After running out of compressed air I decided to opt for an electric duster. I chose the DataVac Electric Air Duster, a 500W electric duster manufactured by MetroVac, USA. This mains powered machine is housed in a steel enclosure with a thick, plastic handle attached. When turned on the motor pushes 70 cubic feet of air per minute. The machine stands on three rubber feet, with air drawn in through the base. My UK version had a 3.6m power cable with a European plug encased in a rather large permanent UK adapter. Included are several accessories: a 7/8” Air Concentrator, Air Flare and a 4 piece Micro Cleaning Tool Kit.

In operation the device produces a powerful constant stream of air. Sounding like a jet engine it generates 88db of noise, 1m away – equivalent to a vacuum cleaner. It effectively clears dust from anything I put in front of it – electronics, mats, radiators etc. I found due to the machines effectiveness it could be used in short bursts – a positive finding as the metal body heats up after a few minutes.

The competition

The DataVac has competition from cordless (AirTec, O2 Hurricane) and corded (CompuCleaner, XPower) devices alongside traditional compressed air. This device is far more powerful than canned air and can be used continuously rather than in short bursts before freezing your hands and refusing to work for a short period. Canned air also has a bitterent which is rather unpleasant. The electric devices prices range from £40 to £300 with the DataVac priced at £99. Unfortunately these devices have minimal comparable data. In general, corded motors are better powered than cordless, allowing them to push more air and when combined with a long mains cable will rival the manoeuvrability of cordless blowers.

Replacing the cable

The DataVac has good repairability. MetroVac itself sells multiple parts for the device including replacement motors. I wasn’t happy with the unnecessarily chunky mains cable and wanted to replace it. I chose to replace the entire cable rather than replace the plug. Whilst replacing the plug would be an easier option, I also wanted to extend the cable length.

Disassembly involved removal of the Phillip head screws on the upper part of the main body and the bolt securing the bottom half of the handle. An anticlockwise twist allows the head to come away from the body.

Once inside you can trace the incoming live and neutral of the mains cord to two closed end splice crimp connectors. Unfortunately the cables had to be cut to disconnect the cord. The earth wire connects to a metal bridge mounted on top of the motor. The mains cord is held in place by a 5N-4 cable grommet. This proved tricky to remove requiring pliers to squeeze and pull on the grommet from the outside. Unfortunately this left a few scratches on the safety label and paintwork, if I were to do this again I would add a 1-2 layers to electrical tape around the grommet to protect the surroundings.

Once the new mains cable was inserted, I used lever style WAGOs to connect the live and neutral wires to their counterparts in the device. I crimped a ring connector to the earth before connecting it to its correct location. A 5N-4 grommet secures the mains cable to the body. The original was damaged on removal, I used busing pliers to apply a new grommet.

After closing up I decided to clean up the stickers. The company I bought the duster from had already placed an import label which included electrical and regulatory data. I removed the surrounding stickers of 220V, CE and the large damaged warning sticker. The sticky residue left by the labels was removed easily with white spirit.

Rounding up

Overall, this powerful electric air duster is built to last, punching far above its assigned role to be a multifunctional tool for cleaning jobs around the house. It has good repairability and a solid construction which means it’s built to last. I’m sure to get many more years out of this machine.