the disposable primary filter after a maximum of every 4 runs on the conditioning vacuum cleaner or more often
if required.
(6) Reconditioning equipment that uses nondisposable filters should have the filter or filters cleaned after every four carpet
reconditioning runs or more often, if required.
NOTE 4—A high-cleaning performance rotating agitator vacuum cleaner is recommended for reducing the time to recondition the carpet.
9.1.3 Reconditioning Used Carpet Padding:
9.1.3.1 Clean the carpet padding by shaking weekly or more often, if necessary, to remove any collected dirt.
9.1.3.2 Replace the carpet padding when it has holes, tears, or other signs of wear.
9.2 Preparation of Test Systems and Cleaning Tools (see Fig. 6):
9.2.1 New Test Systems and Cleaning Tools:
9.2.1.1 Run the system in at rated voltage 61 % and rated frequency with filters in place.
(1) If a rotating agitator type cleaning tool is included with the system operate it for 1 h with agitator bristles not engaged on
any surface.
9.2.1.2 For vacuum cleaners with non-disposable dirt receptacles, weigh and record the receptacle’s original weight to the
nearest 0.0035 oz (0.10 g). This may not be possible with some systems in which the nondisposable filter cannot be removed.
9.2.2 Used Test Vacuum Cleaners:
9.2.2.1 Recondition a used test vacuum cleaner, prior to each test run, as follows:
(1) Thoroughly remove excess dirt from the test system. Without using tools for disassembly, clean the entire outer surface,
brushes, nozzle chamber, ductwork, inside of the chamber surrounding the primary filter, and inside hose and wands. Check the
condition of all mechanisms for signs of wear or damage. (See Note 5.)
(2) For systems using disposable filters as the primary filters, use a new disposa
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