Benefits of a touch tap for water: choosing an electronic faucet

The development of modern technologies that can simplify human life is proceeding at an alarming pace. At the same time, innovations affect not only electronics or mobile gadgets. It turns out that even an ordinary mixer can be a complex device with electronic filling. This is a sensor tap for water. This technology belongs to the "smart home" project, where the dwelling independently responds to the wishes of the owner, in accordance with the specified parameters. Advertising says that touchless faucets are the best solution for a city apartment, saving water and making life easier for residents. Let's try to figure out how true this statement is.

What is an electronic mixer?

Plumbing stores offer touchless faucets for all plumbing fixtures in an apartment. This includes sinks, showers, bidets and bathtubs. What is the difference between an automatic faucet and a conventional faucet?

1. Ergonomic and modern design. Such a mixer does not have the usual valves and levers for supplying water or controlling the temperature. The main node is a photocell that is triggered by movement, opening the water for a certain time.
2. Automatic mode of operation. Water opens after any part of the body enters the sensor's field of view. The sensor sensitivity zone and the response time of the locking mechanism are adjustable. Recommended parameters for the sensor visibility range: up to 30 centimeters, water turn-on delay - 3-5 seconds. Some models have a stop program that will stop the water supply after a predetermined time interval.
3. High working resource. The device is powered by a battery with a capacity of 9 V. Under the manufacturer's warranty, the battery lasts for two years of uninterrupted operation. Provided that the tap will turn on about 4,000 times a month (over 100 starts per day). Batteries are inserted after the device is attached to the sink. Accordingly, when replacing the battery, there is no need to dismantle the crane completely.
4. Flexible setting. There is no need to adjust the water temperature every time: the tap is adjusted once and operates in the specified mode. Some models are equipped with a remote control that allows you to make changes to the operation of the mixer.

Varieties

Electronic mixers are classified according to several criteria:

• according to the appearance. Here stand out devices with a sensor, equipped with a touch display for setup and operation, or completely contactless models that respond to movement.
• according to the established program. This category is divided into mixers with constant or intermittent water supply. The first option is triggered when palms appear in the sensor's visibility zone and turns off if there is no movement, the second one also reacts to movement, but the water supply automatically stops after a certain time interval.

• Type of installed sensor. The products are equipped with ultrasonic and infrared sensors or a photocell. The latter option is less reliable, because the incident light can provoke a false alarm.

• Spout length. Available in long, medium, fixed, swivel and short models. The selection of the jet length depends on the location of the tap.

Advantages

An electronic sink faucet has a number of undeniable advantages. For instance:

• This is the best option for installation in crowded places. Given that the mixer does not have rotary mechanisms, the risk of breakdowns is minimized.In addition, people will not touch the faucet with their hands, trying to adjust the optimal water supply. This is attractive in terms of personal hygiene.
• Considering that the faucet automatically turns on and off the water, the use of an electronic faucet is economically beneficial. In addition, the risk of flooding the premises is completely eliminated if, during a temporary shutdown of water, the tap accidentally remains open.
• Thanks to the one-time adjustment of the parameters, the consumer always receives water at the optimum temperature. This feature allows you to use the automatic faucet even for kids, without the risk of getting burned by hot water.

Flaws

Consider the negative aspects of installing an electronic mixer.

• The ad says it's perfect for a kitchen sink. After all, the hands of housewives in the process of cooking are often dirty, so when opening the water, greasy traces and stains remain on the surface of the tap. This statement is nothing more than a marketing ploy. The fact is that in the process of cooking, housewives usually use water of different temperatures. For example, warm water is used to wash vegetables and fruits, hot water is used to wash dishes, cold water is used to fill the kettle. Accordingly, you will have to constantly change the automatic settings of the mixer. Here it is worth giving preference to a conventional single-lever faucet.
• Installing a faucet with a sensor in the bathroom is also impractical. To fill the bath with water, you have to constantly keep your hand near the sensor. It takes a lot of time and causes some inconvenience. In bathrooms, electronic faucets are installed only in sinks or showers.
• High price. The purchase of an automatic crane will cost from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles. Depending on the manufacturer, functionality and design.

Installation

You can install an electronic mixer on your own, without calling specialized specialists. First you need to shut off the water supply and dismantle the old mixer. Then install the faucet body into the sink hole.

Please note that a rubber gasket is placed between the body and the sink (included in the basic package), which is pressed against the fixing nut.

Usually a control box with a step-down transformer is included. This element is attached to the wall and connected to the faucet body by means of a flexible hose. The installation of a step-down transformer is necessary for the correct operation of the touch sensor.

Then the mixer is connected to the water supply system. Upon completion of the installation, the water supply is opened, and the operability of the automatic tap is checked. After making the necessary settings, the mixer is ready for operation.

Subtleties of choice

Given that the electronic faucet is not yet widely used, consumers may have difficulty at the time of purchase. To purchase a quality product, you can use the following recommendations:

• Please note that not all sensor taps are full-fledged faucets. Some models are designed for single-pipe plumbing systems. Accordingly, you will have to buy two products: for cold and hot water. In order not to be mistaken, pay attention to the number of inlets in the body: the mixer has two of them.
• For a purchase, you should go to a specialized store, where you can focus on products from European manufacturers.

You should not buy touch taps in the markets. Here there is a risk that under the guise of a quality product, you will be slipped a Chinese fake. By the way, some electronic faucets made in China are of high build quality, while the cost of production is much lower than European counterparts.If you decide to save money and choose a cheaper option, be sure to ask the seller for an international certificate of compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards. The presence of the document will serve as a guarantee that the crane is made according to international standards, from high-quality materials.

• The faucet is selected individually, in accordance with the installation location of the sink, so it is necessary to carry out preliminary measurements. In addition, the faucet should organically fit into the interior design.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, a sensor mixer with automatic water supply and shutdown is an original and necessary thing. However, the effectiveness of such a device directly depends on the place of its installation. For example, for nightclubs, gyms and educational institutions, this is really the best option. The installation of automatic mixers in hotels and places of spa treatment will bring practical benefits. The need to install a sensor tap in a residential apartment is a very controversial issue. If you have a weakness for beautiful things with electronic filling, then this product is for you. The original design, "smart" filling and flexible settings will not leave anyone indifferent. However, with the main task of the mixer (supplying water at a given temperature), an ordinary tap will do just as well. Therefore, spending your money on this gadget or finding a more rational use for it is up to you.