ASTM F1411-11(2018)

Standard Practice for Presenting Selected Information on Vacuum Cleaners for Consumer Use

ABSTRACT
This practice identifies the method of presenting information on selected performance and physical characteristics of a vacuum cleaner. Information will be presented to consumers in the form of a buyer's guide, with cleaner characteristics as follows: brand, model number, weight of cleaner, bag capacity, maximum cleaning distance from outlet, cleaning ability, embedded dirt, maneuverability, maximum air power, quietness, and durability.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice identifies the method of presenting information on selected performance and physical characteristics of a residential vacuum cleaner.  
1.2 This information is intended to assist the consumer in comparing selected characteristics of vacuum cleaner models.  
1.3 It is also intended that this information be presented in a manner that is meaningful and understandable to the consumer.  
1.4 The characteristics are selected from those for which ASTM test methods have been developed.  
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: 28-Feb-2018
• ICS: 97.080 - Cleaning appliances
• Technical Committee: F11 - Vacuum Cleaners
• Drafting Committee: F11.93 - Consumer Information

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 F1334-24 - Standard Test Method for Determining A-Weighted Sound Power Level of Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM F888-06(2024) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Maximum Function Volume of the Primary Dirt<brk/> Receptacle in a Vacuum Cleaner
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM F2756-24 - Standard Test Method for Determining Energy Consumption of Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM F1409-23 - Standard Test Method for Straight Line Movement of Vacuum Cleaners While Cleaning Carpets
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM F395-10(2018) - Standard Terminology Relating to Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM F558-17a - Standard Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Characteristics of Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• 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 F558-17 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Characteristics of Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM F2608-15 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Change in Room Air Particulate Counts as a Result of the Vacuum Cleaning Process
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM F2608-07(2014) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Change in Room Air Particulate Counts as a Result of the Vacuum Cleaning Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM F1334-14 - Standard Test Method for Determining A-Weighted Sound Power Level of Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• 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 F558-13 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Characteristics of Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM F1334-12 - Standard Test Method for Determining A-Weighted Sound Power Level of Vacuum Cleaners
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012

Overview

ASTM F1411-11(2018), titled Standard Practice for Presenting Selected Information on Vacuum Cleaners for Consumer Use, is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This practice specifies the method for presenting essential performance and physical characteristics of residential vacuum cleaners. Its core objective is to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions by providing standardized, easy-to-understand comparative data in the form of a buyer’s guide. By ensuring consistency and transparency, ASTM F1411-11(2018) supports fair competition and effective communication within the vacuum cleaner market.

Key Topics

• Standardized Consumer Information: Defines the structure and content of information presented to consumers, including brand, model, weight, bag capacity, maximum cleaning distance, and more.
• Performance Characteristics: Focuses on attributes determined by ASTM test methods, such as embedded dirt removal, hard surface cleaning, maneuverability, air power (suction), energy consumption, durability, quietness, and dust emissions.
• Rating Systems: Outlines how to use boundary values and incremented scales (generally 1-10, where 10 indicates best performance) for quantifying vacuum cleaner capabilities.
• Data Presentation Format: Specifies the buyer’s guide format, including ordering of characteristics, presentation rules, and typeface requirements for clarity.
• Consumer Comparisons: Facilitates direct comparison of vacuum cleaner models based on tested and rated attributes most relevant to household users.
• Alignment with WTO Guidelines: Ensures that the information presentation aligns with World Trade Organization principles on standardization, supporting international market access.

Applications

The practical value of ASTM F1411-11(2018) lies in its ability to deliver clear, comparable, and reliable information to end-users and manufacturers:

• Buyer’s Guides and Fact Tags: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers use the standardized buyer’s guide format to display vacuum cleaner specifications and performance ratings at the point of sale or in promotional materials.
• Improved Consumer Decision-Making: Shoppers can evaluate vacuum cleaners using consistent criteria such as carpet and hard surface cleaning ability, maneuverability, energy efficiency, and quietness-key factors in household use.
• Product Development and Marketing: Companies follow the standard to benchmark and promote products, providing easy-to-understand comparative data that can distinguish their offerings in a competitive market.
• Regulatory Compliance and International Trade: The standard supports compliance with global trade guidelines, enabling manufacturers to market vacuum cleaners internationally with confidence in the validity of presented information.
• Third-Party Evaluations and Reviews: Testing labs, consumer advocacy groups, and reviewers may employ ASTM F1411-11(2018) as a basis for independent product testing and reporting.

Related Standards

The effectiveness of ASTM F1411-11(2018) depends on various referenced ASTM test methods, including:

• ASTM F395: Terminology relating to vacuum cleaners
• ASTM F555, F1038, F922: Methods for evaluating vacuum cleaner motor life
• ASTM F558: Air performance characteristics measurement
• ASTM F608: Embedded dirt removal effectiveness
• ASTM F888: Bag or dirt receptacle volume determination
• ASTM F1334: Sound power level (quietness) assessment
• ASTM F1409: Maneuverability testing
• ASTM F2607: Hard surface floor cleaning ability
• ASTM F2608: Dust emissions during vacuuming
• ASTM F2756: Energy consumption measurement

These referenced standards ensure that all presented data in consumer guides are collected objectively and comparably across different vacuum cleaner models.

Conclusion

ASTM F1411-11(2018) is essential for vacuum cleaner manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike, streamlining purchase decisions through transparent, standardized, and internationally recognized product information. Adherence to this standard enhances credibility, supports regulatory compliance, and fosters a more competitive, informed market for residential vacuum cleaners.

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: F1411 − 11 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practice for
Presenting Selected Information on Vacuum Cleaners for
Consumer Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1411; 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 F1038 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of a Canister,
Hand-held, Stick, and Utility Type Vacuum Cleaner With-
1.1 This practice identifies the method of presenting infor-
out a Driven Agitator
mation on selected performance and physical characteristics of
F1334 Test Method for Determining A-Weighted Sound
a residential vacuum cleaner.
Power Level of Vacuum Cleaners
1.2 This information is intended to assist the consumer in
F1409 Test Method for Straight Line Movement of Vacuum
comparing selected characteristics of vacuum cleaner models.
Cleaners While Cleaning Carpets
F2607 Test Method for Measuring the Hard Surface Floor-
1.3 It is also intended that this information be presented in
a manner that is meaningful and understandable to the con- Cleaning Ability of Household/Commercial Vacuum
Cleaners
sumer.
F2608 Test Method for Determining the Change in Room
1.4 The characteristics are selected from those for which
Air Particulate Counts as a Result of theVacuum Cleaning
ASTM test methods have been developed.
Process
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
F2756 TestMethodforDeterminingEnergyConsumptionof
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Vacuum Cleaners
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3. Method of Information Presentation
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1 Information will be presented to consumers in the form
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
of a buyer’s guide.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 The cleaner characteristics to be included in the buyer’s
2.1 ASTM Standards:
guide are as follows:
F395 Terminology Relating to Vacuum Cleaners
3.2.1 Brand,
F555 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of an Upright
3.2.2 Model number,
Vacuum Cleaner
3.2.3 Weight of cleaner,
F558 Test Method for Measuring Air Performance Charac-
3.2.4 Bag capacity,
teristics of Vacuum Cleaners
3.2.5 Maximum cleaning distance from outlet,
F608 Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt
3.2.6 Cleaning ability,
Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial
3.2.6.1 Embedded dirt,
Vacuum Cleaners
F888 Test Method for Measuring Maximum Function Vol- 3.2.6.2 Hard Surface Cleaning,
ume of the Primary Dirt Receptacle in a Vacuum Cleaner 3.2.7 Maneuverability,
F922 Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of an Electric
3.2.8 Maximum air power,
Motorized Nozzle
3.2.9 Quietness,
3.2.10 Durability, and
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F11 on Vacuum
3.2.11 Dust Emissions as a Result of Vacuuming.
Cleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.93 on Consumer
Information.
3.3 For an individual cleaner the information on weight of
Current edition approved March 1, 2018. Published March 2018. Originally
cleaner, bag capacity, and maximum cleaning distance from
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F1411 – 11. DOI:
outlet should be presented as actual values obtained from the
10.1520/F1411-11R18.
applicable test methods (see Table 1).
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.4 For an individual cleaner, the performance characteris-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. tics shown in Table 2 should be rated in accordance with the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1411 − 11 (2018)
TABLE 1 Cleaner Characteristics Not Requiring Boundaries
ASTM Test
Cleaner Characteristic Value
Method
1. Operational weight of cleaner F395 pounds
2. Bag capacity F888 quarts (dry)
3. Maximum cleaning distance from outlet F395 feet plus inches
4. Average energy consumed while clean- F2756 kilowatt-hours
ing carpet
TABLE 2 Cleaner Characteristics, Boundaries and Increments
ASTM Performance, Boundaries, Performance
Cleaner Characteristics Value
Test Method Low High Increments
I. Embedded dirt removal
Level loop carpet F608 %0 90 9%
Multi-level carpet F608 %0 70 7%
Plush carpet F608 %0 60 6%
Shag carpet F608 % 0 15 1.5 %
Geometric Mean F608 %0 50 5%
II. Maneuverability
(Level loop, multi-level, F1409 ft·lbf 80 (or higher) 25 Ratings 2 to 10 are in increments of 5.5 ft·lbf.
plush, shag, and Geometric Rating 1 is anything higher than 80 ft·lbf.
Mean)
III. Hard Surface Cleaning F2607 % 0 100 10 %
IV. Maximum air power at end F558 airwatts 0 275 27.5 W
of hose (suction power)
V. Durability of motors F1038 (straight air cleaners) hours 0 720 (or higher) Ratings 1 to 9 are in increments of 80 h.
F555 (upright cleaners) hours 0 720 (or higher) Rating 10 is anything higher than 720 h.
F922 (motorized nozzles) hours 0 720 (or higher)
VI. Quietness F1334 sound power, greater than 91 lower tha
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