Festool Dust Extractor CT 15 HEPA

The Festool CT 15 HEPA (model 578441) packs professional-grade dust extraction into a 23-pound package that fits in your truck cab. At 130 CFM airflow with 96 inches of static pressure, this extractor delivers the suction power contractors need while meeting OSHA Table 1 compliance for silica dust. The 3.96-gallon capacity won’t handle all-day drywall sanding, but it’s perfect for finish work, remodeling in occupied spaces, and contractors who value portability over tank size.

Compact Performance That Delivers

The numbers tell the story. 130 CFM airflow and 96 inches of water lift match extractors twice this size. That’s enough suction to handle everything from router dust to planer chips without bogging down. The 350W to 1,200W variable power consumption gives you five settings to match extraction to the task — dial it down for detail sanding to extend filter life, crank it up for heavy routing.

Specification	Value
Airflow	130 CFM
Static Pressure	96 inches water column
Power Range	350W – 1,200W
Container Capacity	3.96 gallons
Filter Bag Capacity	3.3 gallons
Weight	23.1 lb
Dimensions	18.5 x 12.6 x 17.1 inches
Sound Level	72 dB
Power Cord	16.4 feet

At 72 dB, it runs quieter than most shop vacs. Users like Tyler Bancroft note it performs well for general shop cleanup and connects easily to various tools such as drill presses and routers. That matters when you’re working in occupied homes or medical facilities where noise complaints kill repeat business.

The 16.4-foot power cord reaches most outlets without extension cords. Smart design choice — nobody wants another connection point to trip over or unplug mid-cut.

Real HEPA Certification Makes the Difference

Full-unit HEPA Certification means the entire extractor — not just the filter — meets HEPA standards. Big difference. Some extractors leak around seals and connections, letting fine dust escape even with a HEPA filter installed. Festool certifies the complete unit captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns.

This certification matters for two reasons. First, OSHA Table 1 Compliance when used with appropriate tools and shrouds protects you from silica dust citations. Second, customers increasingly expect contractors to control dust in their homes. Show up with certified HEPA extraction and you’re already ahead of the guy with a shop vac.

The HEPA filtration is valued for capturing fine dust particles, which is important for health and safety, particularly in environments where dust control is critical. In Montana’s long indoor construction season, that clean air matters even more.

Built for Montana Job Sites

The wet spill and water extraction capability turns this into a dual-purpose tool. Montana contractors deal with frozen pipe repairs all winter — having extraction that handles both construction dust and water damage saves truck space.

Included accessories: 27/32mm x 3.5m suction hose (RAS-CT), D36 crevice nozzle (150mm length), D36 upholstery brush, and self-cleaning filter bag (SELFCLEAN SC-FIS-CT MINI/MIDI-2). The upholstery brush handles vehicle interior detailing — another revenue stream between construction projects.

Accessories are interchangeable with CT Mini/Midi and CT 25 models, so investing in the Festool system means your attachments work across multiple extractors. Compatible with Festool 27mm, 36mm, and 50mm hoses. Integrates with Festool power tools via the on-board socket for tool-triggered operation.

The Trade-Offs

No Sys-Dock latching means this won’t stack with Festool’s Systainer storage boxes. That’s a real limitation if you’ve bought into their modular storage system. The basic hose lacks the smooth anti-static properties of Festool’s premium hoses — expect some clogging with fine dust until you upgrade.

No built-in Bluetooth means no app control or wireless tool triggering. The CT 36 models get those features. Most contractors won’t miss them though.

Reviews show an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on retailer reviews. Pros include powerful suction for its size, extremely quiet operation, compact and easy to transport, and integrated storage for accessories. Cons include lacking Sys-Dock latching for Systainers, no built-in Bluetooth, and the included hose is basic (not the smooth anti-static version).

The Bottom Line

Worth it for finish contractors, remodelers working in occupied spaces, and anyone who values portability over capacity. The true HEPA certification and OSHA compliance justify the premium over hardware store vacuums. Skip it if you need all-day capacity for production sanding or drywall work — the small tank requires frequent emptying on dusty jobs.

Performance is comparable to larger models like the CT 26, but with added portability. Many users find its balance of performance, portability, and filtration quality makes it a preferred choice for professional and serious hobbyist contractors.

For Montana contractors driving between job sites, the 23-pound weight and compact dimensions mean it actually gets used instead of sitting in the shop. That’s the real test of any dust extractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should the filter be changed on the CT 15?

Tool-free filter replacement from the outside of the unit. Simply insert the self-clean filter bag into the 15L container. The self-cleaning bag extends filter life significantly compared to standard bags. Replacement frequency depends on material type — drywall dust clogs faster than wood dust.

Can this handle wet pickup without changing filters?

For wet use, an optional wet filter (NF-CT) is recommended. The standard HEPA filter works for minor spills but switching to the wet filter prevents clogging and extends HEPA filter life when doing serious water extraction.

Does the 3-year warranty cover normal wear items?

3-year ‘Warranty all-inclusive’ (requires registration) covering wear-and-tear, repair service, and spare parts. Festool’s warranty actually covers wear items that other brands exclude. Register within 30 days of purchase to activate full coverage.

What’s the real difference between this and a basic shop vac?

Full-unit HEPA Certification and OSHA Table 1 Compliance protect you from citations and liability. The variable suction control and 72 dB operation let you work in occupied spaces. Tool-triggered operation and system compatibility save setup time. You’re paying for compliance, quiet operation, and integration — not just suction.