What are Tangential Bypass and Thru-Flo motors?
There are two basic types of vacuum cleaner motor; tangential bypass and thru-flo. The tangential bypass design uses a separate fan for cooling the motors armature and stator (motors winding), the armature spins and the stator is stationary. Tangential bypass uses a series of impellers (fans) and shrouds to pull airflow through the motor and a special exhaust duct (called an exhaust horn) to port the exhaust out of the motor. The entire fan/shroud/horn assembly is separate from but connected to the motor. This design is widely accepted as the superior system for it’s efficiency and reliability. Tangential bypass motors in floorcare are used only in central vacuum power units, never in portable vacuums. Tangential bypass motors are often used in one of two sizes for central vacuums, 5.7″ or 7.2″ diamater and may have a series of one, two or three impeller (fan) blades referred to as motor stages. Bypass vacuum motors often have a lifespan of 15 – 25 years with little maintenance. Like a
