Have you ever wondered how impractical it is to turn the bathroom faucet on with your dirty hands, then wash your hands thoroughly, only to put it in contact with all those germs again just to turn the water off?
I always ask myself: “What Did I Just Do?”
And it feels even worse when you are in a public environment such as a restaurant or a shopping mall.
Fortunately for us, there are always smart people trying to solve these problems. Today, it is not uncommon to see touchless or sensor faucets installed in many public bathrooms. And after the events of 2020, many residential projects have started including sensor faucets as a stock feature. Moreover, technology has improved so much, now sensor faucets cost a fraction of the money. They are no longer an oddity from a space museum. Now they’re practically everywhere.
They are not only more hygienic. They also help save resources as some models only run water as long as their sensor detects a hand. It is said that they help save up to 30% in water bills, and they definitely prevent small kids from forgetting to leave the water running as they often do.
How Do Sensor Faucets Work?
Most touchless faucets are composed of four basic elements.
The sensor, which is the most important part of any touchless faucet, is what allows it to be operated without contact. It detects your hand by way of a reflecting infrared signal, which is then forwarded to the faucet valve. In other words, it is what tells the faucet when to open or close the valve. Sensors are often located at the tip of the spout, but they can also be found at the base.
The signal is transferred to a solenoid valve that engages a push or pull action, depending on the signal being received from the sensor. In short, the solenoid valve controls the water flow. When the infrared sensor detects a hand, it sends a positive signal that is picked up by the solenoid, causing it to pull the valve open. As soon as the sensor stops detecting an object, the solenoid closes up the valve and interrupts the flow of the water.
The power supply is the third element. Since there is no mechanical energy to activate the valve (no hand activating a lever or tap), then an electrical source is needed to operate the valve. There are many options out there, from dry cell battery packs to low-voltage AC transformers. These power sources, and the whole internal wiring, must be connected internally by using waterproof connector cables to prevent corrosion and signal loss. All the internal electronics must be insulated and water-proof, so they can ensure reliability and stability.
Then there is the spout. This has to be high-quality and aesthetically pleasing. There are many shapes and finishes available: from zinc-based models with chrome or nickel finishes, to luxurious brass spouts.
We recommend visiting Quality Plumbing Supply and checking out their incredible selection of commercial sensor faucets. They also provide repair parts and replacements for all major sensor faucet brands.
