Kevin Belben, Technical Applications Manager at Cistermiser and Keraflo discusses the role of the latest infrared ‘no-touch’ bathroom products in the Covid-19 landscape.
Whether it’s picking up a TV remote control unit, or turning on a heater, Infrared (IR) technology is already part of our daily lives. When it comes to domestic bathrooms and commercial washrooms, occupancy-sensing product developments incorporating IR can deliver a lifestyle-enhancing added value solution. At the same time, they can improve hygiene, save water resources and improve the end-user experience.
No-touch required
With the focus now firmly placed on regular hand washing to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 virus, bathroom washbasin taps are firmly under the spotlight. Deck-mounted IR taps offer hygienic, hands-free operation, and are typically supplied with either 3.5 or 5 litres per minute flow rate nozzle options.
With Cistermiser’s curved-bodied Vectatap, or modern-styled Novatap, for example, water flow is turned on when the user presents their hands to the IR sensor located on the lower body. When the user’s hands are moved away, the flow of water stops after just a 2-second delay
Also suitable for situations where less-abled or elderly users may find it difficult to operate conventional taps, these products can provide a practical solution for delivery of cold or temperature controlled hot water supplies. Water flow run-on time and the IR sensor range between the tap and the user’s hands are fully adjustable. In order to prevent water wastage, however, these mains or battery-powered touch-free washbasin taps will automatically switch off after 60 seconds continuous flow.
Catering for both young and old
Bathroom design must continually evolve to meet the changing needs of our society and IR is entrenched in the heart of ongoing product development. A rise in multi-generational households means that not only do WCs need to be appropriate for toddlers and young children, they are also increasingly being called on to suit an ageing population, who may also be living with dementia and require help when using the toilet.
If a carer is trying to perform multiple tasks in the bathroom, the use of IR no-touch activation can definitely help to get everything done quickly, easily and hygienically. Indeed – initially in commercial washrooms and now in domestic bathroom settings – IR has started to consign traditional toilet flush handles to history.
Infrared sensor-activated WC flushing valves, such as the Easyflush combined flush and filling valve from Cistermiser, can be installed in either Walkaway or Wave options. With solutions for close-coupled or concealed cistern-fed installs, they’re programmable in a variety of ways, giving full control over the volume of water used and whether the toilet flushing is activated by ‘touchless’ operation (with a wave of the hand), or ‘occupancy sensing’ operation (by simply standing up and walking away from the WC).
Offering practical advantages, intelligent IR-activated washbasin taps and toilet flushing valves are easy to operate, minimise water wastage and help to give peace of mind to family users across all age groups, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities.
For more information on Cistermiser’s range of ‘no touch’ solutions visit www.cistermiser.co.uk/
