The first thing one must consider when upgrading a commercial washroom is to introduce the electronic, touchless faucet. If it hasn’t already been done, replace the manual technology with automatic bathroom technology. Whether it is a public washroom in an airport or an office building, an electronic faucet is ideal for use. This relatively new technology is known for its user-friendliness, hygiene-friendliness and its contribution to water-conservation. These faucets eliminate the need to touch the tap or turn valves to make water flow by using presence sensors. These sensors automatically turn the faucet on when hands are detected under the nozzle.

Types of electronic faucets
All electronic faucets are similar in terms of their mechanics and most differ only in terms of the material that they are made of. Let’s look at some of the common electronic faucets.

1. Plastic faucets

Plastic faucets are the most popularly used faucets. This is so because of their cost-effectiveness, but they are considered unsuitable for commercial use as they are more likely than others to get damaged. If used publicly, these faucets might need frequent repair.

2. Stainless steel faucets

Stainless steel faucets are perfect for commercial use because of their shiny outward appearance and durability. The surface is likely to remain shiny as long as it is not scratched. Stainless steel does not corrode or rust easily.

3. Brass and chrome coated faucets

These faucets are made of zinc coated with brass. The brass coating reduces risk of corrosion or rusting of the zinc. The brass also makes the appearance shinier by doing so. The only problem with this type of faucet is that once the brass has worn out, the brass is at risk of corrosion and this can cause hygiene issues.

4. Solid brass faucets

Solid brass faucets are purely made of brass. Brass is known for being resistant to rusting. These faucets are thus particularly useful in public places and where water is considered ‘hard’. ‘Hard’ water runs a greater chance of corroding and rusting its channels. These faucets therefore reduce maintenance costs and frequency of need for repair.

Features

1. Sensor

The only distinguishing feature of automatic faucets is the sensor. The sensor is located at the base of the spout of the faucet. This presence sensor detects presence of hands and once hands are detected, it activates the pump to allow the flow of water. The water flows only as long as the sensor detects the hands and when they are no longer detected, the flow stops.

2. Power source

The electronics, sensor and the valve need a power source to run them. The power source can be either a dry-cell battery or a low voltage current from an AC transformer.

3. Solenoid valve

The valve is a solenoid-activated valve that has a rubber disk meant to control the water flow. When the sensor detects presence of hands, the valve opens to allow the water to flow. The valve remains open only as long as the hands remain under the sensor.

4. Spout

The spout is the visible part of the faucet.

Benefits of electronic faucets

1. The automatic faucets are hygiene-friendly

Contamination risk, particularly in commercial areas, is increased because of the need to make contact with the device. By eliminating the need to touch the faucet, the automatic faucet eliminates the risk of contamination through contact.

2. It reduces water-wastage

The electronic faucets automatically stop the flow of water when hands are removed from under the spout. Water-wastage is particularly problematic in public places and this makes these faucets ideal for commercial use.

Durability and ease of use

The touchless faucets, as the name suggests, do not need to be touched, this alone makes them more durable because risk of damage is reduced. Repeated use of the tap in case of traditional faucets makes damage more likely and thereby results in greater maintenance costs. At the same time, this also makes use much easier.