subject: Some Facts about Electric Pressure Washers [print this page] Some Facts about Electric Pressure Washers
Electric pressure washers are often a preferred type of pressure washing machine for many commercial and even industrial applications. These machines have a number of advantages; however, they are not without limitations. Here are the facts about electric pressure washers.
How Do They Work
Electric pressure washers work just like other pressure washing machines. They pump high pressure output onto hard surfaces to wash away dirt and impurities. The source of pressure is a pump, which is powered by electricity. The pump can generate very high pressure levels. Modern machines can provide an output pressure level as high as 8000 psi, depending on other included specifications.
The main difference between other pressure washer machines and electric machines is in what makes the pump work. In electric machines, an electric motor powers the pump. In other types of machines, such as gas or propane pressure washers, a combustion engine powers the pump.
Advantages
The main benefit of electric pressure washers is that they do not emit any exhaust. Burning of fuel is not required for these machines. It must be noted that gas or propane machines do produce exhaust.
So, what is the big deal about the combustion exhaust? One of the main effects of such a system is that it increases humidity if used inside a building. Also, fumes of fuel powered systems can be harmful indoors without sufficient ventilation. That means, electricity-powered pressure washers are a better bet than other types of pressure cleaning machines for interior cleaning tasks.
The second advantage is electric pressure washers produce little noise. The same cannot be said about fuel powered machines. This feature makes these machines a better option for cleaning inside buildings, particularly when cleaning is required during business hours.
Limitations
These power washers powered by electricity are not without any limitations. The main limitation is a rather inherent one. Electric power washers require a source of electric power for any kind of functioning. This requirement somewhat limits the outdoor use of these power washers. If there are no outlets and the operator does not have a generator to use, then the machine cannot run.
Type of Machines
There are two kinds of electricity-powered commercial pressure washer machines. The first kind makes use of electricity for generating output pressure and temperature. Such machines can reach high hot water temperatures up to 205F and pressure levels beyond 2000 psi, through the sole use of electricity. This is a convenient option for many commercial and industrial users looking for a single power source.
In the second type of machines, a fossil fuel, such as kerosene, diesel, or gas, is used to heat the water. An electric motor is used in such commercial pressure washer machines for generating output pressure only. The benefits of electric powered, fuel heated pressure cleaners is that they can attain much higher temperatures, with wet steam emission reaching up to 330F. Higher pressure levels are also attainable, at up to 4000 psi.
Both kinds of electric power washers are ideal for common cleaning tasks such as cleaning walls and floors, parking lots, and removing graffiti. These are also much sought after for industrial cleaning jobs such as heavy duty degreasing.
