Regarding the two current levels of some kirby vacs

[kenc184]

Hello,

The Heritage family claim on their nameplate (what do you call that?) 4.5A 5.5A in carpet and hose mode. I assume there are two different switches in the safety setup which informs the machine that its using the hose or the nozzle?

The earlier classic series only states 6A - no indication of two motor current levels. My three Kirbys, Sentria 2 and two Avalirs simply state 7A.

I asked someone who I believe knows his stuff, and he stated that the Classic series ALSO had a carpet and hose mode. That they were 5A, 6A units.
If so, why does the "nameplate" only specify 6A?

Cheers!

 

[dysonman1]

The serial number/rating plate only has to state the maximum amp draw. Kirby motors have been 2-speed since the Dual 50 in the mid 1960's. So all Kirbys since then actually have a 'low' and 'high' amp rating. But only the higher amp draw needs to be on the rating plate.

 

[kenc184]

Well I never knew.......

I just checked one of my Avalirs and lo and behold there are indeed TWO switches on the safety block, one activated by the hose presumably, the other by the nozzle.

I wonder why this feature isn't mentioned in the literature? I suppose they guess that the average user couldn't care less?

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Like he said, only the maximum has to be labeled per UL requirements.
Kirby had just added more info than required on some models.
The GEN series have more powerful motors, which is why they are 7A.

Many other items will show similar ratings. I have a vintage heater that shows both power settings. A newer one only has the highest.

Sometimes it is a bit puzzling at how they come to the numbers they do.

 

[kenc184]

So in carpet mode, the gen vacuums only have 6amps motor current. Pretty amazing performance considering some of the Sanitaire and Royal machines have much more.
Those must essentially glue themselves to the carpet, must be fun without a tech drive!

 

[texaskirbyguy]

Yes, there are two switches, one for hose (high speed) and the other for carpet (low speed).
There is also one last switch at the emtor, to prevent operation without an exhaust attachment.
All of the above is contained in the power switch module. It is even designed to not turn power back on if the unit was unplugged or an attachment removed while on. The power switch would have to be kicked on to resume operation.

Kirby knew efficiency before it was even a concern. Dirty fan vacuums can be extremely efficient. Just watch out what you are sucking up...
And yes, those things can be a bear to run on carpet without the drive engaged.

 

[lesinutah]

The

Sanitaire is a 7 amp motor. It pulls pretty close to what kirbys do.
Sanitaire also have a 5 amp motor that does just over 100 cfm.
Kirby performs foe its motor size.