ASTM F2647-07(2023)

Standard Guide for Approved Methods of Installing a CVS (Central Vacuum System)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The suggestions of this guide are intended to provide proper installation materials and practices to be used during the installation of a central-vacuum system.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide demonstrates proper methods for installing a central-vacuum system.  
1.2 Appendix X1 contains additional sources of information that may be helpful to the user of this guide.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the 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-Aug-2023
• ICS: 23.160 - Vacuum technology
• Technical Committee: F11 - Vacuum Cleaners
• Drafting Committee: F11.30 - Durability-Reliability

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E2174-20a - Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestop Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM E2174-20 - Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestops
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F412-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM E2174-19 - Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestops
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM F412-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM E2174-18 - Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestops
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM F412-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-16a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM F412-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM F412-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2174-14b - Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestops
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM E2174-14a - Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestops
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM E2174-14 - Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestops
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2014
• Refers: ASTM E814-13a - Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013

Overview

ASTM F2647-07(2023), Standard Guide for Approved Methods of Installing a CVS (Central Vacuum System), provides comprehensive recommendations for the installation of central vacuum systems in residential and commercial settings. Issued by ASTM International, this standard focuses on effective installation materials and practices to ensure optimal performance and safety. The guide supports builders, contractors, and installers by outlining standardized procedures, thus promoting uniform quality across installations.

Key Topics

• Installation Materials and Practices: The guide details the proper use of materials such as plastic and metal tubing, fittings, solvent cements, and adhesives for central vacuum systems. It highlights handling, joint preparation, and assembly techniques for robust and reliable results.
• Methodology: Step-by-step recommendations are provided for locating hose inlet-valves, running tubing, integrating low-voltage wiring, and connecting the power unit to ensure efficient vacuum coverage throughout the building.
• Tool and Equipment Requirements: The standard includes a recommended tool list-from drills and saws to measuring tapes and safety gear-to facilitate proper installation.
• Storage and Handling: Best practices for storing tubing and fittings are included to prevent damage, such as maintaining proper inventory rotation and avoiding prolonged sunlight exposure.
• Joints and Connections: Approved methods for joining PVC and metal tubing-including solvent welding, adhesives, compression couplings, and shrink sleeves-are discussed, along with relevant safety and workmanship considerations.
• Fire Penetration and Code Compliance: Guidelines for handling fire penetrations and compliance with local building codes are provided, referencing fire test and inspection standards.
• Testing and Troubleshooting: Procedures for system testing post-installation are outlined to verify hose inlet-valve operation, check for air leaks, and ensure troubleshooting is systematic.
• Underground and Concealed Installation: Practical recommendations are presented for routing central vacuum tubing under floors or within walls, including burial depth, moisture protection, and electrical wiring considerations.

Applications

Adhering to ASTM F2647-07(2023) is essential for:

• Residential Construction: Ensuring central vacuum systems are installed efficiently and safely in new homes and retrofit projects.
• Commercial Properties: Assisting facility managers and contractors in implementing large-scale vacuum systems for office buildings, hotels, and institutions.
• Renovations and Upgrades: Guiding installers during upgrades or expansions of existing central vacuum infrastructure.
• Building Code Compliance: Enabling compliance with local, national, and international building codes and fire safety regulations.
• Quality Assurance: Supporting consistent system performance and durability, while reducing the risk of installation errors or future maintenance issues.

Related Standards

Reference to related ASTM standards and industry documents ensures complete installation practices:

• ASTM F2158: Specification for Residential Central-Vacuum Tube and Fittings
• ASTM F402: Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements, Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM F412: Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• ASTM E814: Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
• ASTM E2174: Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestop Systems

Conclusion

Following ASTM F2647-07(2023) offers multiple benefits for central vacuum system installation, such as improving reliability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing user safety. By standardizing materials, methods, and system checks, this guide is a critical resource for professionals seeking excellence and consistency in the installation of central vacuum systems. For the most current information and complete details, refer to the official ASTM standard and consult the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

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: F2647 − 07 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Guide for
Approved Methods of Installing a CVS (Central Vacuum
System)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2647; 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 E814 Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop
Systems
1.1 This guide demonstrates proper methods for installing a
E2174 Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestop
central-vacuum system.
Systems
1.2 Appendix X1 contains additional sources of information
F402 Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements,
that may be helpful to the user of this guide.
Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermoplastic
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Pipe and Fittings
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
information only.
F2158 Specification for Residential Central-Vacuum Tube
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and Fittings
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Definitions:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2 For definitions of terms used in this guide, see Termi-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
nology F412.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 The suggestions of this guide are intended to provide
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
proper installation materials and practices to be used during the
installation of a central-vacuum system.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Materials
1 5.1 Plastic Materials—For information on plastic materials
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F11 on Vacuum
Cleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.30 on Durability-
used for installing a CVS system, see Specification F2158.
Reliability.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2647 – 07 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/F2647-07R23.
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
F2647 − 07 (2023)
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. STORAGE
X1.1 Outside Storage—Plastic tube should be stored on a stored where the temperature exceeds 130 °F (54 °C).
flat surface or supported in a manner that will prevent sagging
X1.2 Inventories of plastic tube should be used on a first-in,
or bending. Do not store tube in direct sunlight for long
periods. To prevent damage, tubing and fittings should not be first-out basis.
X2. JOINTS AND CONNECTIONS
X2.1 PVC tubing and fittings shall be joined by the solvent- X2.2 Metal tubing and fittings shall be joined according to
cement method. Appendix X4.
X3. SOLVENT CEMENT JOINTS
X3.1 Tube Cutting—Cut the tube square with the axis, using
a fine-tooth handsaw and a miter box. A rotary cutter may be
used if the cutting blades are specifically designed for cutting
plastic tube in such a way as not to raise a burr or ridge (flare)
at the cut end (see Fig. X3.1). Remove all burrs with a
deburring tool, knife, file, or abrasive paper.
X3.2 Dry Fit Test—The solvent cement joint is designed so
that there will generally be interference of the tube wall with
the fitting socket before the tube is fully inserted. Insert the
tube into the fitting and check that the interference occurs about
FIG. X3.2 Tube Entering Dry Fitting
1 2
⁄3 to ⁄3 of the socket depth (Fig. X3.2).
X3.3 Cleaning—Surfaces to be joined must be cleaned and
the applicator immersed in cement between applications. (See
be free of dirt, moisture, oil, and other foreign material. If this
Practice F402 for proper handling procedures.)
cannot be accomplished by wiping with a clean, dry cloth, a
X3.4.2 Application of Cement—PVC solvent cement is fast
chemical or mechanical cleaner must be used. If a chemical
drying, and, therefore, the cement shall be applied as quickly as
cleaner is used, apply with an applicator. (Warning—Skin
possible, consistent with good workmanship (see Fig. X3.3).
contact with chemical cleaners should be avoided.)
The surface temperature of the mating surfaces should not
X3.4 Application Procedure: exceed 110 °F (43 °C) at the time of assembly.
X3.4.1 Handling Cement—Keep the cement can closed and X3.4.3 Apply cement lightly but uniformly to the outside of
in a shady place when not actually in use. Discard the cement the tubing, taking care to keep the use of cement to a minimum.
when an appreciable change in viscosity takes place or at the (Warning—Application of cement to fitting socket is not
first sign of gelation. The cement should not be thinned. Keep recommended and can cause drippings or an excess amount of
FIG. X3.1 Apparatus for Cutting Tube
F2647 − 07 (2023)
FIG. X3.3 Uniform Application of Cement to Outside of Tube
FIG. X3.4 Assembly of Joint
cement to be pushed to the inside diameter of the connection
that can possibly snag debris and eventually create a clog.)
socket. To distribute the cement evenly, turn the tube or fitting
X3.4.4 Low-Temperature Applications—At temperatures a ⁄4 turn during the process (see Fig. X3.4).
below freezing, 32 °F (0 °C), solvents penetrate and soften the
X3.4.6 Assembly should be completed within 20 s after the
PVC surfaces more slowly than in warmer weather. For this
application of cement. (Warning—Until the cement is set in
reason, it is recommended that testing be done on a piece of
the joint, the tube may back out of the fitting socket, if not held
scrap tube to determine if satisfactory penetration of the
in place for approximately 1 min after assembly. Care should
surfaces can be achieved.
be taken during assembly not to disturb or apply any force to
X3.4.5 Assembly of Joint—Immediately after applying a the joints previously made, as early rough handling can destroy
coat of cement to the tube, forcibly insert the tube into the fresh joints.)
X4. METHODS OF JOINING METAL TUBING AND FITTINGS
X4.1 Tube Cutting—Cut the tube square with the axis, using X4.3.2 Compression Couplings—A mechanically fastened
a metal cutting blade in a chop saw or band saw. A rotary cutter coupling that connects straight end tubing or fittings within the
may be used if the cutting blades are specifically designed for ID of the coupling. These couplings offer an easy “tear down”
cutting metal tube in such a way as not to raise a burr or ridge or “repair” function (see Fig. X4.1 and Fig. X4.2).
(flare) at the cut end. Remove all burrs with a deburring tool,
X4.3.3 Shrink Sleeve—A heat shrinkable polyolefin band
file or abrasive paper.
literally shrinks and encircles the connection giving it mechani-
cal strength and a positive seal. This joining method can be
X4.2 Cleaning—Surfaces to be joined must be cleaned and
used in conjunction with slip couplings, expanded tubing or
free of dirt, moisture, oil and other foreign material. If this
fittings. Depending on weather conditions, shrink sleeves
cannot be accomplished by wiping with a clean, dry cloth, a
typically can be installed in as little as 1 min to 2 min each (see
chemical or mechanical cleaner must be used. If a chemical
Fig. X4.3).
cleaner is used, apply with an applicator. (Warning—Skin
X4.3.3.1 Equipment Needed to Apply Shrink Sleeve:
contact with chemical cleaners should be avoided.)
(1) A propane or butane torch, having a broad 12 in. or 15
in. soft billowy orange flame.
X4.3 Assembly of Joint—There are three popular and rec-
ommended methods of joining metal tubing and fittings for use (2) Or a commercial heat gun with 500 °F (14 amp)
capability.
in low vacuum and pressure systems under 16 psig (Adhesive,
Compression Couplings and Shrink Sleeves). All of these X4.3.3.2 Applying Shrink Sleeve:
methods provide secure connections eliminating the need for
welding or brazing.
X4.3.1 Adhesive—The best proven adhesive to bond metal
tubing and fittings together is industrial contact cement. For
best results, apply coatings of equal thickness on each clean
surface to be joined. Do not join immediately. When both
surfaces are tacky to touch, insert the tubing the full depth into
the fitting socket. Make sure excess adhesive has not been
pushed to the inside diameter of the tubing (if any has be sure
to remove it to prevent any future obstruction areas). FIG. X4.1 Compression Coupling
F2647 − 07 (2023)
FIG. X4.3 Shrink Sleeve
(2) Apply heat, starting in center over joint and work
towards the ends—applying heat as uniformly as possible
around the circumference of the sleeve.
(3) Operation is complete when the sleeve is in 360°
contact with the tube and a small amount of molten adhesive is
visible at both ends of the sleeve.
(4) The joined connection may be moved when the sleeve
and joint area are cool enough to hold with bare hands.
FIG. X4.2 Improved Compression Coupling
(5) For repair, simply cut the sleeve with a knife or razor
blade and remove.
X4.4 Tubing Support—All horizontal runs of the system
(1) Slip shrink sleeve over the clean tube before joining must be securely supported and fastened with tube hangers.
fittings together, join fittings and center shrink sleeve over joint Hangers should be spaced on 10 ft centers. All vertical tubing
area. must be firmly held in place.
X5. SYSTEM INSTALLATION
1 1
X5.1 To determine the location of hose inlet-valves, identify X5.2.1 ⁄2-in. (1.3-cm) right angle drill or ⁄2-in. (1.3-cm)
drill,
locations that will provide the maximum area of cleaning
coverage, usually on inside walls in hallways, near doorways,
1 9
X5.2.2 2 ⁄4 to 2 ⁄16-in. (5.7 to 6.5-cm) hole saw or cutter,
archways, and at the bottom of stairways. (Warning—
X5.2.3 ⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) masonry drill bit,
Installation of a tubing system will vary depending on the
architecture of the building; however, some features are com-
X5.2.4 Common hacksaw or small handsaw with 18 teeth/
mon and are addressed. Other features are referenced in the
in. blade or 2 in. PVC tube cutter,
manufacturer’s installation instructions.) Support for the tubing
X5.2.5 Miter box,
to be not less than every 4 ft (122 cm).
X5.2.6 Steel measuring tape,
X5.1.1 After locating the hose inlet-valve (unless the hose is
X5.2.7 Screw driver (Philips),
shorter), use a 30-ft (9.1-m) length of cord or string to ensure
that the maximum area of cleaning coverage is accessible.
X5.2.8 Screw driver (slot),
Drawings or plans may be used as well as the actual building.
X5.2.9 Wire connectors for #20 AWG (min) wire,
Floor plans are
...