Parker Waichman LLP

Shop-Vac Class Action Lawsuits Question Horsepower Claims

Several class action lawsuits have recently been filed alleging that marketing claims for Shop-Vac wet/dry vacuums misrepresent the amount of horsepower delivered by the devices. According to these complaints, the horsepower delivered by Shop-Vac vacuums – which impacts the price of the devices – is generally much less than advertised. One of the lawsuits, filed […]

Several class action lawsuits have recently been filed alleging that marketing claims for Shop-Vac wet/dry vacuums misrepresent the amount of horsepower delivered by the devices. According to these complaints, the horsepower delivered by Shop-Vac vacuums – which impacts the price of the devices – is generally much less than advertised.

One of the lawsuits, filed in New Jersey Federal Court in March, was brought by Missouri resident Andrew Harbut. According to his complaint, Harbut purchased 16-gallon Shop-Vac wet/dry vacuum with an advertised 5.75 peak horsepower, but the vacuum produces “materially less horsepower” than advertised.

Another class action complaint filed in California earlier this month details tests done on several models of Shop-Vacs to assess their true horsepower:

“Measurements were taken for line current, power factor, barometric pressure, air duct temperature, total pressure, static pressure, free velocity and air flow. From these measurements, incoming horse power, air flow and air horse power were calculated. Testing was done at the typical household voltage of 120 Volts rms.

The test results and attendant calculations showed that the Shop Vac vacuums, in actual use, produced a range of 17% to 40% HP under full load and 26% to 51% HP when under no load. (See chart at ¶ 25) However, even this measurement is taken at the motor, and is not a true indication of the actual work that the vacuum performs.

To observe a true measure of actual work, Plaintiff’s laboratory measured and calculated “air horsepower,” or the actual suction power of the vacuum. Air horsepower is a more accurate measurement of the vacuum’s ability to do work as it corresponds to the power seen at the intake of the vacuum. In essence, air horsepower corresponds directly with the vacuum’s ability to do the work that a consumer expects.

The test results and attendant calculations showed that the Shop Vac units, in actual use, produced a range of a negligible percentage to 2.7% air HP with no load and 1% to 10.3% air HP at 90% load.”

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Michele J has such a great personality and is very knowledgeable. She’s a great asset!!! The Long family is appreciative of her hard work on our case. I would surely recommend Parker Waichman to everyone I know.
Christipher Long
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank David Aminov, Denny Tang, and Craig Snyder. From the beginning I was assured that everything was going to be ok. Even though it has been a bumpy ride for me. I am extremely happy with the out come as well as all of the hard work everyone has put into my case. I am grateful an I truly do appreciate everything thanks for all the help guys. Stay blessed an stay safe
Carlos Mejias
a month ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My husband and I would like to personally thank Ashley Lopilato and Parker Waichman for their assistance in having a successful outcome through a long and very difficult process. It was a relief to have Ashley and the staff follow-up on the status of our claim and keeping us informed. It was worth the wait! We recommend Parker Waichman to handle your legal needs.
Yolanda Quinones
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038