Before buying a pressure washer, you need to understand some things like the washer's PSI, GPM, and AMP. I did not know what these terms meant or their importance at first, but I am glad that I did the much-needed research and educated myself on these terms.
I can assure you that understanding these terms for pressure washers will be more beneficial than you can imagine, which is why if you do not already have an idea about PSI, GPM, and AMP, I have written this article to help you out.
Do not worry, as it won't take you more than a couple of minutes to get the hang of these terms and how they can assist you in choosing the pressure washer that will be perfect for you. Just read till the end to find out more!
Here’s what you will read in this article:
- Important Terminology for Pressure Washers
- How to Choose the Right GPM for a Pressure Washer
- Pressure Washer PSI vs. GPM
Pressure Washer Terminology That You Should Be Aware Of
Before getting into the important terminology for pressure washers, let's look at why they are so important in the first place. Those who are experts in the cleaning industry use many terms and acronyms. Not being familiar with such terms or phrases might make it difficult for you to decide on the right pressure washer for the job. In fact, it will also be extremely hard and challenging for you to read a product description of a pressure washer, to say the least!
So now, without any further ado, let's delve into the most significant terminology for pressure washers that you should keep in mind.
What is meant by PSI in a pressure washer?
The abbreviation PSI stands for pounds per square inch. It simply refers to the amount of pressure used to clean the surface. The PSI will differ depending on the pressure washer and the task at hand. For example, an electric pressure washer that you could use in your household may start at around 1000PSI; on the other hand, a heavy-duty pressure washer that is more suitable for industrial purposes can reach as high as 3,500PSI or even more.
What is meant by GPM in a pressure washer?
GPM is the acronym for gallons per minute, the unit used to measure water flow in a pressure washer. The amount of water used, combined with the pressure washer's PSI, influences how fast a job may be completed. So, the higher the GPM of a pressure washer is, the more effective and quicker it will be to clean a surface. The normal capacity of an electric pressure washer is one to two gallons per minute.
What is meant by AMP in a pressure washer?
Motor power shows how well the electric pressure washer performs. The motor power in electric pressure washers is measured in amps or watts. For instance, the power usage of a pressure washer at 120 volts is equal to 12.5 amps times 120 volts.
What is meant by CU in a pressure washer?
CU is basically the acronym for cleaning units. PSI is multiplied by GPM to arrive at this figure. When comparing various pressure washer models, this number is super helpful. Your pressure washer's cleaning power is proportional to the number of cleaning units.
How To Select The Appropriate GPM For A Pressure Washer?
One of the questions that crossed my mind before I bought a pressure washer for the first time was how to select the appropriate GPM for the machine. If you are wondering the same, let me tell you that you can just look for a standard GPM. The best way to comprehend GPM is to think about what it accomplishes when paired with the PSI of the pressure washer unit.
The standard GPM ratings for pressure washers that you will come across range from one to four (gallons). Pressure washers with such ratings will be good enough for your home or residential use. Whether you are searching for an electric pressure washer or a gas pressure washer, you will get this rating for both of them. A greater GPM rate isn't necessary unless and until you need the machine for heavy-duty industrial purposes.
This GPM rating will accommodate a variation in PSI. For example, pressure washers in the one to four GPM rating range tend to have a PSI of 500 to 4,200. Hence, this provides you with a selection of pressure washers in the light to medium spectrum.
PSI Vs. GPM In Pressure Washers
The combination of both PSI and GPM, in reality, is what gets the job done. Still, if you really want to understand whether the PSI or GPM is more effective in pressure washers, it can only be determined by the task at hand. More attention is given to the GPM by contractors and professional cleaners. They usually use powerful detergents in their machines to dislodge the debris more easily from the surface. Larger surfaces will also be cleaned pretty quickly in the presence of a higher GPM.
A high PSI rating comes in handy when you find yourself cleaning tar stains on a regular basis or removing chewing gums from your sidewalk, and so on. Although, do take into account that while using a pressure washer with a high PSI since the water pressure might cause damages to certain surfaces. Also, it's worth noting that the higher the pressure a machine produces, the more physically demanding it is for the operator, who must counteract the power of the water stream.
Concluding Thoughts
I do hope that this article has helped improve your pressure washers’ terminology. Now, you are ready to buy a pressure washer that suits your needs, and I am sure you will not have any problems while reading the product description either.
However, do let me know whether you prefer a high GPM or a high PSI in these pressure washers. And do not forget to share your experience with me after you purchase and use a pressure washer for the first time!
