There are different sizes of vacuum hoses on the market. Size is an important aspect when choosing a vacuum hose, and for that, it is one of the factors that buyers consider during the purchase.
Different sizes of vacuum hoses specialize in different jobs, so the size matters a lot.
Vacuum hose size matters as it affects the suction power and the air volume, which in turn influences the performance of your vacuum hose.
The size of a vacuum hose is marked by its length and diameter. There are different diameters, as shall be discussed in this article, in addition to varying lengths of vacuum hoses.
Read on to learn how the size of a vacuum hose affects the vacuum’s performance.
How Vacuum Hose Size Affects Performance
The hose size of a vacuum is vital when it comes to the tool’s performance. As there are different tasks that are performed by vacuums, they come in different hose sizes to enhance suitability.
Some vacuums come with multiple hoses, which can be interchanged using an adapter to the user’s convenience.
The length of a vacuum determines its efficiency and reach. Naturally, the longer it is, the better its reach.
However, a long hose has more air spaces, resulting in more air friction than a short one. The result is reduced overall pressure and, thus, less efficiency.
A short hose will have good pressure but limited reach. So, you will have to choose to either compromise on the hose pressure or the convenience of a long hose.
Many people think that a hose with a bigger diameter will vacuum bigger debris more easily than a smaller one. However, this is not entirely true. It will pick up bigger debris, but it will have relatively less suction force.
A hose with a smaller diameter has much better suction force, but it will not efficiently pick up the larger debris because of limited space. Essentially, using a hose with a big diameter has the same effect as using a long hose – reduced overall pressure.
At the end of the day, the performance of a hose vacuum is about a lot more than the length and diameter. Rigidity is also a factor, especially when rounding corners during the cleaning process.
A rigid hose will not have the flexibility to bend with the corners and, therefore, will remain straight. Since it will not resist airflow like this, it performs so much better.
Does The Diameter of a Vacuum Hose Matter?
The diameter of a hose vacuum greatly affects its performance. For one, the suction force is determined by how big the hose is, in that the smaller the diameter, the better the suction force. As such, vacuum hoses of different diameters are used for different things.
Smaller hose vacuums have a diameter of 1 ¼ “ or 27 mm. They are perfect for jobs that are done with handheld power tools such as sanders and jig saws.
Also, since they have a relatively powerful suction power, they are suitable for dirt that requires a lot of pressure.
Vacuum hoses of medium diameter range between 1 ½ “ and 1 7/8″. These are good for general clean-up tasks and are the most commonly used size.
They have an optimum mix of suction power and adequate space for large debris pieces to pass through. As such, they are just as perfect for tools that produce chips and dust as they are for those that produce larger debris.
The larger vacuums have a diameter of 2 ½ “or 50 mm. These are good for collecting larger debris as long as the suction power can do the job. They are commonly used on tools like table saws and planers.
Generally, hoses with a smaller diameter are more efficient. The smaller the diameter, the lower the air volume and the higher the suction power.
In addition, they are more portable and easier to maneuver. However, if you are collecting minute airborne particles, then consider using a hose with a bigger diameter to lessen the likelihood of clogging.
What Is the Standard Size Of Vacuum Hose?
The most standard hose size is 32mm. It is the size used in most vacuum cleaners, like ducted vacuum cleaners and backpack vacuum cleaners.
Other sizes that are also used are 35mm, 36mm, and 38mm. In terms of width, the most common sizes are 2 ½”, 1 7/8 “, and 1 ¼ “.
As for length, most vacuum hoses are between 20 feet and 30 feet. This range offers a great compromise between pressure and reach.
A hose more than 30 feet long will have significantly less suction force. Similarly, a hose less than 20 feet long will not have enough reach.
A short hose is most suitable in places where the suction force is more required than the need for reach, like in a workshop.
Can You Connect 2 Vacuum Hoses Together?
It is possible to connect two vacuum hoses. As we have established above, most hoses have a length of between 10 feet and 20 feet. You can combine two vacuum hoses to attain a length of up to 35 feet without losing significant suction force.
Here’s how to connect:
Step 1:
To connect two vacuum hoses, the outside diameters of their vacuum cuffs have to be compatible. So, start by determining the outside diameter of your hose’s vacuum cuff.
Step 2:
Next, get a vacuum hose whose vacuum cuff has a matching outside diameter. When all is set, get a hose coupler with the same measurements, and put the two hoses together.
Keep in mind that the longer the hose, the more the volume inside the vacuum and, consequently, the less the pressure. So, you want to ensure that you maintain the pressure at a level that gets the job done effectively.
Connecting two vacuum hoses is beneficial where you require to reach because of the working environment. For instance, if you are working in a hazardous space, you may want to operate the vacuum from a safe space.
So, with a longer reach, you can have the vacuum in one room and work it in a different room.
Here’s a video that presents a step-by-step guide on how to connect multiple hoses:
In Conclusion
The size of a vacuum hose affects its performance. The longer the hose, the higher the vacuum’s volume and the lower the pressure.
Thus, shorter vacuum hoses have a bigger suction force. Similarly, the smaller the diameter of the hose, the greater the suction force. There are instances where a long vacuum hose is more suitable, and other scenarios require great suction force.
It is essential to ensure that you have a good balance between the reach of your vacuum and the suction force.
