Are Sensor Faucets Right For Domestic Bathrooms?
Touch-free technology in washrooms has been a hygiene game-changer, especially in recent years. From hand dryers to faucets and even toilet flushes, less touching means less bacteria, which has a positive impact on public health.
Touch-free or sensor faucets are commonly found in public restrooms, but they’re becoming popular in domestic homes too, for a variety of reasons. So how do you know if a sensor faucet is the right choice for your bathroom? Here’s a look at some of the key benefits including when to (and when not to) install one.
How do sensor faucets work?
All of the touch-free technology you typically find in a bathroom is operated using infra-red technology. A touch-free faucet is fitted with a sensor (ours is located inside the aerator for more intuitive functionality) which emits an infra-red beam. When you place your hands in front of the beam, it is interrupted and this activates the water flow. With an Artos sensor faucet, water will continue to flow while your hands are in front of the sensor for up to 1 minute, at which point the faucet automatically shuts off. You can restart the water flow again after 10 seconds.
Do they need a power supply?
The short answer is yes, all sensor faucets need a power supply because the infrared beam from the sensor is generated using electricity. Most domestic bathrooms already have a mains power supply, which makes it relatively simply to connect a sensor faucet system with the control box concealed under a vanity unit. Alternatively, if the washroom doesn’t have a power supply, our sensor faucet is also supplied with a battery control box. Power consumption is extremely low – we estimate that our sensor faucet can be powered for 300 cycles per day for TWO YEARS, using 4xAA batteries.
Are sensor faucets more sustainable?
Yes. A key reason sensor faucets are used in public facilities is because they dramatically reduce water wastage. The output of our sensor faucets can be adjusted for maximum efficiency in both public and domestic settings, and since the water flow shuts off automatically after one minute, there’s no risk of the tap being accidentally left on. As previously mentioned, their power consumption is also extremely low.
Are sensor faucets safer?
Yes! Our sensor faucets can be combined with an adjustable mixing valve so you can control the water temperature consistently on each and every cycle. As well as providing a convenient experience, this reduces the risk of burns and scalds in the home.
Are sensor faucets reliable?
We’ve all encountered sensor faucets in public washrooms that aren’t working, and this can be frustrating. It’s important to understand why these issues occur when deciding to fit a sensor faucet in a domestic bathroom.
The most common cause of a sensor faucet not working is high-volume usage. Most sensors require a short reset period between cycles and when large numbers of people are passing through a public restroom, this sometimes doesn’t happen. Next time you encounter a sensor faucet that isn’t working, try counting to ten (without placing your hands near the sensor) and then try again.
Other issues that can cause problems include a dirty sensor, which can prevent the faucet from functioning. The sensor window should be kept free from obstructions and dirt for optimal performance. Finally, it’s important that the water pressure is correct so that the valves the stop and start the water flow can operate correctly.
It’s worth noting that our sensor taps are fitted with a safety feature that prevents the tap from working in the event of a water supply or power failure.
Is a sensor faucet right for my domestic bathroom?
Sensor faucets are an ideal choice for secondary bathrooms and powder rooms where there’s a need for frequent, convenient hand-washing facilities. They’re especially useful for families with young children, promoting independent use and enhanced safety while also reducing waste.
Sensor faucets are also ideal when fitting out a washroom for an elderly or disabled person. They have clear benefits for people with reduced manual dexterity, since the user doesn’t need to operate the tap manually. They are safer and easier to use than a conventional mixer faucet, delivering a consistent, comfortable experience while eliminating the risk of burns and scalds and improving hygiene for people who may be particularly vulnerable to infection.
Sensor faucets are not usually recommended for use in family or ensuite bathrooms. This is because there will often be times when you want to use just the cold or hot water supply, or when you need to run the water for more than one minute – for instance, if you want to fill up the basin.
Artos specializes in beautiful, Italian-inspired washroom hardware that combines visual appeal and quality materials with genuine, durable performance at affordable prices.
We offer excellent stock availability and support that helps Artos dealers to delight their customers every time. To find out more, or to locate your nearest Artos stockist, get in touch!
