How We Test and Verify

Two levels of verification

Every product on this site carries a confidence level. Manufacturer-verified means the numbers came from the maker's own spec sheet, manual or product page, and we link the source. Retailer means a specialty central vacuum dealer published them and we could not reach the manufacturer document. Listing means only the marketplace description was available. We never fill a gap with a guess.

Hands-on testing protocol

Units we buy and install are tested the same way: sealed suction (water lift) with a gauge at the unit and at the farthest inlet, airflow (CFM) with an anemometer, noise in decibels at one meter from the unit and at the nearest inlet, bag or bin capacity by measured fill, and filter condition after a measured debris load. Reviews marked "Hands-on tested" and "Bought with our own money" are the ones that went through this protocol; everything else is clearly marked research-based.

Compatibility claims

A fit claim is published as Verified only when a manufacturer document and our technical reviewer agree. Two independent sources make it Corroborated. One source makes it Reported, and we tell you to confirm the part number. Anything weaker stays unpublished.

What we will not publish

Prices or availability from Amazon, except through Amazon's own data feed when we have access to it.
Customer review text or star ratings copied from any retailer.
Product photos we do not have the rights to. We use our own photography, manufacturer media with written permission, manufacturer videos, and our own diagrams.

Corrections

Every product and parts page has a report link. Reports go to the technical reviewer and are resolved within two weeks, with the change logged on the page.