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Material Selection For Wash Troughs
Sensor-Operated Wash Troughs in Commercial Toilets
Sensor-operated wash troughs have become a standard in high-traffic commercial settings such as service stations, offering superior hygiene and user experience. By eliminating the need for manual taps and soap dispensers, these systems reduce the risk of cross-contamination and improve water efficiency. However, successful implementation requires careful attention to material selection, sensor integration, and installation methods.
1. Material Selection for Sensor-Integrated Wash Troughs
Choosing the right material is fundamental to ensuring the wash trough is durable, hygienic, and visually appealing.
Recommended Materials:
Solid Surface (e.g., Corian, HI-MACS):
These materials are ideal for bespoke wash troughs. They are non-porous, seamless, and can be thermoformed into smooth, flowing shapes that discourage grime buildup. They are also easy to repair on-site, which is useful for long-term maintenance.
Stainless Steel (Grade 304 or 316):
Highly durable and vandal-resistant, stainless steel is suitable for back-of-house or utilitarian service areas. Grade 316 is particularly corrosion-resistant, ideal for areas with hard water or chemical cleaners.
Ceramic or Composite Stone:
Suitable for individual vanity basins rather than communal troughs, these materials offer good hygiene properties but may be prone to chipping in high-traffic areas.
Key Features to Include:
Integrated upstands/splashbacks
Gently sloped basin surface for effective drainage
Radius corners and coved joints for ease of cleaning
Undermounted or concealed fixings to reduce dirt traps
Sensor-operated wash troughs have become a standard in high-traffic commercial settings such as service stations, offering superior hygiene and user experience. By eliminating the need for manual taps and soap dispensers, these systems reduce the risk of cross-contamination and improve water efficiency. However, successful implementation requires careful attention to material selection, sensor integration, and installation methods.
1. Material Selection for Sensor-Integrated Wash Troughs
Choosing the right material is fundamental to ensuring the wash trough is durable, hygienic, and visually appealing.
Recommended Materials:
Solid Surface (e.g., Corian, HI-MACS):
These materials are ideal for bespoke wash troughs. They are non-porous, seamless, and can be thermoformed into smooth, flowing shapes that discourage grime buildup. They are also easy to repair on-site, which is useful for long-term maintenance.
Stainless Steel (Grade 304 or 316):
Highly durable and vandal-resistant, stainless steel is suitable for back-of-house or utilitarian service areas. Grade 316 is particularly corrosion-resistant, ideal for areas with hard water or chemical cleaners.
Ceramic or Composite Stone:
Suitable for individual vanity basins rather than communal troughs, these materials offer good hygiene properties but may be prone to chipping in high-traffic areas.
Key Features to Include:
Integrated upstands/splashbacks
Gently sloped basin surface for effective drainage
Radius corners and coved joints for ease of cleaning
Undermounted or concealed fixings to reduce dirt traps
2. Sensor Integration and Technology
Sensors can be integrated into the trough design itself or mounted separately on the wall or deck. Each setup must be planned to avoid water splashing, allow easy user interaction, and enable simple maintenance access.
Typical Sensor Applications:
Sensor Taps:
Infrared (IR) sensors activate water flow when hands are detected. These are best mounted either in the countertop (deck-mounted) or on the wall above the trough. Choose vandal-resistant models with tamper-proof fittings.
Sensor Soap Dispensers:
Typically installed adjacent to taps, either integrated into the countertop or mounted behind mirrors. These help maintain hand hygiene without increasing touchpoints.
Sensor Hand Dryers:
Often wall-mounted adjacent to the wash trough area or integrated into the trough structure (e.g., Dyson Airblade Wash+Dry).
Installation Considerations:
Power Supply:
Sensors require a reliable power source—either hardwired (preferred in commercial settings) or battery-operated with accessible compartments for maintenance.
Water Supply and Temperature Control:
Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) should be used to maintain safe water temperatures. Sensor systems often include solenoid valves and must be compatible with pressure requirements.
Access Panels:
Always incorporate lockable but easily removable access panels beneath the trough for maintenance of sensors, solenoids, and pipework.
3. Practical Elements to consider
Ensuring tap sensors are precisely aligned with hand position zones to avoid misfires.
Maintain a clear separation between soap, water, and hand drying zones to prevent slip hazards.
Use anti-splash trough designs with adequate fall and drainage.
Ensure lighting above the wash troughs does not interfere with IR sensors.
Maintain a clear separation between soap, water, and hand drying zones to prevent slip hazards.
Use anti-splash trough designs with adequate fall and drainage.
Ensure lighting above the wash troughs does not interfere with IR sensors.