Basin taps - page 2

Choosing an automatic basin tap for public washrooms comes down to four criteria. First, the mounting: on the basin deck, on the wall above the basin, or on a support frame that carries both the washbasin and its tapware. Second, the power supply: a 9 V battery, with no wiring at all, or a 230/9 V transformer on mains power. Third, the water: a single-supply tap takes cold water or water already pre-mixed upstream; a mixer tap takes hot and cold water, and the temperature is set at the tap. Finally, the sensor: self-adjusting or factory preset. Every Supratech model in this range works touch-free with an infrared sensor: water flows when hands pass under the spout and stops as soon as they move away. All of them also run a periodic flush after 24 hours without use, and most shut the water off after 90 seconds of continuous flow. In North America, they are known as touchless or sensor faucets.

Deck-mounted or wall-mounted: which should you choose?

A deck-mounted sensor tap fits into the tap hole of the basin or vanity top. This mounting offers the widest choice of models, in both single-supply and mixer versions, including tall taps for countertop and semi-recessed basins.

A wall-mounted sensor tap projects from the wall above the basin and keeps the deck clear, but it often needs more precise installation. Depending on the model, it is concealed, with a solenoid valve box under the basin, or fitted through-wall from a service duct, on a panel up to 35 mm thick. The AKWATIC All-in-One tap, with its battery and solenoid valve built into the body, simply replaces a manual tap on an existing 1/2" connection, which makes it ideal for refurbishment. The spout length, from 125 to 295 mm depending on the model and version, is matched to the basin layout. One vertical model even fits behind a mirror.

When is a support frame with an integrated tap the right choice?

The basin support frame with an integrated sensor tap makes wall mounting simpler. This metal frame, fixed to the floor and the wall behind a partition up to 40 mm thick (70 mm optional), carries the washbasin, the wall-mounted tap and, depending on the version, a soap dispenser; the RONDEO TRIO model adds a hand dryer. Its height adjusts from 1140 to 1340 mm, the spouts are firmly fixed to the frame, and the unit comes with the mounting parts, washbasin not included.

Battery or mains, cold or mixed water: which version should you order?

• Power: most models are available with a 9 V battery or a 230/9 V transformer. A battery saves running a cable; on the KUBIKA and EXTREME WS wall-mounted taps it lasts about 3 years, and an indicator shows when it runs low. On mains power, a shared transformer (ref. RES-294) supplies up to 4 taps and a junction box (ref. RES-295) up to 10; some models take a backup battery that keeps them working during a power cut.
• Water: a single-supply tap is enough if the water arrives cold or already pre-mixed; otherwise, a mixer tap is needed. The deck-mounted AKWATHERMO thermostatic mixer tap delivers water at a constant temperature with anti-scald protection; for wall mounting, the AKWA 2M is designed for hospitals, clinics and nurseries.
• Sensor: self-adjusting or factory preset depending on the model; on several of them, the sensor is concealed in the tip of the spout. The optional RES-31 remote control adjusts the sensor range, the run time and the periodic flush.
• Flow rate: 4 to 6 l/min depending on the model; most can be supplied with the flow limited to 1.9 l/min.
• Material: brass for most models, brushed AISI 316 stainless steel for about ten of them.