Electronic water tap

Types of Electronic Water Tap

An electronic water tap offers a touchless or automatic way of controlling water flow. The fixture has become popular due to its convenience, hygiene, and reduced water wastage. Depending on the mechanism of operation, the electronic faucet can be grouped into five main categories.

• Infrared Taps

  Infrared taps operate using an infrared sensor that detects the presence of an object, usually the hand, under the spout. When the sensor detects the hand, it opens the tap to let water flow. When the hand is removed, the tap shuts off the water. Infrared taps are common in public restrooms because they enhance hygiene by preventing users from touching the faucet handle, reducing the spread of germs and bacteria.

• Thermostatic Faucets

  Thermostatic faucets help ensure a safe, regulated temperature in the bathroom or shower. The faucets have a temperature control valve that combines hot and cold water to provide a constant temperature. Users can set their desired temperature, and the faucet will maintain it even when the water pressure changes. Additionally, most thermostatic faucets have safety features to protect users from scalding.

• Electronic Timer Taps

  As the name suggests, these taps come with an electronic timer fitted in the tap system. The timer controls the duration the water flows when the sensor is activated. The electronic timer tap is common in commercial settings. They help save water and prevent wasteful consumption.

• Digital Touchscreen Faucets

  These taps are modern innovations that provide maximum convenience and control. They have a digital display that shows information like water temperature and flow rate. Users can adjust the settings using a touch screen. Also, some digital faucets have voice activation. So, users can turn the tap on or off and adjust the temperature by giving commands.

• Battery Operated Water Faucets

  Battery-operated water faucets are taps powered by batteries. They come with a built-in battery system that powers the electronic components of the tap, including the sensor and solenoid valve. While the battery-operated water faucet is often used in areas with no electricity supply, it may also be preferred in homes and businesses. The fixture is easy to install. Plus, it offers a reliable, touchless way to control water flow.

Function and features of electronic water tap

Electronic water faucets have many useful features that provide convenience and sanitary benefits for homes and businesses. Here are some of them.

• Hands-Free Operation

  The most exciting water tap feature is its hands-free operation. The faucet automatically dispenses water when a hand, cup, or container is underneath the spout. This feature prevents users from touching the faucet handle and minimizes the spread of germs and bacteria. It's very useful in public places such as hospitals, schools, and restaurants because many people use the faucet every day.

• Touch Activation

  Some electronic water faucets have a touch activation feature. Users can start or stop the water flow by simply touching the sensor or spout with their hand. This feature gives people more control when using the faucet. It also improves hygiene because users don't have to touch dirty handles.

• Adjustable Water Temperature and Control

  An adjustable electronic water tap allows users to control the water temperature and pressure electronically. Some models have a digital display that shows the temperature. Users can change the temperature by pressing a button or touching the display. This water faucet provides hot, cold, and tempered water for cooking, drinking, and personal hygiene. It gives the family a pleasant experience.

• Accurate Measurement

  Cooking, mixing drinks, and cleaning become very easy with faucets that have accurate measurement. They provide fixed measurements of one cup, half a cup, four ounces, or any other measurement. The measurement function on the faucet is activated by touch. So, touching the display starts the water flow with the exact measurement. This prevents people from estimating or using a measuring cup.

• Night Vision LED Light

  Some water taps have a built-in night vision LED light. The light can be blue, red, or green and helps light the sink at night. The LED light also indicates the water temperature. Blue light shows cold water, red light shows hot water, and green light is for warm water. Faucets with night vision light are useful for children, older people, and anyone who may fall into the sink at night.

• Touchless Flush

  Some electronic faucets that are installed in homes and commercial restrooms have a touchless flush feature. Users can easily flush the toilet without touching the handle, reducing the spread of bacteria in the restroom. Also, the flush mechanism uses less water, which improves water conservation in buildings.

Applications of Electronic Water Taps

Since the launch of the first touchless faucet, there has been a higher demand trend for such innovative plumbing solutions. Electronic water taps have gained popularity even in developing countries due to their convenience, safety, and efficiency advantages. Here are their common applications:

• Residential Use

  In homes, electronic taps can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. In the kitchen, they can dispense accurate water temperatures, which is essential for cooking and baking. In the bathrooms and toilets, touchless faucets improve hygiene and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

• Restaurants and Food Industries

  Restaurants and food industries with high public traffic can use electronic water taps for quick handwashing and food prep stations. Also, since such businesses contribute highly to environmental pollution, using touchless faucets with auto shut-off functions helps them conserve water, reducing their carbon footprint.

• Educational Institutions

  Electronic water taps are essential for educational institutions such as schools and universities. They improve hygiene and promote handwashing in such facilities. Electronic taps reduce the need for physical contact with faucet handles, reducing the transmission of germs and bacteria. Additionally, they are easy to use, and children or students can operate them without assistance.

• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

  Healthcare facilities require high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Electronic water taps can be installed in various areas, including patient bathrooms, staff handwashing stations, and kitchen areas. The touchless faucets reduce the risk of cross-contamination and facilitate proper handwashing procedures.

• Industrial Applications

  Touchless electronic water taps are used in industrial applications for handwashing stations, food preparation, and other areas that require water. They are essential for maintaining hygiene standards in industrial settings.

  Industrial electronic taps are built to handle large volumes of water and are more durable than residential taps. They are also designed to withstand heavy usage and to be resistant to corrosion.

• Public Restrooms

  In most public restrooms, electronic water taps are installed for handwashing. Their touchless operation reduces the transmission of germs and bacteria in public areas. Also, since many public restrooms experience higher traffic and use, the electronic taps are designed to be durable and withstand frequent use.

• Commercial Establishments

  Electronic taps can be installed in various commercial establishments such as offices, malls, and airports. They promote hygiene in workplaces and reduce the spread of germs in communal areas such as kitchens and restrooms.

How to choose electronic water taps

To choose the right electronic tap for a specific application, one must consider a few important factors. They include;

• Budget: Determine budget and choose electronic taps that fit within the range while still meeting desired features and quality standards. Prices for electronic taps vary depending on the model and features included.
• Type of Power Supply: Consider the type of power supply of electronic water taps available in the market. For taps powered by electricity, find out whether the water supply company offers reliable electricity. In case taps are powered by batteries, the availability of batteries in the local market is essential. Ensure a continuous power supply to the electronic tap for it to function well.
• Functionality and Features: Determine what features and functionality are necessary. These include self-closing handles, temperature controls, touchless operation, digital displays, automatic sensors, multiple spray modes, and child safety locks. Choose a tap that fulfills all requirements.
• Water Pressure: Most electronic taps operate under standard water pressure. Before installing an electronic water tap, make sure water pressure is within the manufacturer's specifications. Incorporate an adapter or pressure regulator if water pressure is too high or low.
• Maintenance, Cleaning, and Installation: Easy-to-clean taps are ideal since they automatically reduce dirt andlime scale buildup around the spout. Make sure the electronic tap chosen is easy to maintain and clean. Regarding installation, most electronic taps require similar installation to conventional manual taps. They need the installer to connect the water supply and mount the tap onto the sink or basin. Installation is easy, especially for taps with basic plumbing skills or those with detailed installation.

Q&A

Q1: How does an electronic water tap work?

A1: Electronic water taps work through different technologies depending on the type of tap used. The sensor taps work with a solenoid valve that opens and closes with electric signals. The valve is connected to the water supply and controlled by an electric coil. When the coil is activated, it opens a magnetic plunger allowing water to flow through.

Q2: What is the benefit of an electronic water tap?

A2: Electronic water faucets are more hygienic because they eliminate the need to touch the handles. They also need less maintenance because the water flow is controlled, reducing leakages. Taps, especially those with timer controls, help conserve water, making them popular in public places.

Q3: What power supply is required for electronic taps?

A3: Most sensor taps use AA batteries for power, and the batteries can last up to two years. Some taps come with a rechargeable battery that charges when the sunlight solar panel collects solar energy. Electronic faucets also have low-voltage transformer options that reduce battery replacement costs. The low-voltage wires connecting the transformer are often more straightforward than battery-operated taps.

Q4: Where can electronic water taps be used?

A4: Because of their hands-free operation, electronic taps are ideal for use in hospitals, schools, public restrooms, and restaurants.