Automatic faucet with a sensor on the bottom
An automatic faucet (sometimes called a sensor faucet) is a faucet with a hands-free mechanism for opening and closing its valve. The use of such faucets is mainly confined to public washrooms where they are an important tool for conserving water and mitigating the spread of germs.[1]
Summary[]
It is an automatic control for a kitchen or lavatory faucet can significantly reduce water consumption through intermittent operation. Automatic faucets does not need many functions that ordinary faucets needs an operator. Operating the automatic faucet reduce the result in wasted water between the time that a hand moves from lever to the next object or task at hand to a bar of soap, pot to fill with water, or dish for rinsing.[2]
Advantages[]
Sensor or automatic faucets have the advantage of shutting off automatically after a hand wash therefore cutting down on water waste. This waste is also a concern for people who care for the environment. When installed in home, sensor faucets alleviate the need for parents to ensure that children have turned off taps. Sensor faucets can benefit elderly people or those suffering from arthritis since there are no handles to twist or pull. Economically, sensor faucets use less water resulting in direct savings on your water bill. In a kitchen setting, they automatically shut off after you have used the correct amount of water for rinsing a pan or washing an apple which also eliminates the worry of a sink overflowing.[3]
History[]
Automatic faucets were first developed in the 1950's but were not produced for commercial use until the late 1980's when they first appeared to the general public at airport lavatories. Story has it that the first airport to adopt the new technology, is O'Hare Airport. Called by other names such as Electronic Faucet, Sensor Faucet, Hands Free Faucet, Touch-less Faucet, even Infrared Faucet, automatic faucets have become a central theme in the American experience. They are now found in places far removed from airports and other institutions, places like restaurants, hotels, casinos, malls, sports arenas, as well as residential properties.
They are known for their assistive qualities, automatic faucets are making their presence felt at assistive living establishments and places where the elderly and handicapped individuals call home. Automatic faucets are water saving devices, helping save 70% of the water that would otherwise swirl down the drain unused and conserve as much as 3-5% of the water used by a standard household. Other benefits of automatic faucets are found in inhibiting the spread of germs which are known to thrive on faucet handles, as well as help prevent or mitigate scalding incidents caused by hot water flowing out of the faucet.[4]
See also[]
- Faucet
- Sink
- Hose (tubing)
- Water conservation
- Sloan Valve Company
References[]
- ↑ http://www.guide2faucets.com/faucet-types/specialized/sensor-automatic.aspx Automatic faucets is a water conservation faucet, Guide2faucets
- ↑ http://www.byoh.com/automaticfaucets.htm Summary, Automatic faucets 1981 - 2010 Carl Heldmann.
- ↑ http://www.guide2faucets.com/faucet-types/specialized/sensor-automatic.aspx Sensor or Automatic faucets, Guide2faucets
- ↑ http://www.macfaucets.com/education.htm Automatic faucets, Macfaucets 2008