Policy Recommendations Vacuum Cleaners

Download full policy recommendations for vacuum cleaners from October 2017 (pdf)

Summary

The Ecodesign and Labelling regulations for vacuum cleaners have been published in the Official Journal in July 2013. The Energy Label applies since September 2014. Two different tiers have banned vacuum cleaners with a power higher than 1600 watts and 900 watts in 2014 and 2017, respectively. These technological improvements have been very welcomed.

Topten's key policy recommendations are:

	1. The Ecodesign and Labelling regulations on vacuum cleaners are welcome. Especially the power cap is absolutely key and tier 2 (900W) has already led to considerable energy savings. Nowadays, most vacuum cleaners are already below the current power cap of 900 watts. Therefore, Topten is in favor of a further power cap of 600 watts for the upcoming review of the regulation.
	2. Testing measures should be conducted at a partly loaded state. The performance of most models rapidly decreases with dust load, and an empty vacuum cleaner does not reflect real usage conditions. The empty test further creates a bias between different technologies of vacuum cleaners. It is also essential to define “partly” in more detail in order to enable the motor-life time test, which already requires testing with a partly loaded receptacle.
	3. The scope of the current regulation should be widened. Certain types such as robot and battery-operated vacuum cleaners are not covered by the current eco-design and labelling directive. As these types of vacuum cleaners are increasingly used in households, it is essential to include these for the upcoming review.
	4. Labelling classes should be rescaled from A to G and sufficient classes should be left empty for technological development.

von Esebeck, Bush, October 2017