Industrial vacuum cleaners for commercial, industrial, and home use
In this guide, we compare the different types of industrial vacuum cleaners, their features, and suitable applications so that you can quickly and easily find the right device for your needs.
1. What is an industrial vacuum cleaner and how does it work?
With the right equipment, an industrial vacuum cleaner can be a true all-rounder in the fight against dirt and grime. Depending on the model, industrial cleaners not only remove small and large dirt particles, but can also be used to clean liquid waste and other contaminants. They offer very high suction power and, in most cases, a significant container volume. Professional vacuum cleaners are therefore ideally suited to cleaning large areas quickly and thoroughly.
Many industrial, commercial, and construction vacuum cleaners also offer practical additional functions that make their use even more convenient. For example, automatic switch-off prevents waste containers from overflowing. The blowing function of many industrial vacuum cleaner models removes dust from hard-to-reach places, while ergonomic handles and push bars can make long cleaning jobs more comfortable and safer.
Unlike conventional vacuum cleaners for domestic use, industrial vacuum cleaners are also often suitable for vacuuming up hazardous dusts such as asbestos, fibreglass or soot, depending on the dust class.
The way industrial vacuum cleaners operate is typically similar. Irrespective of the model a motor-driven fan generates a vacuum under the cleaner to suck up loose dirt and liquids. Dusts as well as larger dirt particles or liquids are then carried through the hose and deposited in the collection container. In addition, integrated filters clean absorbed air before it is released back into the environment. For the removal of dusts that are hazardous to health, they are designed in such a way that particles are reliably bound inside the container and not released back into the atmosphere.
The advantages of professional industrial vacuum cleaners
- Industrial vacuum cleaners have a very high suction power and a large container volume.
- In addition to standard cleaning, industrial cleaners also vacuum up larger particles such as wood residue, plastic, or metal.
- They offer a long service life and are suitable for prolonged and continuous use.
- Bagless industrial vacuum cleaners make ongoing maintenance easier.
- Models typically have a long power cable and a longer suction hose, offering a wide range of movement during cleaning work.
- The smooth-running wheels and (depending on the model) push bars offer good manoeuvrability.
The disadvantages of industrial vacuum cleaners
- Industrial vacuum cleaners are larger and heavier than conventional vacuum cleaners.
- Operation can be loud, limiting useability in noise-sensitive environments.
- The power consumption of industrial vacuum cleaners is higher than that of standard household vacuum cleaners.
2. Industrial vacuum cleaner overview: Which is best?
Before purchasing an industrial vacuum cleaner, there are a few important criteria to consider. It can be worthwhile to compare the many different types the vacuum cleaner industry has to offer.
In the following table, we will give you an overview of the industrial vacuum cleaners available at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP and their features:
Wet/dry vacuum cleaner | Office vacuum cleaner (dry vacuum cleaner) | Safety vacuum cleaner | Pump vacuums | |
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Types of dirt |
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Noise | 56–84 dB |
56–82 dB |
59–82 dB |
57–78 dB |
Cable length | > 4 m |
> 4 m |
> 5 m |
up to 10 m |
Wireless operation (via battery) | × | × | × / × | × |
Filtration | L, M |
L, M |
L, M, H (asbestos) |
With and without filter element |
Self-cleaning | × / × | × / × | × / × | × |
Automatic vibration | × / × | × / × | × / × | × |
manual | × / × | × | × / × | × |
Auxiliary functions |
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|
|
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3. Which industrial vacuum cleaner to buy? How to find the right model
To determine the type of vacuum cleaner that is most suitable for your needs, we recommend that you consider the following questions in advance:
- What types of dirt do you want to remove?
- How often and for what duration do you typically clean?
- What type of layout will you be working in and how are the plugs distributed?
- Are there sources of danger or pollutants in the work areas that must be considered?
The function and capabilities of an industrial vacuum cleaner should be matched to the worksite and the types of dirt that are regularly produced. The following criteria will help you order the right industrial vacuum cleaner:
Choose the right industrial vacuum cleaner for your specific cleaning needs
Professional vacuum cleaners are primarily designed for large construction sites, commercial building use, or warehouses. Nevertheless, professional vacuum cleaners can also be used for households, personal workshops, or private construction zones. The table below will help you to find the best-fit solution for your specific needs:
Requirements | Commercial application | Private application |
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Dust class |
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Integrated socket |
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With wet suction function |
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Outdoor use (e.g. on construction sites) |
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Small to medium container volume |
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Large container volume |
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With pump function |
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Suitable for hazardous substances |
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Buy an industrial vacuum cleaner with the right dust class
Industrial vacuum cleaners can be used to clean a wide variety of dry and non-flammable dusts. Some dust can be harmful to personal health or the wider environment, and some can even explode or cause fires if not properly handled.
More information on dust classes can be found in the BS EN 60335-2-69 specification. Here dusts are classified according to their harmfulness and safe exposure limits. Any industrial vacuum cleaner you use must be designed for the onsite dust conditions, to properly remove hazardous substances and not return them to the atmosphere:
Dust class | Danger | Occupational exposure limit (OEL) in mg/m³ | Containment effectiveness required | Details |
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L | light | > 1 | 99% |
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M | medium | > 0.1 | 99,9% |
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H | high | < 0.005 | 99,995% |
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H – Asbestos | high | < 0.005 | 99,995% |
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Any industrial vacuum cleaner to be used in a highly flammable or potentially explosive atmosphere must be certified for use in ATEX Zone 22.
Suction
Whether for the commercial or private sector, the performance of an industrial vacuum cleaner is not expressed exclusively by the wattage (W). More important and meaningful to the actual suction power of a device are the strength of the vacuum, the airflow volume, and the hose diameter. These values will determine cleaning ability, the types of dirt that can be picked up, and the time it takes to clean:
- Vacuum: In industrial vacuum cleaners, the strength of the vacuum is usually given in millibars (mbar). The stronger the vacuum generated, the greater the negative pressure number. In our shop, you can find cleaners with a vacuum strength of up to 250 mbar.
- Airflow volume: The greater the airflow, the faster dirt and dust particles are transported through the hose into the collection container. Airflow volume is typically given in litres per second (l/s) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). In our online store, you will find professional vacuum cleaners for intensive cleaning capabilities with an air volume of up to 250 m3/h.
- Hose diameter: The hose diameter affects the speed of incoming air and determines the types of dust and dirt particles that can be cleaned. According to DIN EN 60335-2-69, the minimum air velocity must not be less than 20 m/s and a high air velocity is especially important for safety vacuum cleaners.
Other important criteria for selecting an industrial vacuum cleaner
Regardless of whether you want to use the industrial vacuum cleaner for home or commercial use, the following selection criteria should also be considered to help you choose the right model:
Selection criteria | Details |
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Container volume |
The larger the container, the less often it needs to be emptied. We offer industrial vacuum cleaners with a container volume of up to 90l. Devices of this size are ideal for prolonged use or for very large areas/dirt quantities. For occasional use or normal households, a device with a far smaller container is perfectly sufficient. |
Range of motion |
An industrial vacuum cleaner with a long power cord and/or a long suction hose allows you to easily clean larger areas. Spaces with many potential obstacles might need a smaller cleaner to effectively navigate them. For private use, vacuum cleaners with shorter dimensions are more practical and safer. |
Handling |
Models with push handles can make continuous operation more comfortable as they can be used to manoeuvre and tilt the industrial vacuum cleaners with ease. If the vacuum cleaner is often transported up and down stairs or taken by car, a professional vacuum cleaner with a small container makes sense, as these models are usually also lighter. |
Additional Function: Blowing |
If the professional vacuum cleaner has this additional function, this can be used to remove encrusted dirt and grime. This is also a particularly handy function if you want to clean nooks and crannies. Some models of professional vacuum cleaners have enough pressure to also remove leaves. Along with a water tank, the vacuum cleaner can then also spray water and thus remove the moistened mixture even more thoroughly. |
Additional Function: Vibration |
Our industrial vacuum cleaners with a vibration function shake dry and wet dirt from the filter during the vacuuming process. This automatic function ensures that the filter does not become clogged. |
4. Buy industrial vacuum cleaners online: Our models in detail
At Jungheinrich PROFISHOP, you will find BASIC, as well as a large selection of Nilfisk and Steinbock industrial vacuum cleaners, alongside other models from trusted manufacturers.
Wet/dry vacuum cleaners
In some work areas, wet, damp, and dry dirt accumulates in equal measure, for example, during construction or painting work. Wet and dry vacuum cleaners are the ideal industrial vacuum cleaners for this type of environment. Solid and liquid particles are both absorbed and contained easily. Models are available with a container up to 90l. An automatic shut-off function prevents the collection container from overflowing. Wet/dry vacuum cleaners are available from Jungheinrich PROFISHOP with the following features:
Features | Details |
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With a filter bag |
Effectively remove dirt via a dual filter system. Paper filters are used for dry dirt, and fleece filters for damp or wet dirt. The solid components are fed into the collection container and the liquids into the water tank. In this way, the containers can be cleaned separately. This does not affect the suction power of the industrial vacuum cleaner. |
With a separator (automatic filter cleaning) |
Solid particles are separated from liquid in the device body via intensive rotations. The separator and special round filters clean the emitted air and prevent dust from escaping. This filter system is ideal for allergy sufferers. |
Without a separator |
This wet/dry vacuum cleaner collects dirt in a single container – without rotations. Loose dust or dirt particles are bound by vibrations in the water of the container, which prevents them from swirling around. This stops dust from re-entering the air. Liquids can also be optimally removed. |
In addition to standard versions of wet and dry vacuum cleaners, we also offer special models with distinct functions:
Special edition | Properties |
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Suction Vacuum Cleaner |
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Coarse Vacuum Cleaners |
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Office vacuum cleaners
These compact dry vacuum cleaners can be used to thoroughly clean carpets and hard floors in offices and business premises. Office vacuum cleaners are also ideal for warehouses due to their high absorbency and ability to reliably clean fine and coarse dirt. A long suction hose and low weight ensure a large operating radius. Sensitive surfaces and hard-to-reach areas can be optimally cleaned with a range of different plug-on nozzles.
Low-volume vacuum cleaners are also suitable for use in noise-sensitive areas such as offices and sales floors, even during service hours. An effective filter system ensures clean exhaust air.
Office vacuum cleaners are also ideal for the home. We offer a variety of household industrial vacuum cleaners with different functions, especially from the Numatic® Henry brand: The compact cleaners are particularly suitable for vacuuming pet hair, with allergy-friendly versions available.
Safety vacuum cleaners
For areas with non-flammable but potentially harmful dusts like mineral wool or soot, use only industrial vacuum cleaners whose filter systems meet specific safety standards.
The industrial vacuum cleaners, also known as fine dust vacuums, are available at Jungheinrich PROFISHOP for dust classes L (low), M (medium), and H (high), as well as H+ (for asbestos) and EX zones: In the special filter system, the particles are separated and contained in the collection container.. Moveable filters and alternating negative pressure prevent the ultra-fine particles from settling or being released back into the ambient air.
Advantages and scope of application of our safety vacuum cleaners:
- Fully tested and certified
- Containers in various sizes made of corrosion and acid-resistant stainless steel or plastic
- Also available for use in ATEX zones
- Available with automatic or manual filter cleaning
- Optional automatic switch-on available
- Low noise level when vacuuming
- Consistently powerful suction power
Good to know: You can see the explosion resistance of special industrial vacuum cleaners marked by the symbol for the ATEX Zone 22 directive. Models featuring this symbol have antistatic machine parts and control systems that protect against sparks and energy build-up, among other features.
Pump vacuums
To clean up large amounts of non-flammable liquids, such as those that occur in the event of a burst pipe or during a pond cleaning, our high-performance pump vacuums are the ideal solution. Depending on the model, you will find a motor of up to 2200 watts with an integrated submersible pump, which reliably pumps water at a high flow rate.
Scope of application of our pump vacuums:
- Impact-resistant and robust containers
- Tilt function with fixed and swivel castors enables effortless transport to the job site
- Available with C-pipe connections: compatible with fire hoses
- Available with extension hose and crevice nozzles
- Can also be ordered with 2-stage speed regulation for regulating waste flow
- Optionally available with pneumatic water level detection
5. FAQ about industrial vacuum cleaners
Industrial vacuum cleaners are available for a range of different commercial, household or industrial applications. The designs differ in their suitability according to dust class, equipment, and other performance parameters. The following types are available from our online shop:
- Wet/dry vacuum cleaners
- Office vacuum cleaners (dry vacuum cleaners)
- Safety vacuum cleaners
- Pump vacuum cleaners
For optimal performance and longevity, observe the following basic criteria when using and maintaining your vacuum cleaner:
- The vacuum and its equipment should always match the type of dirt and intended use.
- Depending on the type of dust, the vacuum cleaner must comply with the prescribed dust class. This is especially true when vacuuming up dusts that are harmful to health.
- Clean and replace filters regularly with water to maintain the filter performance.
- The collection container should be emptied after each use to prevent mould or unpleasant odours.
- Very high suction power
- The filter system, suction hose, and container are robust and designed for continuous use
- Large dirt collectors
- High-performance filter systems with various additional functions
- Can clean damp or wet dirt as well as coarse particles
- May be suitable for use in EX zones or for vacuuming asbestos, depending on the model
- Functionality can be expanded with numerous accessories
According to BS EN 60335-2-69, the dust classes are as follows:
- L – light – AGW > 1 mg/m³ House dust
- M – medium – AGW > 0,1 mg/m³ Wood and metal
- H – high – AGW < 0,1 mg/m³ Carcinogenic dusts, germ-contaminated dusts
- H+ high – AGW < 0,1 mg/m³ Asbestos