The HEPA / ULPA hierarchy
| Class | Efficiency | Particle target | Data center use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERV 13 | ≥ 90% @ 1 μm | Coarse dust | Pre-filter only — never final |
| HEPA H13 (EN 1822) | 99.95% @ MPPS | 0.3 μm | Minimum for white space |
| HEPA H14 | 99.995% @ MPPS | 0.3 μm | Preferred for tier III+/colo |
| ULPA U15 | 99.9995% @ MPPS | 0.12 μm | Cleanroom-adjacent labs / NOC |
What separates a real data-center vacuum from a shop vac
- ✓Sealed housing rated for filter class (no bypass leakage)
- ✓Two-stage filtration: MERV pre-filter → HEPA main
- ✓Dissipative or grounded hose to control ESD
- ✓Certified DOP / PAO leak test on assembled unit
- ✓Filter change indicator or differential-pressure gauge
- ✓Individual serial-tracked filters with lot documentation
The pre-filter is not optional
Loading a HEPA element with visible dust destroys its rated life in hours. Every one of our vacuums carries a MERV 10+ pre-filter that is changed at every job.
Testing, changing, and documenting filters
- ✓DOP/PAO integrity test on new units and annually thereafter
- ✓Pre-filter changed at every white-space engagement
- ✓HEPA element changed at manufacturer interval or when ΔP exceeds spec
- ✓Used filters bagged in dissipative poly, tagged, and disposed as facility-classified waste
- ✓Filter serials logged on the service ticket for full traceability
Common mistakes we see in the field
- ✓Backpack vacuums with 'HEPA-type' filters marketed for offices — not certified
- ✓Wet/dry shop vacs with aftermarket HEPA bags but leaking housings
- ✓Reused HEPA cartridges from unrelated construction jobs
- ✓Beater-bar upright vacuums which impact tiles and generate static
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'HEPA-type' the same as HEPA?
No. Only filters certified to EN 1822 or IEST-RP-CC001 and tested at the MPPS (most-penetrating particle size) qualify. Marketing terms like 'HEPA-type' or 'HEPA-like' have no standardized meaning.
How often should HEPA filters be replaced?
Under white-space use we typically see 60–120 operating hours before differential pressure exceeds spec, assuming a fresh pre-filter each visit.
Can you show your filter test certificates?
Yes. Every vacuum in our fleet has a serialized DOP/PAO certificate available on request.
Do you use ULPA?
For labs, semiconductor-adjacent work, and pharma cleanrooms, yes. Standard enterprise data halls do not require ULPA and HEPA H14 is our default.