Crane with a sensor for the hands - the need or excess

Today, in some plumbing stores you can buy water taps with an infrared sensor for opening water. These devices are one of the essential components in the systems "Smart Home". Of course, the price of this equipment is much higher than conventional mixers lacking sensors.

The question arises, how reasonable is the acquisition of smart mixers and how does their functionality relate to the quality of manufacture and price? But, before answering these questions, we will determine the design and operational features of sensory mixers.

Contactless mixer device

In accordance with the design features, all contactless mixers are divided into two categories:

• Optoelectronic modifications with IR sensor - equipped with photocell, which responds to moving parts within a certain perimeter. The sensitivity of the device can be increased, or vice versa, weakened by adapting it in this way to the features of the sink.

The sensor in this case is placed in the lower part of the spout and is triggered by the presentation of hands. In addition to adjusting the sensitivity of the equipment, with your own hands, you can adjust the time delay, that is, how much water will resist, after movement in the sensor zone is stopped.

Such a system in the arrangement of domestic sinks is used infrequently, since the cost of the solution is high. Systems with IR sensors are commonly used in public toilets, where you need to comply with sanitary standards and take care of saving water.

• Automatic faucets with induction sensor Widespread due to high-rise reliability, durability, as well as due to ease of maintenance and operation.

The principle of operation of the device is as follows: an induction field is created by an induction sensor. When a moving object enters the perimeter, the field parameters change. Next, the electronic control unit receives a signal, as a result of which a solenoid valve is activated, which opens or, on the contrary, stops the flow of water.

Nutrition

The operation of automated mixers is non-autonomous, as it depends on electrical power. Power can be supplied from 220 W through a step-down transformer or from batteries.

Important: Considering the low power consumed by the sensors, we note that a set of finger batteries is enough to operate the tap in a public toilet for 3 months. Of course, when used in a domestic environment, batteries will have to be changed less frequently.

Possible faults

In a certain situation, the position sensor of a water tap may not work correctly.

Let's try to determine what can be caused by such interruptions.

• The most common cause of incorrect operation of the mixer is the contamination of the rubber membrane, which ensures that the water supply is shut off. To resume the operation of the device, it is enough to dismantle the membrane and clean the surface from contamination.

Important: At the same stage, you need to check the performance of the coarse filter and, if necessary, replace it.

• A frequent reason for the untimely actuation of an automatic shut-off valve is that the sensor for turning on water to a faucet is dirty. In order to prevent the occurrence of such a malfunction, it is sufficient from time to time to wipe the sensor eye with a dry cloth.
• Slightly less often, the cause of incorrect sensor response may be a reflection of the lighting in the room from the sink surface. This problem occurs infrequently, and it can be very difficult to resolve. Sometimes, to fix the problem, it is necessary to change the position of the crane relative to the surface of the sink.

Operational advantages

• The touch mixer is an excellent solution for use in public places. No need for direct contact with the equipment ensures compliance with sanitary standards.
• The durability of the equipment, which is achieved due to the absence of mechanical effects on the structural elements of the mixer.
• Economical water consumption is the distinctive quality of contactless equipment. For example, if you forget to turn off the valve of an ordinary tap, a lot of water will flow. With a contactless device you can not be afraid of unauthorized water consumption, since the flow will automatically stop at the end of use.
• Convenience of setting the temperature mode, as it is enough to set the appropriate parameters once and for a long time not to return to the adjustments.
• Convenience of operation, since you do not need to twist anything and nothing to press.
• Attractive design of the sink faucet, which is guaranteed to fit into the interior of most modern bathrooms.

Operational deficiencies

• It is believed that touch faucets are good for kitchen sinks. But actually it is not. Suppose you want to type a pot of water under a sensor tap that reacts to movement. This will be a little difficult. In this case, the standard single-lever mixer, which reacts not to movement, but to mechanical action, is much more preferable.
• Another disadvantage of sensory devices, from the point of view of operation in the kitchen, is the need to constantly regulate the water temperature. In the kitchen sink, cold, warm and even hot water is needed from time to time, and therefore the use of a conventional lever or valve device would be preferable.
• Inconvenient touch mixer and to set the water in the bath, as this will have a long time waving his hands in front of the IR sensor. On the other hand, installing a conventional faucet is easier to draw a large amount of water.

Conclusion

So, we learned what a contactless faucet is and what is the instruction of their operation. Moreover, we considered the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of these devices. It remains to answer how justified the purchase of such mixers are and where they will be relevant, except in a public toilet.

Home-made contactless faucets are an excellent choice for arranging a washbasin in a bathroom. In other cases, preference should be given to traditional cranes.

Have any questions? More useful information you can find by watching the video in this article.