A recent test kitchen study (US Ministry of Agriculture and North Carolina State University, 2018) from the United States shows only two percent of the 383 test persons washed their hands properly. A worrying result, since 80 percent of all infectious diseases are transmitted via the hands.
The Robert Koch Institute (Germany) recommends in the Federal Health Gazette on the subject of "hand hygiene" the use of fittings that can be operated without touching hands. Hygienic hand washing with touch-free, sensor-controlled fittings is both consistent and convenient. And they have a clear advantage in terms of sustainability. Fittings equipped with infrared proximity electronics ensure that water flows only when needed.
The electronic fittings from AXOR and hansgrohe show, that they are in no way inferior to their analogue siblings in terms of innovation, design and quality: "Our product range of non-contact fittings combines the advantages of two technologies – infrared and EcoSmart – for efficient water and energy use. They are also a real eye-catcher in any bathroom – public or private," says Jan Heisterhagen, VP Product Management, Hansgrohe SE.
Attractive Solutions for Restaurants, Hotels or Public Institutions
"Non-contact fittings have the best prospects for the future in the bathroom," Heisterhagen continues. "The sensor-controlled fittings have already established their firm position in the public sector. In addition to the many advantages in terms of comfort and well-being, there are also high-quality designs in various styles and functional details. This makes it possible to select the appropriate fitting and opens up attractive solutions for washing areas in restaurants, hotels or public facilities".
In all contactless fittings from the Hansgrohe Group, the on/off function is carried out in a 200-millimeter sensor area, so that the fittings do not need to be touched. They are therefore particularly hygienic and at the same time require less cleaning. In addition to the high hygienic and technical standards, there is a sustainable use of the valuable resources water and energy. The sensor technology pays off especially with frequent use. In this way, the water consumption is regulated according to the current demand with a short follow-up time. The innovative Hansgrohe EcoSmart technology enables particularly economical consumption by limiting the flow of water to around five liters per minute.
Coherent Implementation in Different Designs and Price Ranges
At the same time, the high-quality design of the fittings sets accents in the bathroom. The multi-award-winning electronic tap lines hansgrohe Metris S and Focus by Phoenix Design are an unusual eye-catcher at the washbasin. The signature of the famous designer Philippe Starck is found in the electronic taps of the AXOR Starck and AXOR Starck Organic collections. A clear, reduced look is brought to the washing area with the touch-free wall fittings from the AXOR Citterio and AXOR Uno collections. The highlight of these two wall models: the infrared sensor window is integrated into the underside of the water outlet. They are not visible to the user and do not disturb the visual impression of the tap. At the same time, the sensor is functional at this point and can be operated intuitively: If you hold your hands under the waterspout, the sensor is automatically activated.
High-quality workmanship and an automatic water stop after 60 seconds, should the infrared switch be triggered intentionally or accidentally, contribute to a long service life of all sensor-controlled fittings. In addition, one can choose between battery or mains operated versions. All models are available as cold-water versions without temperature adjustment. If one wants to save additional energy, a fitting where the water temperature can be preset should be chosen. How economical electronic fittings are, can also be proven by battery operation: Before a new battery is needed, the fitting can be operated about 200,000 times. Battery replacement is very convenient for AXOR Starck, AXOR Starck Organic and hansgrohe Metris S thanks to an external, easily accessible battery compartment. These fittings are also equipped with an infrared window made of sapphire glass, which is less sensitive to scratching and daylight than its plastic counterpart.