ASTM F2797-19

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Edge Cleaning Effectiveness of Vacuum Cleaners

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides an indication of how close to a wall or baseboard a vacuum cleaner removes dirt/dust. The amount of dirt removed in the laboratory test may not be the same as in a home; however, it will show that, in most cases, a vacuum cleaner that performs well in the laboratory will perform well in a home. Laboratory results may differ due to variations in the homes: carpets, dirt, and other factors.
Note 1: The primary goal of this test method is not to evaluate the degree or the amount of dirt or dust debris that a given product removes, but rather how close to a wall or baseboard a vacuum has performed some measure of cleaning.  
4.2 In order to provide a uniform basis for measuring the performance described in 1.1, a standardized test carpet and test dust are employed in this procedure.
SCOPE
1.1 This test procedure provides a quantitative laboratory method for determining the edge cleaning effectiveness of a vacuum cleaner along walls and baseboards.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to household and commercial types of upright, canister, combination, stick and hand held vacuum cleaners.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 97.080 - Cleaning appliances
• Technical Committee: F11 - Vacuum Cleaners
• Drafting Committee: F11.21 - Cleanability

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F608-24 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D75/D75M-19 - Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM F608-17 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D75/D75M-13 - Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM F608-13 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM F608-11 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM F608-09 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E177-08 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM F608-07 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2007

Overview

ASTM F2797-19: Standard Test Method for Evaluating Edge Cleaning Effectiveness of Vacuum Cleaners establishes a quantitative laboratory procedure to determine how close to the edge of a wall or baseboard a vacuum cleaner can remove dirt and dust. Developed by ASTM, this standard enables manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and testing laboratories to consistently assess the performance of various household and commercial vacuum cleaners, including upright, canister, stick, combination, and handheld types. By providing a reliable and uniform testing method, ASTM F2797-19 supports transparent product comparisons and informed purchasing decisions for consumers and professionals.

Key Topics

• Edge Cleaning Performance: The primary focus is measuring how effectively a vacuum cleaner removes debris adjacent to walls and baseboards, not just the total amount of dirt collected.
• Standardized Test Environment: Testing is conducted using a controlled laboratory setting, with specific carpets and test dust to reduce variability and increase repeatability.
• Applicable Vacuum Types: The standard applies to a broad range of household and commercial vacuum cleaners, including all conventional designs.
• Measurement and Repeatability: Emphasis is placed on statistical sampling, using at least three units and multiple runs per unit to determine a reliable mean result. The repeatability requirement enhances data confidence.
• Testing Procedure: The protocol outlines preconditioning of both carpet and vacuum, precise dirt placement, and operator actions to ensure consistency in test runs.

Applications

Implementing ASTM F2797-19 in testing and product development offers significant practical value:

• Product Development and Quality Control: Manufacturers can use this standard during design and production phases to evaluate and enhance a vacuum cleaner's ability to remove edge debris, supporting continuous improvement.
• Comparative Testing and Certification: Testing laboratories and industry certifiers use this method to generate objective metrics for marketing, specification sheets, and eco-labeling schemes.
• Consumer Assurance: Results from standardized tests can be communicated to consumers, building trust through credible, comparable performance claims regarding edge cleaning effectiveness.
• Regulatory Compliance: Organizations and governmental bodies may reference ASTM F2797-19 when setting minimum performance requirements or drafting procurement guidelines for cleaning equipment.

Related Standards

• ASTM F608: Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial Vacuum Cleaners, focusing on overall cleaning ability rather than edge performance.
• IEC 60312: Vacuum cleaners for household use – Methods of measuring the performance, an international standard referenced for test carpet specifications and certain procedural elements.
• ASTM E177: Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods, providing guidance on precision reporting.
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method.
• ASTM D75/D75M: Practice for Sampling Aggregates, referenced in the context of selecting and sampling test materials.

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Keywords: ASTM F2797-19, vacuum cleaner testing, edge cleaning effectiveness, standardized test method, cleaning performance, laboratory test, household vacuum cleaners, commercial vacuum cleaners, edge cleaning, ASTM standards, IEC 60312, product evaluation.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2797 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Edge Cleaning Effectiveness of Vacuum
Cleaners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2797; 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 2.2 Other Standards:
IEC 60312 Vacuum cleaners for household use – Methods of
1.1 This test procedure provides a quantitative laboratory
measuring the performance, 4th Edition
method for determining the edge cleaning effectiveness of a
vacuum cleaner along walls and baseboards.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method is applicable to household and com-
3.1 Definitions:
mercial types of upright, canister, combination, stick and hand
3.1.1 cleaning ability, dry, n—the potential of a vacuum
held vacuum cleaners.
cleaner to remove dirt from a surface (sometimes referred to in
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
the industry as cleanability, dry).
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.1.2 model, n—the designation of a group of vacuum
only.
cleaners having identical mechanical and electrical construc-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
tion with only cosmetic or nonfunctional differences.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3 population, n—the total of all units of a particular
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
model vacuum cleaner being tested.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.4 sample, n—a group of vacuum cleaners taken from a
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
large collection of vacuum cleaners of one particular model
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
whichservestoprovideinformationthatmaybeusedasabasis
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
for making a decision concerning the larger collection.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.5 test run, n—the definitive procedure that produces a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
singular measured result.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.6 unit, n—a single vacuum cleaner of the model being
tested.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
4.1 This test method provides an indication of how close to
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
a wall or baseboard a vacuum cleaner removes dirt/dust. The
ASTM Test Methods
amount of dirt removed in the laboratory test may not be the
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
same as in a home; however, it will show that, in most cases,
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
a vacuum cleaner that performs well in the laboratory will
F608 Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt
perform well in a home. Laboratory results may differ due to
Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial
variations in the homes: carpets, dirt, and other factors.
Vacuum Cleaners NOTE 1—The primary goal of this test method is not to evaluate the
degree or the amount of dirt or dust debris that a given product removes,
but rather how close to a wall or baseboard a vacuum has performed some
measure of cleaning.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F11 on Vacuum
4.2 In order to provide a uniform basis for measuring the
Cleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.21 on Cleanability.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
performance described in 1.1, a standardized test carpet and
approvedin2010.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2010asF2797 – 10,whichwas
test dust are employed in this procedure.
withdrawn January 2019 and reinstated in April 2019. DOI: 10.1520/F2797-19.
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 Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 rue de
the ASTM website. Varembé, Case postale 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2797 − 19
5. Apparatus surface upward to support the test carpet. The test carpet may
be fastened to the supporting surface, but only the four corners,
5.1 Weighing Scale for Weighing Test Dirt, accurate to 0.10
by any acceptable means.
g (0.0035 oz) and having a weighing capacity of at least 500 g
(1.1 lb).
5.9 T-bar Guide—A “T-bar” constructed of wood (or other
suitable material) per Fig. 1. Construction shall be to ensure
5.2 Stopwatch, with a second hand or other type of equip-
T-bar does not move during testing.
ment capable of establishing the specified rate of movement
and total cycle time.
5.10 Measurement Scale—A measurement scale with an
accuracy and resolution of 0.04 in. (1 mm).
5.3 Voltmeter, to measure input volts to the vacuum cleaner,
to provide measurements accurate to within 61%.
6. Materials
5.4 Voltage-Regulator System, to control the input voltage
to the vacuum cleaner. The regulator shall be capable of
6.1 Debris Dust—Wedron 504 sand or equivalent in accor-
maintaining the vacuum cleaner’s rated voltage 61 % and
dance with Test Method F608, Annex A1.
rated frequency 61 Hz. having a wave form that is essentially
6.2 Test Carpet—Wilton Wool in accordance with IEC
sinusoidal with 3 % maximum harmonic distortion for the
60312, paragraph 5.1.1.2.
duration of the test.
5.5 Dirt Dispenser—Dispensing system that provides the
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
operator with a method to distribute the test dirt uniformly on
7.1 A minimum of three units of the same model vacuum
the carpet test area.
cleaner selected at random in accordance with good statistical
5.6 Rotating Agitator Conditioning Vacuum Cleaner/
practice shall constitute the population sample.
Equipment, for conditioning new test carpets and removing
7.1.1 To determine the best estimate of edge cleaning
residual dirt from the test carpet before each test run. This
effectiveness for the population of the vacuum cleaner model
cannot be the unit being tested.
being tested, the arithmetic mean of the edge cleaning effec-
5.7 Temperature and Humidity Indicators, to provide tem-
tiveness rating of the sample from the population shall be
perature measurements accurate to within 6 ⁄2 °C (61°F) and
established by testing it to a 90 % confidence level within
humidity measurements accurate to within 2 % relative humid-
65 % of the mean value.
ity.
7.1.2 Annex A1 provides a procedural example for deter-
5.8 Supporting Surface—Aflat surface consisting of a piece mining the 90 % confidence level and when the sample size
of 19-mm ( ⁄4-in.) thick exterior grade plywood with the “A” shall be increased.
FIG. 1 T-Bar Guide Rail in Units of Millimetres (Inches)
F2797 − 19
8. Conditioning instructions after each test run and clean the receptacle.
Primary filter shall be thoroughly cleaned per manufacturer’s
8.1 Test Room—Maintain the test room in which all condi-
instructions.
tioning and vacuum cleaner test is performed at 21 6 3°C (70
10.3 Test Vacuum Cleaner Settings—If various settings are
6 5°F) and 45 to 55 % relative humidity.
provided, set the motor speed setting, suction regulator, nozzle
8.2 All components involved in the test shall remain and be
height, or combination thereof using the manufacturer’s speci-
exposed in the controlled environment for at least 16 h prior to
fications as provided in the instruction manual for the carpet
the start of the test.
type. Contact the manufacturer if no instructions are given, or
if the instructions are unclear or inadequate.
9. Test Carpets
9.1 New test carpets shall conform to IEC 60312, paragraph
11. Procedure
5.1.1.2.
11.1 Clean and prepare the carpet test panel in accordance
9.1.1 Cut a sample of each test carpet to a size of 1220 by
with 9.2 for new carpets or 9.3 for used carpets.
1830 mm (48 by 72 in.) minimum. If the warp direction or
11.2 Prepare test cleaners and dirt receptacles in accordance
“lay” of the carpet can be determined, it shall be in the 1830
with Section 10.
mm (72 in.) direction. (It is recommended that the carpets be
bound on all sides to prevent fraying during handling.)
11.3 Ensure the vacuum cleaner settings have been set in
accordance with 10.3.
9.2 Precondition New Test Carpet Samples—Precondition
the entire area of the carpet by cleaning with the rotating
11.4 Test Dirt Preparation—Weigh 200 60.1g(7 6 0.005
agitator conditioning vacuum cleaner for 5 min. If more than
oz) of test dust.
2 g of fiber is removed after 5 min of vacuuming, repeat
11.5 Using the dirt dispenser and any convenient spreading
vacuuming in 2-min sessions until less than 1 g of fiber is
method, distribute test dust uniformly down the center area of
removed.
the carpet test surface approximately 254 mm wide by 1016
9.3 Reconditioning Used Test Carpet Samples—To remove mm long (10 by 40 in.). Ensure good visible coverage.
the residual dirt, clean the carpet with a rotating agitator
11.6 PlacetheT-baroverthemiddleofthedustcoveredarea
conditioning vacuum cleaner until no dirt is visible on the
of the carpet test surface. The middle leg of the T-bar shall be
carpet surface.
placed parallel to the carpet lay such that the first cleaning
stroke will be conducted in the direction of the carpet pile lay.
10. Test Vacuum Cleaners
11.6.1 Test dust must be spread out a minimum of 76 mm (3
10.1 New Test Vacuum Cleaners: in.) from each side/edge of the T-bar.
10.1.1 Preconditioning a New Test Vacuum Cleaner—Run
11.7 Energize the cleaner for 2 min at nameplate rated
the vacuum cleaner in at rated voltage 61 % and rated
voltage(61%)andfrequency(61Hz)immediatelypreceding
frequency 61 Hz with filters in place.
the test sequence of 11.8. For vacuum cleaners with dual
10.1.1.1 Preconditioning Rotating Agitator Type Vacuum
nameplate voltage ratings, conduct testing at the highest
Cleaner—In a stationary position, operate the vacuum cleaner
voltage.
for 1 h with the bristles not engaged on any surface.
11.7.1 For a rotating agitator-type vacuum cleaner, place it
10.1.1.2 Preconditioning a Straight-Air Canister Vacuum
such that the bristles clear the supporting surface and no loose
Cleaner—Operatethevacuumcleanerfor1hwithawide-open
dirt is picked up.
inlet (without hose).
11.7.2 For a straight-air canister vacuum cleaner, operate
withtherugtoolunrestricted,positionedsuchthatnoloosedirt
10.2 Used Test Vacuum Cleaners:
is picked up from the supporting surface.
10.2.1 Reconditionausedtestvacuumcleaner;priortoeach
11.8 Immediately following the 2-min “run-in” of 11.7,
test run as follows:
de-energize the vacuum cleaner and place the vacuum cleaner
10.2.1.1 Thoroughly remove excess dirt from the vacuum
nozzle on the test carpet directly in front of the target cleaning
cleaner. Without using tools for disassembly, clean the entire
area.
outer surface, brushes, nozzle chamber, ductwork, inside of
11.8.1 Reasonable efforts shall be made to maintain the
chamber surrounding the primary filter, and inside hose and
handle height at 800 mm (31.5 in.) during each test run for
wands.
vacuum cleaners with a pivoting handle.
10.2.1.2 For vacuum cleaners using disposable filters as the
11.8.2 Reasonable efforts shall be made to maintain the
primary filters, use a new disposable primary filter from the
vacuum cleaner’s nozzle parallel to the test carpet surface
manufacturer for each test. Follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
during each test run for vacuum cleaners with non-pivoting
tions for the filter installation.
handles.
10.2.1.3 For vacuum cleaners using water as the primary
filter, empty the receptacle and refill as recommended by the
11.9 Tilt or lift the nozzle off the carpet, energize the
manufacturer.
vacuum cleaner and adjust the voltage to rated voltage 61%.
10.2.1.4 For vacuum cleaners using non-disposable dirt Allow the vacuum cleaner to run and expand the filter bag, if
receptacles, empty in accordance with the manufacturer’s one is present.
F2797 − 19
11.10 Lower the nozzle onto the carpet before the test area. 12.2 A minimum of two additional test sample units of the
Again, adjust the voltage to rated voltage 61 %; then perform same model shall be selected in accordance with the sampling
one forward stroke and one backward st
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