Specifiers Handbook: Touchless Faucets for Public Buildings (PDF)
Use this page to reduce RFIs, speed up submittals, and standardize finishes and install conditions across public facilities. Jump to BIM resources, installation guides, warranty and service programs, and spec-ready product picks.
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Project Scope and What This Handbook Covers
Touchless faucets in public buildings must satisfy performance, durability, and serviceability. Small decisions in spout reach, sensor behavior, mixing strategy, and controller access can become field issues: splash, false triggers, unstable temperature, or slow maintenance access. This handbook groups the choices that prevent rework.
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Plumbing coordination Hole diameter, deck thickness, spout reach, supply interfaces, and shutoffs.
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Sensor behavior and user flow Sensing distance, soap location, reflective surfaces, and max-on timeout.
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Temperature and safety Mixing strategy, anti-scald planning, and stable outlet temperature during peaks.
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Power and service access Battery vs hardwired, controller placement, and access panels for maintenance.
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Submittals and closeout BIM, cut sheets, installation PDFs, warranty docs, and turnover requirements.
What’s Inside the PDF Handbook
Use this preview to confirm the handbook matches your project needs before download. It is organized for fixture schedule decisions, submittals, and field coordination.
Spec-first guidance for public buildings, with practical checks that prevent installation and commissioning problems.
- Mount selection and access planning (deck vs wall)
- Sensor behavior notes (range, reflections, timeout)
- Mixing strategy and temperature stability notes
- Submittal and closeout package checklist
- Links to BIM, cut sheets, installation PDFs, and warranty resources
Selection Checklist for Public Buildings
Use this checklist during fixture schedule review and submittal review. It captures common causes of rework: wrong mount assumptions, poor sensor performance due to reflections, unstable temperature, inaccessible power components, and flow mismatch that leads to splash.
| Spec Item | What to Decide | Why It Matters in the Field | Where to Confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount type | Deck or wall mount. Confirm chase depth and service access for wall valves. | Wrong access assumptions create delays and repeat visits. | Cut sheet + installation guide |
| Sensor behavior | Range, timeout, and environment limitations (reflections, sunlight, mirror angle). | False triggers waste water and frustrate users. Timeout reduces flood risk. | Installation guide + commissioning notes |
| Mixing strategy | Cold only or hot/cold with mixer. Plan anti-scald and stable temperature. | Temperature drift drives complaints and can become a safety concern. | Plumbing notes + submittals |
| Power | AC, battery, or AC with battery backup. Define controller location and access. | Battery changes and service access must match O&M workflow. | Product downloads area |
| Flow and splash control | Match outlet type and spout reach to bowl geometry and water pressure. | Splash issues are usually geometry + flow mismatch, not a bad faucet. | Field test + cut sheet |
External Standards and Reference Links
Use these authoritative sources when writing spec notes and checking compliance requirements. Always confirm applicability for your jurisdiction and project type.
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ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design Official ADA Standards page
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EPA WaterSense Water efficiency program overview
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CALGreen (California Green Building Standards) CALGreen landing page
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ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1 (Plumbing Supply Fittings) ASME standard listing
BIM, Cut Sheets, and Submittals
On public projects, fast submittals reduce schedule risk. Keep BIM families, cut sheets, and installation PDFs attached to the submittal package. For wall mount models, confirm chase depth and service access early. For deck mount models, confirm hole diameter and deck thickness and define shutoff strategy.
Some technical details are intentionally delivered as downloadable files (BIM families, cut sheets, installation PDFs) to keep submittals clean and consistent. Use the Technical Resources Center when you need a single place to pull documentation for the spec package and closeout.
What you can pull from the Technical Resources Center
BIM/Revit files for modeling and coordination, spec sheets for submittals, and installation guides for commissioning and turnover. Keep these linked to the fixture schedule so teams can verify decisions without hunting through category pages.
How to use it on real projects
During DD, confirm mount type and access. During submittals, attach the handbook PDF plus model-specific cut sheets and installs. During closeout, include warranty and service links so facilities teams can service units without reverse-searching the web.
- DD: select wall vs deck, confirm chase depth and deck thickness
- Submittals: attach cut sheet + install PDF per model
- Closeout: include warranty/service and a “downloads map”
Downloads Map (Attach This to Submittals + Closeout)
This table helps the GC and owner find the correct documentation fast. Copy it into your submittal cover sheet or O&M binder, then add model numbers and direct file links as you finalize selections.
| Document Type | What It’s For | Primary Link | Notes to Add in Submittals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handbook (PDF) | Spec-first overview + coordination checklist for public buildings | Direct PDF | Reference for DD review and typical coordination pitfalls |
| Technical Resources Center | Central library: BIM/Revit, spec sheets, installation guides | Open Center | Use for model-specific downloads and future addenda |
| BIM / Revit | Model coordination, clash checking, and accurate geometry in Revit | BIM Downloads | List Revit family name + version/date used |
| Installation Guides | Rough-in, mounting, commissioning, and setup checks | Install Guides | Attach the exact model’s PDF used in the field |
| Warranty Programs | Warranty terms, service workflows, and closeout reference | Warranty | Include warranty start date policy and service contact path |
Project Examples (Airports)
Two airport contexts where spec teams typically prioritize hygiene, uptime, and fast service access. Use these as reference patterns when standardizing finishes and submittal packages across multiple terminals or facilities.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Good reference for high-volume handwash zones where sensor behavior, splash control, and service access must stay predictable during peak waves.
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Useful pattern for airports that require ADA planning, strong durability, and maintenance workflows that minimize restroom downtime.
Spec-Ready Picks (Models + Links)
Three common conditions: a wall mount commercial faucet, a deck mount baseline, and an integrated set that reduces counter clutter. Treat these as starting points, then confirm finish family, power preference, and mixing option per room type and maintenance plan.
Wall Mount Touchless Faucet (Reference)
Use as a wall mount baseline when counter clutter must be minimized and cleaning is frequent.
Deck Mount Touchless Faucets (Category)
Good for retrofit work with standard hole patterns. Confirm reach and bowl geometry to reduce splash.
Faucet + Soap Combo (System Coordination)
Use coordinated sets to keep finishes consistent and reduce mixed-brand appearance across sites.
How to Use This Handbook on Real Projects
This handbook is meant to be used as a fast, spec-first reference during design review, submittals, and field coordination. If your priority is speed, start with the direct PDF, then use the linked BIM files and installation guides to complete your package. The goal is to reduce RFIs by standardizing mount type, sensor behavior, mixing strategy, power, and service access early.
For public buildings and high-traffic restrooms, the most common failure points are not “product defects”. They are coordination gaps: wrong reach for the bowl, reflective surfaces creating false triggers, unstable mixed water temperature during peak use, or a controller location that is hard to access once walls are closed. Use the checklist on this page to confirm decisions before procurement, and keep the downloads linked below attached to your submittal and closeout.
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Design Development Choose mount type, confirm rough-in/service access, and align spout reach with bowl geometry. Use categories to shortlist options for each restroom type.
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Submittals Attach the PDF handbook, BIM families, cut sheets, and installation PDFs to the submittal package to speed up approvals.
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Field + Closeout Confirm sensor behavior, timeout, and power configuration during commissioning, then include warranty/service resources in turnover.
Product Videos
Quick walkthrough videos to support submittals and field coordination. Use these to confirm sensor behavior, power setup, and commissioning workflow.
FAQ
Common questions spec teams and installers ask during design review, submittals, and field coordination.
Battery vs hardwired: which is better for public projects?
Hardwired reduces battery maintenance and is often preferred for high-traffic locations. Battery options can be practical for retrofit sites where power is not available, but plan access and replacement workflow.
How do you reduce false sensor triggers?
Avoid placing sensors directly opposite highly reflective surfaces. Confirm sensing range, set timeout, and align soap placement so the user flow is predictable.
Why do some installations have splash problems?
Splash is usually caused by spout reach, bowl geometry, and flow combination. Verify reach and outlet style, then field test one representative restroom before full rollout.
What should be in the closeout package?
Fixture schedule, BIM and cut sheets, installation PDFs, warranty and service info, and a map showing which downloads correspond to each model.
Where do I find spec sheets and model-specific downloads?
Use the Technical Resources Center for a centralized library of BIM/Revit files, spec sheets, and installation guides. Then capture what you used inside the Downloads Map so closeout stays clean.
