Wet/Dry Vacs

[blk45]

Eric is making all this up because he makes commission off every Ridgid sold in America.

He was hoping to dupe you guys into believing Ridgid goes above and beyond to insure people will be lifelong fans of Ridgid because of their commitment to their customer`s satisfaction.

Looks like it`s not going to work Eric. These guys are too smart for you.

I should have known better!

[CharlesW]

I wonder if Missdetail ever found a good vacuum.

[blk45]

I tried to sell her a Ridgid too, but she was too smart also.

[clone]

I wonder if Missdetail ever found a good vacuum.

BETTER YET,I hope missdetail is a female and not someone from mississippi it may explain all the fight`n among family. all u need now is some alcohol(BOOZE) and there wouid be a fist fight!

[mullisjr@mac.co]

Just want t thank whoever recommended the shop vac contractor model. Picked it up this morning and laughed with joy for the first two hours I used it. Then I stopped laughing because my help texted me and told me that instead of being late he couldn`t make it cause he had a party to get ready for. Anyway, vac is absolutely awesome!!! Thanks

[tuscarora dave]

my rigid works pretty well for me..12 gallon 5 horse

[Mr. Clean]

I wonder if Missdetail ever found a good vacuum.

Good question. Has the poster been back recently, or will JP add another to his list?

my rigid works pretty well for me..12 gallon 5 horse

I have a similar Craftsman, 12 Gallons, 5 Peak HP. It replaced a a Shop Vac, 5 Gallon, 1.25 Peak HP. The Crafstman was an obvious upgrade, and has performed well for >6 years now. What I would like to see is a 5 Gallon, 6.5 HP configuration.

[jaybs02]

What I would like to see is a 5 Gallon, 6.5 HP configuration.

I would like to see that as well. I like the heavier HP but I really don`t need the bulk of the 12 gal tub.

[CharlesW]

Hopefully everyone is aware that the horsepower ratings we are talking about are "Peak" horsepower and are about as realistic as the car horsepower claims back in the 60`s.

One horsepower is approximately 746 watts.
Volts x amps = watts
watts / amps = volts
watts / volts = amps

So a true 5 HP motor would consume 746 x 5 or 3,730 watts. On a 120 volt circuit, it would use 31 amps of power.
Since very few home circuits are more than 20 amps and are most likely going to be 15 amps, it is fairly unlikely that a true 5 HP motor will operate on the average home circuit.

The only thing I know about vacuums is that the so-called 5 HP models seem to work on any home circuit in my house and they also seem to have plenty of power for my use.
I don`t know how much better the 6.5 HP models work nor do I know how they can operate on a 20 amp or less circuit.
I think that as long as the amperage rating on the vacuum you are planning to buy is within the rating of the circuit it will be operated on, you should be fine.

One other thing.
I think the NEC requires circuits to be sized at 125% of the operating load which means a 15 amp circuit is actually rated for 12 amps and a 20 amp circuit is rated for 16 amps.

But wait, there`s more.
Don`t just increase a breaker size without increasing the wire size. Too small a breaker will trip. Too small of wire can burn the house down. Having an oversize breaker on an undersized circuit will probably cause you some problems with your insurance claim.

[Mr. Clean]

...
I don`t know how much better the 6.5 HP models work nor do I know how they can operate on a 20 amp or less circuit.
...

Thanks CharlesW for the textbook version. My ex-next door neighbor has the really nice stainless steel tank version, 16 gallon, 6.5 Peak HP. I had the opportunity to use this vac when I helped him clean up a motorhome. There was a definite perecieved difference in suction power between his vac and mine. I also ran the unit off and on for about an hour on a normal 15 amp circuit without a problem.

[CharlesW]

There was a definite perecieved difference in suction power between his vac and mine. I also ran the unit off and on for about an hour on a normal 15 amp circuit without a problem.

And there is what matters.
All the hype about power isn`t nearly as important as how good the machine works for you.
I`m sure there is much more to vacuum design and efficiency than just using the biggest motor you can fit in the housing.

[Mr. Clean]

And there is what matters.
All the hype about power isn`t nearly as important as how good the machine works for you.
...

Kinda like all of the other detailing products we talk about, eh?