Pressure Washers: specifications, types

The minimum pressure of water at the exit provided by a minisink. This parameter is indicated only for models in which the pressure can be regulated; for other cases, only the maximum (it is standard) pressure is indicated, see below about it.

High pressure during washing is not always desirable: on the one hand, it increases the cleaning efficiency, on the other hand, it can damage the treated surfaces. Therefore, in some cases — in particular when working with delicate materials or using foam — it is necessary to work at a reduced pressure. Detailed recommendations on this matter can be found in special sources, but here we note that the minimum washing pressure should not be higher than the maximum allowable — otherwise the unit simply cannot be set to the desired mode.

The maximum outlet water pressure provided by the miniwash; for models in which the pressure is not regulated, this paragraph indicates the standard operating value.

The higher the water pressure at the outlet, the more efficiently the unit handles with chronic and stubborn contaminants. On the other hand, strong pressure requires high engine power, which affects the dimensions, weight and price of the device — despite the fact that not every dirt requires such pressure, and excessively intensive washing can damage the surface to be treated. Thus, the pressure is chosen by manufacturers in accordance with the general class of the miniwash. Thus, values up to 100 bar are found in the most compact and low-power domestic models (see "Type"). A pressure of 100 – 125 bar is considered relatively low for household sinks, and most of these models are in the range of 125 – 150 bar — this is most often quite enough, taking into account the characteristics of the application. For professional units, the average is considered to be 150 – 175 barhowever, there are many models that give out more than 175 bar.

Power of the pressure washer motor expressed in watts. Such a designation nowadays is generally accepted for all types of engines; it is quite possible to compare electric and gasoline / diesel units with each other. At the same time, for sinks with internal combustion engines, power in horsepower can also be specified (see above), but most often it is indicated as an addition to watts.

The higher the engine power, the greater the performance and pressure can be achieved at the outlet of the miniwash. On the other hand, this parameter directly affects the cost, as well as fuel / electricity consumption. In addition, in some situations, high power is unnecessary — for example, a delicate surface can be damaged by strong pressure. So when choosing, it is worth considering specific tasks, and not chasing the maximum possible power.

Detailed recommendations on this matter for different cases can be found in special sources. Also note here that most household models (see "Type") have a power of up to 2 kW ( battery units — most often up to 100 W, although there are exceptions). 2 – 3 kW are considered a fairly solid indicator for household sinks, and values \u200b\u200bmore than 3 kW are already found mainly among professional models. Professional equipment, however, is also low-power ( up to 2 kW), but there are few such dev...ices — in general, the power of such units is quite high, in a fairly large number of models it exceeds 4 kW.

Power of the pressure washer engine expressed in horsepower. Watts are the basic unit of power today. However, for internal combustion engines, the designation in horsepower is traditionally used, and for some users it is more convenient to evaluate power in this way. However, if necessary, you can easily convert one unit to another without much difficulty: 1 hp ≈ 735 W.

The higher the engine power, the greater the performance and pressure can be achieved at the outlet of the miniwash. On the other hand, this parameter directly affects the cost, as well as fuel / electricity consumption. In addition, in some situations, high power is unnecessary — for example, a delicate surface can be damaged by strong pressure. So when choosing, it is worth considering specific tasks, and not chasing the maximum possible power. Detailed recommendations on this matter for different cases can be found in special sources. Also note here that gasoline and diesel washes(for which the designation in hp is given) are mainly made quite powerful, in most models this figure exceeds 5 hp.

Water consumption characterizes productivity, that is, the amount of water that the unit can supply to the nozzle per hour. In most models, performance can be adjusted; for such cases, the characteristics indicate the flow rate at maximum power.

Higher performance allows you to better handle large volumes of work and stubborn dirt, but requires adequate power — and this, in turn, affects the size, price and electricity / fuel consumption. So it is worth choosing according to this parameter, taking into account the features of the planned application. If we talk about specific numbers, then low-capacity washes include models with a rate of up to 350 L / h, which are designed for simple tasks like cleaning windows in a private house, a small car or smaller equipment like bicycles. The unit with a flow rate of 350 – 500 L / h is perfect for washing cars and other similar tasks; if you have to deal with a large car like an SUV, you should pay attention to more performant options — up to 600 L / h. A capacity of 600 L/h or more makes it possible to classify the sink as a professional level, and values of 1000 L/h or more are typical for the most powerful and advanced models that can handle almost any task.

The highest inlet water temperature allowed by the design of the mini-sink.

For some tasks, warm or even hot water is the best option. And devices that allow the connection of warm water may have different restrictions on its temperature. So if the ability to work with hot water is important to you, you should pay special attention to the maximum allowable temperature: it should be at least 60 °C. And ideally, the limit should be at least 80 °C.

Note that many mini-sinks have their own built-in heaters (see "Water heating"); while some of these models also allow external connection of hot water, others work only with cold water.

The maximum water temperature that the mini-sink with heating function can provide (see above). In some models, this parameter exceeds 100 °C — in such cases, we can talk about the steam temperature.

Theoretically, the higher the heating temperature, the more effective the washing will be, the better the device will cope with pollution, especially old and difficult to remove. At the same time, in fact, the highest temperature is not always required, and besides, some materials do not tolerate it well. In addition, a high degree of heating requires appropriate power and energy / fuel consumption, which accordingly affects the weight, dimensions and price of the unit, as well as the cost of its operation. Therefore, in most cases, a temperature of 80 – 85 °C is quite sufficient — such heating provides good efficiency and does not put forward special requirements for the design of the mini-sink. Higher performance (including the ability to work with steam) is needed mainly for rather specific tasks — for example, the removal of stubborn dirt, which can only be handled by intensive high-temperature processing.

The length of the high pressure hose that connects the gun to the washer body.

The larger this length, the more freedom of movement the user has. On the other hand, a hose that is too long can be inconvenient when working at short distances. Therefore, when choosing, you should not chase the maximum length of the hose, but take into account the real conditions in which you plan to work. The best method for choosing a hose length is to estimate the maximum distance to be removed from the sink body, and add a margin of at least 2 to 3 metres to it in case of unforeseen circumstances (for example, obstacles that prevent the hose from being pulled directly).

The shortest HP hoses in modern mini-sinks are up to 4 m long, in the longest this figure can exceed 10 m. However, the most popular are the average values — 4 – 6 m and 6 – 10 m.

— Universal 3 in 1. Multifunctional nozzle capable of operating in 3 modes and having the ability to quickly switch between them; in some models, this can be done right in the process, although this possibility should be clarified in advance. The specific functionality of such a device also needs to be clarified separately: it can be different for different manufacturers (and even in different models of the same manufacturer). However, as a rule, the universal nozzle covers the most basic washing functions, such as spot jet, mud blaster (see below) and gentle mist spray mode.

- Fan. In accordance with the name, this type of nozzle produces a "fan" during operation - a flat jet expanding from the nozzle. This jet is well suited for treating large areas. In addition, by changing the distance from the nozzle to the surface to be treated, it is possible to regulate the intensity of exposure and the width of coverage within certain limits. So, bringing the nozzle almost close, you can get a very powerful effect on a small area; when removed, the coverage will expand, and the intensity will decrease.

- Dot. Nozzle that forms a thin and narrow jet. It is intended mainly for processing hard-to-reach places and small surfaces, as well as "precise work" - for example, if you need to carefully walk along a certain area, avoiding water getting beyond its edges as mu...ch as possible. Also note that the spot nozzle provides a fairly intense impact, so it can to some extent replace the mud blaster (see below) - for example, on delicate surfaces, where the jet from the burr can damage the coating.

- Mud. A specialized nozzle designed to remove dirt, including hard and old. It is also known as a “mud cutter”, which quite accurately describes the features of its work: the design has a special rotary nozzle, thanks to which the water jet rotates and effectively “cuts off” even fairly dense deposits. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that such an impact is quite intense, it can also harm the treated surface itself - in particular, there are known cases of damage to the paint on the car body due to too long and intensive use of the mud cutter. So you need to work with such a nozzle carefully and "without fanaticism."

- Corner. Bent-shaped nozzle: the flow of water leaving the nozzle is directed at an angle (usually straight or almost straight) relative to the hose. And in some models, the nozzle is mounted on a hinge and the angle of its location can be changed within certain limits. Whatever the case, the angled design makes it easy to reach a variety of hard-to-reach places that are hard to reach with traditional straight nozzles. The specific shape of the jet can theoretically be different, but in practice it is most often a "point" or "fan" (see above).

- Foam gun. Nozzle designed for washing with foam. Foam increases the efficiency of removing dirt, this method is popular, in particular, when washing cars and motorcycles. The nozzle itself has its own container, into which the detergent is poured, and a special nozzle shape that promotes foaming. An alternative to the foam gun can be your own foam container provided in the sink; see below about it, here we note that a specialized nozzle is rather bulky, however, it provides high quality foam, which cannot always be achieved when using a built-in tank, and can be used regardless of whether the sink has its own foam tank.

- Washing brush. A nozzle with a working part in the form of a brush, designed in such a way that during the operation of the unit, water enters the bristles of such a brush. Such nozzles are very convenient for contact washing: they eliminate the need for separate brushes, and are much more efficient and convenient.

- Rotating brush. A variation of the brush described above, supplemented by a special drive, due to which the working part with bristles rotates during use. Such a drive usually works due to the water pressure supplied to the nozzle. Such devices are more effective than classic brushes, they are more convenient and easier to use, but they are much more expensive.

- Patio nozzle. A special type of nozzles for washing large flat surfaces - mostly outdoor (garden paths, sidewalks, floors on the porch or terrace, etc.; often also walls). Such a nozzle has a characteristic round shape, and functionally it combines the capabilities of a high-pressure jet and a brush. The brush is located around the circumference of the product, and inside this ring is a design like a garden sprinkler, equipped with several nozzles. During operation, these nozzles move in a circle, intensively processing the surface under them; and the brush not only promotes effective cleaning, but also prevents splashing. Most Patio nozzles are as effective as more traditional fan models, providing not only minimal spray, but also more coverage.

— Number of replaceable nozzles. The total number of replacement nozzles (nozzles) supplied with the sink. Recall that the strength, thickness and shape of the jet issued by the unit depends on the configuration of the nozzle. However, it should be borne in mind that this parameter may correlate differently with the total number of washing functions. For example, in one car wash, three complete nozzles can each be responsible for their function (option: fan, spot nozzle, mud nozzle), in another model it can be three versions of the same function (say, fan spray at 3 different angles), and in the third device, on the contrary, one of the nozzles can be universal (see above), and the total number of functions will be more than 3. Such details should be clarified according to the manufacturer's documentation. However, in general, a larger number of complete nozzles, as a rule, means a more extensive set of operating modes.

— Hose for pipe cleaning. This accessory is intended for cleaning sewer and drainpipes from plaque, small debris, grease and other deposits. As a rule, such hoses are flexible and have a small outer size that allows them to overcome pipe bends; they are also often reinforced with steel cord. Under water pressure, the nozzle with the hose is sucked into the pipe and cleans it well. The nozzle jet configuration is typically cone shaped with flows in different directions.

— Pressure adjustment. Possibility of adjusting the output pressure - the intensity of the water jet. Choosing the optimal pressure force allows you to effectively use the sink to clean various types of surfaces. So, for more delicate surfaces such as car body or painted walls, you can set the pressure level to a low level in order to avoid damage to sensitive surfaces. And for durable materials such as concrete paths or stone walls, it is preferable to use higher pressure - thereby effectively removing stubborn contaminants.

- Vacuum cleaner. The sink can be used as a traditional vacuum cleaner to collect dust and small debris. Moreover, many models with this function also have a blower mode, which allows you to use a stream of air not to draw in, but to sweep away contaminants; this can be important, for example, when clearing a lawn or garden path of fallen leaves. In any case, a vacuum cleaner makes it possible to first remove excess dirt from the surface that it would be undesirable to wash away with a powerful stream of water. On the other hand, such equipment significantly affects the price, weight and dimensions of the entire sink - despite the fact that it is not required so often (and even in cases where it is required, it can be easier and more reasonable to use a traditional vacuum cleaner). Therefore, very few sinks with this function are produced.

...- Drum. The presence of a drum (reel) for a high-pressure hose in a mini-washer provides additional convenience not only in storage/transportation, but also during operation: the hose can be easily unwound before starting work and reeled in at the end, and the actual length of the hose can be adjusted by simply unwinding the required amount from the drum.

— Wheels for transportation. Such wheels are especially useful given the fact that modern mini-washes (especially powerful and productive ones) can be quite heavy and bulky. Most often, the design provides for one pair of wheels - thus, in a vertical position, the support on the opposite side of the body acts as a parking brake, and to move the unit you need to tilt it slightly.

— Taking water from the tank. A function that allows the mini-wash to use water from open containers - a bucket, barrel, tank, or even a natural body of water such as a pond or river. Taking water from a container can be a real lifesaver if there is no running water nearby or it is impossible to connect to it.

- Container for water. The sink has its own water tank. As a result, the unit does not depend on the water supply or external water containers; its mobility is limited only by the power cord (and battery-powered models are generally completely autonomous). On the other hand, your own tank significantly affects the dimensions and weight, and the need for it arises relatively rarely - even in the absence of running water, it is more convenient to use an external container.

— Water heating. Hot water is better at removing many contaminants than cold water; In addition, in winter it is also useful for melting ice. But not all sinks can boast a connection to hot water, which is why built-in heating systems are provided. Most often, a furnace running on liquid fuel is responsible for heating, even if the sink itself runs on electricity.

— Container for chemicals (foam). This function should not be confused with a foam generator attachment (see “Attachments”): the foam container is a separate tank for collecting detergent and can be used in combination with any attachment - for example, a brush or dirt cutter. On the other hand, the quality of the foam is somewhat lower than when using a separate foam generator.

— Collection of chemicals from the container. The presence of a foam generator in the design of the sink, which allows you to make foam with any nozzle (as in the paragraph “Container for chemicals” described above). The key difference is the absence of a tank, and a tube is removed from the device for collecting chemicals.

— Water filter. The presence of a water filter in the design of the mini-wash. In some models, the filtration system may be multi-stage. Specific details for each model must be clarified separately. However, in any case, it is worth keeping in mind that the filtration system affects the cost of the unit and requires regular maintenance: filters need to be cleaned from time to time, and sometimes replaced.

— Built-in pressure gauge. This function is found mainly in powerful professional solutions. The pressure gauge allows you to carefully control the pressure, selecting it depending on the current tasks; This is especially true when processing delicate surfaces that can be damaged by excessively high pressure.

- Overheat protection. A safety system that protects the mini-washer motor from heat that can lead to damage. When the critical temperature is reached, the engine automatically turns off; You can start the device again only after it has cooled down sufficiently and the overheating protection has not tripped.

— Water cooling of the engine. Units with such a cooling system use water to remove heat from the electric motor. It is pumped directly around the hot components of the power unit, thereby ensuring effective heat absorption. Washers with an engine water cooling system can be used in long-term and continuous operation without the risk of motor overheating.

Power supply for the sink. The type of engine installed in the unit, as well as some features of its application, directly depends on this.

All modern high-pressure washers according to this indicator can be divided primarily into two categories - electric and with an internal combustion engine (ICE). At the same time, the first option is generally much more popular: electric motors are more compact and lighter than internal combustion engines, simpler and cheaper both in design and in operation/maintenance, moreover, they have a lower noise level and do not create exhaust gases during operation. But a specific power source for electric washers can be a 230 V or 400 V power supply, a 12 V car lighter, and a battery. In turn, internal combustion engines can be gasoline or diesel. Let's look at all these options in more detail:

— Electrical network 230 V. The most popular option nowadays: 230 V mains are ubiquitous, and most modern high-pressure washers are not particularly “gluttonous”, which allows them to be connected to ordinary outlets. The only exceptions are the most powerful models - 3.5 kW and above: they may require a special connection (directly to the panel). However, in any case, when powered from the mains, the operating time is practically unlim...ited; The washers themselves are much lighter and cheaper than battery-powered models with similar characteristics; and finding a 230 V power source is much easier than 400 V. The noticeable disadvantages of this option include the dependence on sockets and the presence of a power cord, which limits mobility; however, for high-pressure washers, these points are not so often significant.

— Electrical network 400 V. Power supply from three-phase 400 V networks is used mainly in heavy units with a power of 3400 W and above - that is, in tech models for which connection to a regular outlet is no longer suitable. Some similar units operate on 230 V (connected directly to the panel); however, three-phase power has a number of advantages over this connection format. Firstly, 400 V networks can better withstand high loads; secondly, they allow more accurate accounting of actually consumed electricity. On the other hand, the possibility of such a connection itself is less common than 230 V; therefore, before purchasing a unit from this category, it would not hurt to check the availability of a three-phase connection at the intended place of work.

— Cigarette lighter 12 V. Power supply from the vehicle’s on-board 12 V network through the cigarette lighter socket or a car socket of a similar format. The power of such power does not exceed 300 W, and sometimes it can be even lower; so all models in this category are lightweight, compact and low-power units. For an ordinary car owner who wants to keep his car clean, such a unit can be an excellent alternative to a bucket and a rag - especially since the connection to the cigarette lighter makes the car wash independent of stationary outlets. On the other hand, such sinks are poorly suited for more serious tasks, or even not suitable at all.

- Battery. Sinks with this type of power supply do not depend on electrical networks and can work even in the absence of sockets nearby. Car washes with internal combustion engines have similar capabilities (see below); however, battery-powered models are noticeably simpler, cheaper, lighter, quieter and “cleaner” (in terms of the absence of exhaust gases). But the power of this type of sink is generally low - it does not exceed 2 kW, and in many models it does not even reach 200 W. It is also worth noting that units with batteries are heavier, bulkier and more expensive than models with similar characteristics with mains power. And when the charge is depleted, you will still need to connect to the network to replenish the energy supply. The latter, however, is partly compensated by the fact that the batteries in most battery washers are removable and allow for quick replacement (for more details, see “Included battery”)
We also note that some devices in this category may come without a battery at all. Typically these are units designed for a specific standard battery platform; about it, see below, but here we note that this configuration allows you to choose a battery at your discretion - or not overpay for it if a compatible battery is already on the household.

— ICE. All internal combustion engines have common features. On the one hand, units with internal combustion engines are as autonomous and mobile as possible: they do not depend on electrical networks, continuous operation time is limited only by the amount of fuel in the tank, and refueling takes a minimum of time. At the same time, the power of most of these models is quite high - from 4 kW and above. On the other hand, the engines themselves are noisy, complex and expensive; fuel for them is also much more expensive than electricity; and the exhaust gases generated during operation create discomfort and limit use in enclosed spaces. Therefore, in general, it makes sense to pay attention to ICE sinks in cases where autonomy combined with high power and performance clearly outweigh the described disadvantages. As for the features of specific types of internal combustion engines, they are as follows:

• Gasoline. The most popular variety nowadays: gasoline engines are noticeably simpler than diesel engines, both in design and in operation. True, it is more difficult to achieve high torque in them than in diesel engines, and gasoline usually costs more than diesel fuel. At the same time, the first point is not of decisive importance for mini-washes, and the second is compensated by the described advantages.
• Diesel. Diesel engines provide high torque at low speeds, and their fuel costs less than gasoline. At the same time, such units are noticeably heavier and more expensive, moreover, they often require specific maintenance and are generally more difficult to operate. As a result, few diesel washers are produced - mostly these are devices with high power and performance: it is in such cases that the described advantages often (though not always) outweigh the disadvantages.

The presence of an induction (brushless) motor in an electrically powered sink (see "Power Source").

Such a motor differs from more popular collector electric motors primarily in that its design does not have a collector with brushes — a set of moving contacts responsible for switching the current on the windings when the rotor rotates. Instead, such switching is carried out by built-in electronic circuits. This design provides a number of advantages. One of the main ones is high efficiency, due to which, with the same power consumption, such an engine provides greater productivity and pressure at the outlet of the sink. In addition, the absence of unnecessary moving and rubbing parts reduces wear and heat, thus positively affecting reliability and durability; and the absence of sparks (which often occur in the collector) makes such engines also as fireproof as possible. The downside of all these advantages is a rather high price and difficulty in repair. Thus, brushless motors are mainly equipped with professional-grade units designed for long-term use at high loads.

Features of the battery supplied with the sink.

For more information about battery power, see "Power supply", and modern sinks with this feature can be supplied with one removable battery, with a built-in battery, or without a battery at all

— 1 PC. In this case, we are talking about a removable battery (models with built-in batteries are placed in a separate category — see below). This is the most popular option nowadays, due to a number of advantages. So, such equipment allows you to use the sink right out of the box, without wasting time and money looking for a compatible battery; and the removable design of the battery itself provides a number of additional features. For example, it allows you to buy additional batteries and significantly increase battery life: when the charge is exhausted, you can simply change a dead battery for a fresh one. If it is possible to charge batteries that are not in use, right during operation, then charging interruptions can be minimized, if not completely eliminated. And when the "native" battery fails, it is enough to replace it, there is no need to repair or change the entire unit.

— Is absent. The complete absence of a battery in the package causes certain inconveniences — you need to look for a power source separately. At the same time, this option also has some important advantages. Here, first of a...ll, it is worth noting that units with this feature are usually not designed for their unique batteries, but for certain standard batteries of the same manufacturer, also designed for various power tools. At the same time, the list of compatible batteries (see below) can be quite extensive, and some washes are initially made for a specific battery standard (see "Battery platform"). In fact, this means two main points. Firstly, you can easily find a power source at your discretion, according to the specifics of specific tasks and low-cost. Secondly, a compatible battery may well be found in a cordless power tool that you already have on the farm — this will allow you to completely do without additional purchases.

— Built-in. A battery that is built into the chassis and is not designed to be removed and replaced by the user. Such a design somewhat reduces the overall dimensions of the units, however, the advantages of removable batteries described above are not available for it. So, a dead battery of this type cannot be quickly replaced with a fresh one, the only option is charging — and it requires a source of energy and takes a lot of time. If the characteristics of the battery do not suit you or it is out of order — again, you can’t just buy and install another power source: at best, you will have to contact a service centre for repair, and at worst, you will need a complete replacement of the unit. As a result, built-in batteries are extremely rare nowadays — in separate low-power units designed for occasional use for simple tasks.

The name of the battery platform supported by the implement.

A battery platform is a battery standard used to ensure that different appliances of the same brand (power tools, pressure washers, flashlights ...) can use the same power sources and chargers for them. This eliminates the need to use a different battery and “charger” for each individual device, and also makes it easier to find compatible power sources: instead of checking a list of compatible batteries, you just need to make sure that the battery you select is from a supported platform. (However, models of compatible batteries can also be specified in the specifications — see below for more details).

Batteries of the same platform mainly differ from each other in terms of capacity — and, accordingly, cost.

Nominal voltage of the battery used in the washer with the corresponding type of power supply (see "Power supply"). For models not originally equipped with batteries (see "Complete battery"), this paragraph indicates the voltage for which the device is designed.

Theoretically, a higher voltage allows you to achieve more power, but there is no strict dependence here, and models of similar power can differ markedly in this parameter. And when looking for a spare or replacement battery for a unit with a removable battery, you should focus not on voltage, but first of all on compatible batteries directly stated in the specifications (see below) or a battery platform (see above). So, in general, this characteristic is more of a reference than practically significant, and when choosing it, you can not pay much attention to it.

The volume of the fuel tank provided in the mini-wash with an internal combustion engine (see "Power source").

In modern mini-washers, manufacturers usually choose the volume of the tank so that it provides at least 1.5 – 2 hours of work on a single refill (and often more). Therefore, in most cases, you can not pay much attention to the volume of the tank — especially since refueling is not particularly difficult.

Fuel consumption when operating a miniwash with an internal combustion engine (see "Engine type").

This indicator allows, first of all, to estimate the costs of operating the unit. And if the volume of the fuel tank is known, it is possible to calculate the operating time on a single refill from the consumption. However the figures in the characteristics are usually quite approximate, and in fact the consumption may differ slightly from the claimed one — both up and down. Nevertheless, this parameter quite accurately characterizes the general "voracity" of the mini-wash, it is quite possible to compare different models with each other.

The technology by which the complete battery is made in the sink with the appropriate type of power supply (see "Power source").

Note that most battery packs use interchangeable power supplies and can be compatible with different types of batteries; however, in this case we are talking about the complete battery. The options here might be:

— Ni-Cd. One of the oldest battery manufacturing technologies. Nickel-cadmium batteries are quite reliable, have a wide temperature range and are insensitive to temperature changes. In addition, such batteries tolerate high charge and discharge currents well, so they charge quickly and are well suited for powering powerful equipment with high consumption currents (like electric motors). At the same time, such elements have serious drawbacks. The first is the so-called. "memory effect", a decrease in battery capacity if it was put on charge before it was completely discharged. However, it is believed that it can be compensated by high-quality charge-discharge controllers. The second point is environmental insecurity during production and disposal.

— Ni-Mh. An improved version of Ni-Cd cells, more environmentally friendly and with improved performance. In particular, while retaining most of the advantages of the original technology in such batteries, it was possible to achieve almost complete elimination of the "memory effect". However such batteries are somewhat more expensive.

— Li-Ion. A tech...nology that was originally used in portable gadgets like smartphones and tablets, but has recently spread to other types of technology. One of the key advantages of lithium-ion batteries is their high capacity with relatively small size and weight. At the same time, lithium-ion power supplies work worse at high currents, they are sensitive to low and high temperatures (as well as temperature extremes), and they are quite expensive.

— VRLA. Lead-acid batteries, like those used in cars to power starters. More precisely, the abbreviation VRLA denotes the so-called. maintenance-free batteries — batteries that have a hermetically sealed case and do not require checking the density of the electrolyte, topping it up, etc. Such power sources are quite powerful and reliable, they work well even at high discharge currents. On the other hand, VRLA batteries are heavy and have specific storage rules — they can only be stored charged; if they are in a discharged state for a long time, sulfation of the plates begins, which worsens the properties of the battery. The situation can be corrected by charging according to a special procedure, but it is still better not to bring the battery to such a state.

The capacity of the battery installed in the mini-sink of the corresponding design.

The battery capacity affects the operating time. At the same time, in fact, it hardly makes sense to evaluate the battery life of the unit according to this parameter. The fact is that it depends not only on the characteristics of the battery, but also on the energy consumption of the mini-wash itself — and it is directly determined by the performance. So this parameter is rather general informative than really significant, and when choosing, you should pay attention not to it, but to the operating time claimed in the characteristics (see below).

Model of the battery supplied with the unit.

This information is specified mainly for models supplied with one removable battery (see "Complete battery"). Knowing the model of this battery, if desired, you can find detailed information on it and evaluate its suitability for certain tasks. This feature can be especially useful in cases where there is not quite a standard use — for example, numerous charge-discharge cycles in a row, or operation at low temperatures. In addition, we recall that sinks with removable batteries usually use standard batteries that are also suitable for some other equipment of the same brand (primarily power tools). Accordingly, the data on the model of this battery makes it possible to evaluate which devices it will still fit. And if the characteristics of the unit do not specify models of compatible batteries (see below), then information about the complete battery will also be useful when looking for replacement / spare power sources.

Battery models that the washer of the corresponding type is compatible with. This information will be useful in cases where the battery(ies) must be purchased separately, for example, if the tool does not come with a battery at all, if you need to supplement the original package, or if the existing battery has failed.

Note that in addition to this information, the characteristics may also specify the name of the battery platform — the general standard of power sources that the unit complies with (for more details, see above). However, if possible, you should still focus on a specific list of compatible batteries — this will give the maximum guarantee that there will be no problems with the energy source.

The operating time of the mini-wash on one battery charge.

Note that the characteristics indicate a certain conditional operating time — usually in the optimal mode (relatively low load on the mechanisms, a nozzle that does not require high pressure, etc.). So in fact, the battery life of the mini-sink may differ slightly from the value claimed by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, this parameter makes it possible to evaluate the overall capabilities of the unit and compare it with other models: differences in the claimed operating time, usually, will proportionally correspond to the difference in real battery life.

The highest level of noise emitted by the minisink when operating in normal mode. The lower this indicator, the more comfortable the device is to use, the easier it is to use it without special hearing protection; and from certain noise levels the use of protection is mandatory (more on this below). All this is especially true in light of the fact that mini-sinks are quite noisy equipment — even the quietest of these units give out about 60 dB, which is comparable to talking in raised tones at a distance of about 1 m. In the noisiest models, this figure reaches 108 dB — this is comparable to a tractor engine at a distance of the same 1 m.

Recall that the decibel is a non-linear quantity, and it is best to evaluate specific values using comparative tables. Such tables can be found in special sources. Here we note that according to European sanitary standards, noise of 85 dB is allowed to be heard without protective equipment for 8 hours, 91 dB — 2 hours, 97 dB — half an hour, and 103 dB — only 7 minutes. So when choosing a unit, you should take into account the duration of work with it — with high noise, you may need protective headphones.

The length of the power cord provided in the mini washer with an electric motor (see "Motor type"). The longer the cord, the more manoeuvrable the device is, the farther it can be installed from the outlet and the less you will depend on outlets. On the other hand, a long cable can create inconvenience by getting under your feet; however, many mini-washers with this feature provide a winding system (see "Functions and Capabilities") that eliminates this drawback.