ASTM F555-01(2016)

Standard Test Method for Motor Life Evaluation of an Upright Vacuum Cleaner

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The test results provide an indication of the motor life of an electric upright vacuum cleaner. End of motor life will be judged in accordance with Section 3.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers motor life evaluation of household or commercial single and dual motor upright vacuum cleaners (uprights with separate motors for creating the vacuum and driving the floor brush). Self-propelled or power-assist cleaners are not within the scope of this test method.  
1.2 This test method is limited to evaluation of the upright vacuum cleaner electric motor(s).  
1.3 This test method provides a test to determine operating life of the motor(s), before servicing is needed, by an accelerated laboratory procedure. Motor(s) are tested while mounted and operated in the upright vacuum cleaner.  
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, which 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: 30-Sep-2016
• ICS: 97.080 - Cleaning appliances
• Technical Committee: F11 - Vacuum Cleaners
• Drafting Committee: F11.30 - Durability-Reliability

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: F555 − 01 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Motor Life Evaluation of an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F555; 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 F655 Specification for Test Carpets and Pads for Vacuum
Cleaner Testing
1.1 This test method covers motor life evaluation of house-
hold or commercial single and dual motor upright vacuum
3. Terminology
cleaners (uprights with separate motors for creating the
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
vacuum and driving the floor brush). Self-propelled or power-
3.1.1 motor life—limited by failure of motor. Failure is
assist cleaners are not within the scope of this test method.
motor stoppage. In the case of a dual motor upright, the test
1.2 This test method is limited to evaluation of the upright
will be continued until both motors (vacuum motor and floor
vacuum cleaner electric motor(s).
brush motor) have failed. The motor that fails first will be
1.3 This test method provides a test to determine operating
replaced so that the test may continue on the other motor. The
life of the motor(s), before servicing is needed, by an acceler- motor life of each motor will be recorded separately.
ated laboratory procedure. Motor(s) are tested while mounted
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Any failure integral with the motor,
and operated in the upright vacuum cleaner. such as armature assembly, field assembly, housing(s),
bearings, motor cooling fan or primary air moving fan, brush
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
assemblies, motor mounted nonresettable thermal protection
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
devices, or any other component judged to be integral with the
conversions to SI units, which are provided for information
motor, shall be judged as motor stoppage.
only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 The test results provide an indication of the motor life of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
an electric upright vacuum cleaner. End of motor life will be
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
judged in accordance with Section 3.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Apparatus and Materials
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 Voltage Regulator System, to control the input voltage to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the vacuum cleaner. The regulator system shall be capable of
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
maintaining the vacuum cleaner’s rated voltage 61 % and
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psy-
rated frequency 61 Hz, having a wave form that is essentially
chrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Tem-
sinusoidal with 3 % maximum harmonic distortion for the
peratures)
duration of the test.
F431 Specification for Air Performance Measurement Ple-
5.2 Voltmeter, to provide measurements accurate to within
num Chamber for Vacuum Cleaners
61 %.
F608 Test Method for Evaluation of Carpet Embedded Dirt
Removal Effectiveness of Household/Commercial
5.3 Timer and Switch, having the capacity to control the
Vacuum Cleaners
off/on duty cycle of the cleaner during the life test.
5.4 Sharp Edge Orifice Plate—a 1 ⁄4-in. (32-mm) diameter
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F11 on Vacuum orifice shall be in accordance with Fig. 2 of Specification F431.
Cleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.30 on Durability-
5.5 Wattmeter, to provide measurements accurate to within
Reliability.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016. Published October 2016. Originally 1 %.
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F555 – 01 (2011).
5.6 Plenum Chamber, conforming to the plenum chamber
DOI: 10.1520/F0555-01R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or described in Specification F431.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.7 Water Manometer, or equivalent instrument measuring
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. in increments of 0.1 in. (2.54 mm).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F555 − 01 (2016)
5.8 Barometer, to provide measurements accurate to 60.05 7. Procedure For Motor Life Evaluation
in. Hg (1.27 mm Hg), with scale divisions 0.02 in. (0.51 mm)
7.1 Determine initial performance as follows:
or finer.
7.1.1 Seal the nozzle opening to the plenum chamber with a
5.9 Thermometer, having a range of at least 18 to 80°F (−8
manometer (or equivalent) connected to the chamber and with
to +27°C) and graduated in 1°F (0.5°C) increments. a 1 ⁄4-in. (32-mm) diameter sharp-edge orifice in the holder.
For the test, connect the agitator drive belt and a clean filter or
5.10 Psychrometer, meeting the requirements of Test
filter bag to the cleaner. The agitator shall be operating freely
Method E337 for thermometers, graduated in increments of
with the handle in the operating position as shown in Fig. 1.
1°F (0.5°C).
7.1.2 With the cleaner sealed to the plenum chamber and
5.11 Test Carpet, conforming to the level loop carpet
without an orifice plate in the holder, energize the cleaner at
described in Specification F655. A carpet that provides equiva-
rated voltage 61 % and rated frequency 61 Hz for 5 min to
lent nozzle loading results may be used.
stabilize motor temperatures.
5.12 Carpet Padding (optional), if used, the test carpet 7.1.3 With the cleaner operating at a constant rated voltage,
padding will conform to the padding described in Specification
insert the 1 ⁄4-in. (32-mm) diameter sharp-edge orifice into the
F655. holder on the orifice box.
7.1.4 Record the manometer reading as soon as the reading
5.13 Test Fixture, a moving surface covered by the test
stabilizes.
carpet supported on the test pad, which moves with a horizon-
7.1.5 Record the wattage of the cleaner on the plenum
tal reciprocating motion, for a stroke distance of 27 in. (686
chamber. The wattage reading is used to monitor the cleaner
mm) in each direction at the average rate of 1.8 ft/s (0.55 m/s),
load.
which results in 24 cycles (forward and back) per minute. This
7.1.6 Measure the airflow and wattage reading every 168 h
motion shall be generated by rotating a 13.5-in. (343-mm)
to determine if some component has failed and degraded
radius arm, which shall be connected to the platform with an
performance, reducing the load on the cleaner during the life
arm at least 24 in. (610 mm) long or equivalent. This device
test. If degradation exceeds 40 % see 7.9.1 – 7.9.3.
shall provide means to hold the cleaner fixed by its handle
7.1.7 Monitor the suction of the cleaner during the test in
stationary in the operating position while it is in contact with
addition to the weekly measurement on the plenum chamber to
the reciprocating surface (see Fig. 1). Optionally, the cleaner
maintain loading and to ensure that no mechanical problems
can be moved through the same cycle as stated above while the
exist.
carpeted platform is held stationary (see Fig. 1). For either
option, the reciprocating motion shall follow the same duty
7.2 Use a new section of carpet and padding without holes,
cycle as specified for the vacuum cleaner in 7.7. For the
tears, or other signs of wear when the test is started. Tautly
optional test fixture of Fig. 1, the reciprocating arm must be at
secure the carpet. The lay of the carpet pile shall be such that
either end of its horizontal motion at the start of each “on”
during the forward stroke, the cleaner moves in the direction of
portion of the cycle.
the lay of the carpet pile. See Fig. 1.
5.14 Test Dirt, Wedron sand/talc mixture. See Annex A1.
7.3 Install the cleaner on the test fixture as shown in Fig. 1.
7.4 If various settings are provided, set the motor speed
6. Sampling
setting, suction regulator, nozzle height, or a combination
6.1 Test a minimum of three units (or a larger sample size if
thereof, in accordance with the manufacturer’s specified setting
desired) of similar models using the same motor style and
for using the cleaner on the level loop test carpet. The setting
amperage. Select all samples at random in accordance with
shall be the same as that used for Test Method F608.
good statistical practice. Results shall provide an 80 % confi-
dence level within 610 % of the mean value. If not, test 7.5 Keep the load within limits by controlling changes in the
additional samples or reduce the results by the penalty factor as carpet, agitator brush, drive belt, and airflow as determined in
calculated in 7.10. 7.5.1 – 7.5.4.
FIG. 1 Test Fixture
F555 − 01 (2016)
7.5.1 Replace the carpet when one fourth of the pile height ts
h 5 (2)
is worn away, except at the beginning and end of the stroke
=n
path.
where:
7.5.2 During the life test, change the agitator brush(es)
x¯ = mean of sample,
every 168 h of cycling time.
n = sample size,
7.5.3 Change the drive belt every 168 h of cycling time, or
x = life,
...

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: F555 − 01 (Reapproved 2011) F555 − 01 (Reapproved 2016)An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Motor Life Evaluation of an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F555; 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 motor life evaluation of household or commercial single and dual motor upright vacuum cleaners
(uprights with separate motors for creating the vacuum and driving the floor brush). Self-propelled or power-assist cleaners are not
within the scope of this test method.
1.2 This test method is limited to evaluation of the upright vacuum cleaner electric motor(s).
1.3 This test method provides a test to determine operating life of the motor(s), before servicing is needed, by an accelerated
laboratory procedure. Motor(s) are tested while mounted and operated in the upright vacuum cleaner.
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, which 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
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
F431 Specification for Air Performance Measurement Plenum Chamber for Vacuum Cleaners
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
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 motor life—limited by failure of motor. Failure is motor stoppage. In the case of a dual motor upright, the test will be
continued until both motors (vacuum motor and floor brush motor) have failed. The motor that fails first will be replaced so that
the test may continue on the other motor. The motor life of each motor will be recorded separately.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F11 on Vacuum Cleaners and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F11.30 on Durability-Reliability.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2011Oct. 1, 2016. Published March 2012October 2016. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20062011 as
F555 – 01 (2006).(2011). DOI: 10.1520/F0555-01R11.10.1520/F0555-01R16.
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.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
Any failure integral with the motor, such as armature assembly, field assembly, housing(s), bearings, motor cooling fan or primary
air moving fan, brush assemblies, motor mounted nonresettable thermal protection devices, or any other component judged to be
integral with the motor, shall be judged as motor stoppage.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The test results provide an indication of the motor life of an electric upright vacuum cleaner. End of motor life will be judged
in accordance with Section 3.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F555 − 01 (2016)
5. Apparatus and Materials
5.1 Voltage Regulator System, to control the input voltage to the vacuum cleaner. The regulator system shall be capable of
maintaining the vacuum cleaner’s rated voltage 61 % and rated frequency 61 Hz, having a wave form that is essentially sinusoidal
with 3 % maximum harmonic distortion for the duration of the test.
5.2 Voltmeter, to provide measurements accurate to within 61 %.
5.3 Timer and Switch, having the capacity to control the off/on duty cycle of the cleaner during the life test.
5.4 Sharp Edge Orifice Plate—a 1 ⁄4-in. (32-mm) diameter orifice shall be in accordance with Fig. 2 of Specification F431.
5.5 Wattmeter, to provide measurements accurate to within 1 %.
5.6 Plenum Chamber, conforming to the plenum chamber described in Specification F431.
5.7 Water Manometer, or equivalent instrument measuring in increments of 0.1 in. (2.54 mm).
5.8 Barometer, to provide measurements accurate to 60.05 in. Hg (1.27 mm Hg), with scale divisions 0.02 in. (0.51 mm) or
finer.
5.9 Thermometer, having a range of at least 18 to 80°F (−8 to +27°C) and graduated in 1°F (0.5°C) increments.
5.10 Psychrometer, meeting the requirements of Test Method E337 for thermometers, graduated in increments of 1°F (0.5°C).
5.11 Test Carpet, conforming to the level loop carpet described in Specification F655. A carpet that provides equivalent nozzle
loading results may be used.
5.12 Carpet Padding (optional),if used, the test carpet padding will conform to the padding described in Specification F655.
5.13 Test Fixture, a moving surface covered by the test carpet supported on the test pad, which moves with a horizontal
reciprocating motion, for a stroke distance of 27 in. (686 mm) in each direction at the average rate of 1.8 ft/s (0.55 m/s), which
results in 24 cycles (forward and back) per minute. This motion shall be generated by rotating a 13.5-in. (343-mm) radius arm,
which shall be connected to the platform with an arm at least 24 in. (610 mm) long or equivalent. This device shall provide means
to hold the cleaner fixed by its handle stationary in the operating position while it is in contact with the reciprocating surface (see
Fig. 1). Optionally, the cleaner can be moved through the same cycle as stated above while the carpeted platform is held stationary
(see Fig. 1). For either option, the reciprocating motion shall follow the same duty cycle as specified for the vacuum cleaner in
7.7. For the optional test fixture of Fig. 1, the reciprocating arm must be at either end of its horizontal motion at the start of each
“on” portion of the cycle.
5.14 Test Dirt, Wedron sand/talc mixture. See Annex A1.
6. Sampling
6.1 Test a minimum of three units (or a larger sample size if desired) of similar models using the same motor style and
amperage. Select all samples at random in accordance with good statistical practice. Results shall provide an 80 % confidence level
within 610 % of the mean value. If not, test additional samples or reduce the results by the penalty factor as calculated in 7.10.
7. Procedure For Motor Life Evaluation
7.1 Determine initial performance as follows:
7.1.1 Seal the nozzle opening to the plenum chamber with a manometer (or equivalent) connected to the chamber and with a
1 ⁄4-in. (32-mm) diameter sharp-edge orifice in the holder. For the test, connect the agitator drive belt and a clean filter or filter
bag to the cleaner. The agitator shall be operating freely with the handle in the operating position as shown in Fig. 1.
FIG. 1 Test Fixture
F555 − 01 (2016)
7.1.2 With the cleaner sealed to the plenum chamber and without an orifice plate in the holder, energize the cleaner at rated
voltage 61 % and rated frequency 61 Hz for 5 min to stabilize motor temperatures.
7.1.3 With the cleaner operating at a constant rated voltage, insert the 1 ⁄4-in. (32-mm) diameter sharp-edge orifice into the
holder on the orifice box.
7.1.4 Record the manometer reading as soon as the reading stabilizes.
7.1.5 Record the wattage of the cleaner on the plenum chamber. The wattage reading is used to monitor the cleaner load.
7.1.6 Measure the airflow and wattage reading every 168 h to determine if some component has failed and degraded
performance, reducing the load on the cleaner during the life test. If degradation exceeds 40 % see 7.9.1 – 7.9.3.
7.1.7 Monitor the suction of the cleaner during the test in addition to the weekly measurement on the plenum chamber to
maintain loading and to ensure that no mechanical problems exist.
7.2 Use a new section of carpet and padding without holes, tears, or other signs of wear when the test is started. Tautly secure
the carpet. The lay of the carpet pile shall be such that during the forward stroke, the cleaner moves in the direction of the lay of
the carpet pile. See Fig. 1.
7.3 Install the cleaner on the test fixture as shown in Fig. 1.
7.4 If various settings are provided, set the motor speed setting, suction regulator, nozzle height, or a combination thereof, in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specified setting for using the cleaner on the level loop test carpet. The setting shall be the same
as that used for Test Method F608.
7.5 Keep the load within limits by controlling changes in the carpet, agitator brush, drive belt, and airflow as determined in 7.5.1
– 7.5.4.
7.5.1 Replace the carpet when one fourth of the pile height is worn away, except at the beginning and end of the stroke path.
7.5.2 During the life test, change the agitator brush(s)brush(es) every 168 h of cycling time.
7.5.3 Change the drive belt every 168 h of
...