One of the new technological miracles that continue to emerge as science advances is the touchless bathroom faucet (also called sensor or automatic faucets). It operates like magic. Just bring your hand below the spout and water will start running! This type of electronic faucet has a proximity sensor which opens the valve to allow water to flow when it detects the presence of a hand. As soon as the hand is no longer sensed, the valve closes and the flow stops. This sensor, in most cases, is the infrared sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from hands.
What are the different types of touchless bathroom faucets?
All touchless bathroom faucets have similar features and mostly the different types differ in terms of the material used to make them. The various types of touchless bathroom faucet are:
Solid brass Sensor faucets
As the name suggests, these electronic faucets are made up of brass. These faucets do not rust easily so are durable and might be particularly necessary in places where water is considered 'hard' and risk of rusting is greater.
Brass and chrome coated electronic faucets
The brass and chrome coated faucets are made of zinc which is coated with brass. This coating lowers likelihood of corrosion and also makes the appearance more attractive. The problem with this type of faucet is, however, that it is not very good for hygiene. The brass wears out over time and this exposes the zinc to corrosion risk.
Plastic touchless bathroom faucets
These faucets, although cheaper than most other types, are less durable and more likely to break or wear off.
Stainless steel Touchless Bathroom Faucets
As long as the surface is not scratched, the stainless steel faucet will not corrode. This type of faucet is ideal for all kinds of sinks.
Features of restroom touchless sink faucets:
The Sensor in the touchless bathroom faucets
The sensor in a touchless bathroom faucet is typically located at the base or the lip of the spout. It is a presence sensor (not a motion sensor) that detects the presence of hands under the spout and turns the water on until the hands are no longer detected. Most restroom sensors are infrared sensors that detect infrared rays from your hands while others use ultrasonic field sensors to indicate when the field is disrupted by your hands.
Solenoid valve in Electronic Faucets
The sensor controls the solenoid valve, which is a solenoid-activated diaphragm valve. It uses a rubber like disk to control flow of water. When a hand is detected by the sensor in the electronic faucet, the solenoid pulls open the valve and the water from Faucets begins to flow.
Electronic Faucets Power source
The power source needed for a touchless bathroom faucet can be either in the form of dry-cell batteries or a low-voltage current from an AC transformer. Electricity is needed to run the sensor, the valve and the control electronics
Sensor Faucet Spouts
The spouts in touchless bathroom faucets hold the working parts together. Spouts come in various shapes and styles and play a role in designs. Here are some of the different styles of spouts:
What are the benefits of restroom touchless bathroom faucets?
They help conserve water in commercial environment
The touchless bathroom faucet is environmentally friendly. They help conserve water by automatically tuning off once it no longer detects the hand. At the same time, this feature will lower your water bills.
These electronic faucets prevent spreading of germs especially in commercial public restrooms
These faucets are more hygienic and better for health than others types of faucets. Germs especially in commercial and public restrooms accumulates and linger on the facet handles and if you have to touch the faucet to turn it off, you are likely to catch them.
The commercial sensor faucet will remain clean and spotless
If you don't have to touch the faucet with dirty hands, it will remain spotless unlike the traditional faucets; particularly in kitchens, that can get visibly dirty.
Where can touchless bathroom faucets be used?
Automatic electronic faucets are commonly used in public restrooms and washrooms at office buildings, airports, train stations or hotels. Use of such faucets in places like these will reduce risk of germ transfer and also prevent water wastage. Kitchens and washroom of private residencies might also use these electronic faucets where its sensor helps prevent faucets from getting visible dirty.
Durability and ease of use of commercial sensor faucets in Public Restrooms
The stainless steel and brass touchless bathroom faucets are typically durable electronic Faucets. These sensor faucets do not tarnish or break and they are vandal resistant. They perfectly fit for commercial environment such as Public restrooms. There are several sensor faucets brands FontanaShowers brand delta sensor faucets Sloan sensor faucets BathSelect sensor faucets also these are industrial-style infrared faucets.