Consultants’ Comments

• “Reliable!”
• “Easy to use vacuum controls.”
• “No trap to clean.”
• “Great suction.”
• “It’s a dry vacuum with no water lines.”

Description

PowerVac is a dry vacuum intended to provide suction during dental procedures. The PowerVac line is available in single- or twin-vacuum system configurations with six different models offered. The two-horsepower P5 Model, which can accommodate up to five users, was evaluated. The unit takes up less than 20” x 20” of floor space, with the air/water separator and storage tank stacked on top of the base. The unit weighs 402 lbs with the separator. Rolling casters with adjustable feet allow for easy installation of the unit. The motor operates on 220V while drawing 11.4 A at 60 Hz. A 1 1/2” connection is used for both the inlet and drain connections. The PowerVac pump is covered by a 10-year/20,000-hour warranty; a five-year/10,000-hour warranty is provided by Midmark for all other warranted components. Quarterly and yearly inspections are the only maintenance advised. PowerVac Model P5 single vacuum unit was evaluated in a six-operatory site during a nine-month period. This equipment received a 91% rating.

Equipment Features

PowerVac Model P5 provides consistent, powerful suction. Compared to traditional “wet” vacuums, auxiliaries appreciated the easy maintenance. The 16-page installation manual and four-page care guide are very thorough, using both well-organized text and large illustrations. Heavy-duty casters simplify placing the unit, and installation is simple, with minimal tools required. The vertical configuration conserves space in the equipment room. The vacuum gauge is easy to see on top of the unit, and the on/off switch is conveniently located along the front edge. The hour meter and gear lube site glass are easily identifiable. The vacuum power provided was consistently rated very good. Upgrading PowerVac for additional users can be done on-site. Sixty-seven percent of consultants reported this product is better than their current vacuum, 50% would recommend this product, and 83% would switch to it.

Clinical Tips

• Daily cleaning of suction lines with a non-foaming vacuum system cleaner is recommended.