Sensor taps, also known as hands-free electronic taps, are automatic taps where the water flow is activated when the sensor senses the presence of hands in the handwashing area. These touch-free taps eliminate the need for the user to manually operate the tap, with the removal of hands from the handwashing area automatically turning off the flow of water.
Sensor taps deliver multiple advantages, especially in washrooms located in commercial, office, healthcare and hospitality environments.
Excellent hygiene
Since there is no need to touch the tap lever to activate water flow, the user is not exposed to any risk of contamination, unlike conventional taps where germs may spread through touch. This hygienic aspect of touch-free taps is very important in hospitality environments, particularly commercial kitchens where the risk of cross-contamination between food types can be high without a dedicated handwashing station; in fact, it is mandated throughout Australia.
Sensor taps provide the best solution in this situation. A hands free tap allows users to wash their hands without having to touch the levers of a regular tap, hence minimising the risk of cross-contamination when preparing food.
Even in commercial bathrooms, users are not exposed to contaminated tapware from previous users, preventing the spread of germs and ensuring peace of mind.
Water conservation
The controlled flow of water in sensor taps ensures considerable water savings for the facility. At a time when water shortage is a reality and it’s important to conserve water in every area, touch-free taps save water by activating the water flow only when the sensor senses the presence of hands in the handwashing area. By installing sensor taps, facility managers can achieve as much as 60 per cent water savings over regular taps.
Sensor taps ensure a more efficient use of water since the water flow only occurs when the hands are directly in front of the sensor in the handwashing area. In situations where the user is soaping their hands, or washing their face, for example, there is no water flow, resulting in water savings.
Since the water flow is set at a fixed level during installation, the amount of water being used is restricted. Sensor taps also feature low consumption flow regulators, leading to more water savings. At regular taps, users are likely to turn the taps on at full flow, unnecessarily using up water for general handwashing.
Water wastage can also happen in normal tapware when users try to achieve a particular temperature. Most sensor taps have the water temperature set prior to the outlet, which means the user has no control.
Users of regular taps in public washrooms may turn the tap on and not close it completely, resulting in water drip. In sensor taps, when the hands leave the sensing area, the solenoid completely closes preventing any wastage.
Accessibility
Hands-free taps ensure accessibility to all users. This is particularly relevant for users with dexterity and mobility limitations. By not having to reach out and manually operate taps, users living with disability can still wash their hands without a lot of difficulty in washrooms with sensor taps.
