CTM 26 E for the USA

[Marshallmade]

I want a CTM 26 E that runs on 120 and offers the M rating - higher level of filtration for dust extraction. Will they bring this to the USA  soon? If not why? Is it based simply on the lighter regulations stipulated by the US and OSHA, vs those in the UK and EU that require M rating.

 

[Svar]

According to this discussion:http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/ctm-or-ctl-26/
There is no difference between level of filtration of the CTL and the CTM. Same bags and same filters.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I want a CTM 26 E that runs on 120 and offers the M rating - higher level of filtration for dust extraction. Will they bring this to the USA  soon? If not why? Is it based simply on the lighter regulations stipulated by the US and OSHA, vs those in the UK and EU that require M rating.

It is all about which regulations are applied in which jurisdiction. M class is a European standard and does not apply in the USA, so nobody is going to sell such vacs in the USA.

As it is, American HEPA has a better filter than M class.

 

[antss]

It's kinda hard for one to compare the standards or say on is "more strict"  They are just different measuring sticks. As Alex alludes to , and is my understanding, you can qualify for "M" class rating and still use a filter that passes larger particulate than does one rated for HEPA.

Marshall - what is it you hope to gain with a CTM vac ?  Are you aware that the only difference (as long as your M class is delivered with the HEPA filter 498994) is:  M class has an air monitor / alarm circuit. 

It allows you to chose the correct hose diameter which adjusts the values for the alarm.  When it sounds, it's telling you :

you have the suction hose blocked or kinked.
filter bag full.
filter element clogged.

Which means there will be more than the allowable particulate put back into the air.  Which is what gives the H&S guys a big boner.

I've never clogged a filter on a CT in two decades and can pretty easily tell when I have a kinked hose, so the CTM is really only offering a bag full indicator.  At an increase in cost and complexity.  There is no magic suction or "better" or finer filtration with a CTM .  It's simply a product offering that allows uses to comply with government regulations in the markets its offered.

If you want more stringent filtration rules you'll have to look at "H" level vacs.  Festool has these too outside the USA.  It uses a different bag and filter, but the HEPA filter is an option.  It should also be noted that a couple of the models have EC - brushless turbines.

 

[AlexThePalex]

It allows you to chose the correct hose diameter which adjusts the values for the alarm.  When it sounds, it's telling you :

you have the suction hose blocked or kinked.
filter bag full.
filter element clogged.

Which means there will be more than the allowable particulate put back into the air.  Which is what gives the H&S guys a big boner.

I've never clogged a filter on a CT in two decades and can pretty easily tell when I have a kinked hose, so the CTM is really only offering a bag full indicator.  At an increase in cost and complexity.  There is no magic suction or "better" or finer filtration with a CTM .  It's simply a product offering that allows uses to comply with government regulations in the markets its offered.

This sums it up quite nicely. It's a full bag indicator.

And 99% of the time, the bag isn't full, so the M class alarm only kicks in for about 1% of the time you use the vac.

And ....... most people realise all by themselves it is time to change the bag because the dust they create suddenly isn't sucked up anymore.

I find the whole M class thingy such nonsense, typical EU regulation that's totally not needed and adds confusion. But now every company has to spend the extra money, mandatory, for nothing.

 

[slimm]

Blody EU regulations hinder us all. I have a CLT whoch is just as good as the CTM. get one and you wont regret it