Motors And Their Impact On Vacuum Noise Levels

There are a lot of factors to consider before investing in expensive equipment. In this Manufacturer Roundtable, Facility Cleaning Decisions took the compilation of questions we received from in-house custodial professionals and asked carpet equipment manufacturers to weight in. Here are their responses:

What are the benefits of dual- versus single-motor equipment?

A dual-motor vacuum provides two, independent motors: one for the vacuum, and one for the belt, which operates the brush-roll or beater-bar in the vacuum shoe on the floor.  One benefit of a dual-motor vacuum is that you can run each motor separately and independently to suit the specific cleaning application. For example, if you are cleaning upholstery or above-floor cleaning of drapes, etc., you can run the vacuum motor so you can use the wand with attachments and specialty tools. The benefit of this is that you can be doing above-floor cleaning, but thanks to the separate motors, the beater bar is not rotating on the floor during the cleaning process.
— Jolynn Kennedy, Marketing Director, Tacony Corp, Tornado Industries, Chicago

There are pros and cons to both single- and dual-motor units.  A single-motor can be less expensive and weigh less. The problem is, the motor must perform the double duty of powering the brush roll and the airflow needed for suction and dirt pickup. 
Dual-motor systems offer superior power and performance because one motor turns the brush roll and the other motor provides maximum suction at all times. Operating independently, the dual-motor system allows the user to easily move from cleaning carpets to bare floors surfaces. With the added power of dual motor vacuums, we can also add enhanced filtration, noise reduction, and offer maximum dirt pickup.
— Larry Hartley, GM Field & Commercial Sales, Electrolux Small Appliances, and Tony Van, National Director Sales/Commercial, Electrolux Home Care Products North America, Charlotte, N.C.

Many facilities are looking for quieter equipment. What should purchasers look for when purchasing quiet vacuums?

Buyers should be sure to look for equipment that operates quietly and can be used for day cleaning in noise-sensitive facilities, if appropriate. The U.S. Green Building Counsel, developers of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), recommends that vacuums operate at a sound level no greater than 70 dBA, which helps to minimize indoor noise pollution and protect the health and safety of building occupants.
— Jolynn Kennedy, Marketing Director, Tacony Corp, Tornado Industries, Chicago

A decibel level at or below 66 will not to disturb normal conversation happening nearby. There are models that operate at that level with full commercial suction power. Other vacuums can switch to a quiet mode of 51 decibels, what one user called “whisper mode”, which lowers the suction power. Purchasers should choose based on what level of sound and suction is desired.
— Jacalyn High, Director of Marketing, ProTeam, Inc., Boise, Idaho

Look for CRI certification. The Carpet and Rug Institute standards not only rank cleaning performance but sound levels as well. Vacuums that have dB rating of less than 70 are generally very quiet, and meet the requirements for LEED building certification.
— Larry Hartley, GM Field & Commercial Sales, Electrolux Small Appliances, and Tony Van, National Director Sales/Commercial, Electrolux Home Care Products North America, Charlotte, N.C.