Abstract: In a suction apparatus (1) for sucking up wet and/or dry suction material there is a single suction chamber (6) having an approximately constant inside diameter over its entire height forming in the bottom region a preseparating chamber (9) for heavier parts and optionally liquid, as well as spaced above the same in the top area a filter chamber (10) for receiving a wet or a dry filter (11) for filtering before or after the preseparation. The main container (2) forming the suction chamber (6) and to be opened level with filter (11) is immediately adjacent to an electromotive exhauster unit (3) relative to which it can be tilted for emptying the preseparation chamber (9). So that the filter (11) is not subject to liquid or heavier parts to be preseparated, there is an adjustable fill level limiting device (25) with a limit switch (26) directly responding to the suction material, which switches off when the exhauster unit (3) responds and then automatically switches in again.