Glossary

  • Alternating Current (AC) - Voltage that increases to a maximum positive (+) and falls back to zero and then continues to a maximum negative (-) and back to zero. This cycle is repeated 60 times for 60 hertz AC power.
  • Adjustable Pressure Regulator - Varies the pressure of the high-pressure spray.
  • Adjustable Spray Wand - Some models are equipped with an adjustable spray wand. Rotating the tip will adjust the pattern. Automatic Cool Down System (Thermal Relief)Cycles water through pump when water reaches 140° - 145° F. Warm water will discharge from pump onto ground. This system prevents internal pump damage.
  • Axial Cam - A device (cam) used to transform the rotary motion of the motor/ engine into the reciprocating motion of a pump's pistons.
  • Chemical Injection System - Cleaning solutions are drawn into water stream to make cleaning more effective by allowing solutions to saturate the soiled surface at low pressure.
  • Cleaning Units (CU) - A measurement used to indicate cleaning power. Cleaning units are the results of the following equation: PSI X GPM = CU OR 2200 PSI X 2.0 GPM = 4400 Cleaning Units
  • GPM - Gallons per minute. A unit of measure for water flow.
  • High Pressure Outlet - Connection for high pressure hose.
  • HP - Same as horsepower, a unit of measure for work
  • OHV - Same as 'overhead valve', an improved way to control exhaust and intake valves on internal combustion engines.
  • OHVI - An industrial, more durable version of the OHV engine.
  • PSI - A unit of pressure, same as 'pounds per square inch'.
  • Purge - A method of eliminating air from a pressure washer so that starting the engine is easier
  • RPM - Same as revolutions per minute. The amount of revolutions (turns) an engine makes in one minute
  • Side Valve - A type of internal combustion engine that uses a conventional "L" type cylinder head with the exhaust and intake valves on the side of the engine.
  • Spray Gun - Controls the application of water onto the cleaning surface with a trigger.
  • Thermal Relief - A technique used to reduce the build-up of high temperature water within a pressure washer pump caused when the spray gun trigger is closed.
  • Turbo nozzle - A device used to increase the effectiveness of high-pressure water, by spinning a narrow stream of water in a circle at a high speed.
  • Unloader - A device used to relieve the water pressure within the pump whenever spray flow is blocked