3.1 This test method will provide an indication of the effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner in removing litter from carpet. No data exist to determine if the cleaning effectiveness in the laboratory will be the same as in home cleaning; however, in most cases, a vacuum cleaner that cleans well in the laboratory will clean well in a home.

3.2 To provide a uniform basis for measuring the performance described in 1.1, standardized test carpet and standardized test litter are used.

1.1 This test method covers a laboratory test for determining the relative carpet litter-cleaning effectiveness of household vacuum cleaners when tested under standard conditions.

1.2 This test method is applicable to household types of upright, canister, combination, and stick vacuum cleaners intended for cleaning carpeted floors as a primary or secondary function.

1.3 This test method applies only to the cleaning of litter from carpet, not the removal of embedded dirt. Litter is defined as material that typically clings to the surface of the carpet, such as pet or human hair, thread, and so forth.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.