Why sensor taps are a better choice

No doubt you love sensor taps because you don't have to manually turn a tap on. You just stick your hands under the tap and it turns on automatically. When you take your hands away, they turn off again. What a luxury.

The world has become so automated and it extends even to our tapware. Automatic faucets are said to have been invented back in the 1950s, but not produced for commercial use at the time. In 1981, Australian inventor Norman Wareham filed a patent and is listed as the inventor of sensor-activated faucets.

Chalk one up for the brilliant Australian, but what are the other benefits?

When there are no sensor taps in kitchens and washrooms

In case you're not 100 percent sure what the main benefit of a sensor-activated faucet is, let's delve a bit deeper.

Think back to when you're out shopping or out and about enjoying a sunny day and nature calls.

You find the first toilet you come across and after you've found the relief you're looking for, it's time to wash your hands. Oh dear! No sensor-activated faucets. You have to turn a tap on; a tap that's been handled by who knows how many people?

Let's not beat around the bush here. As we've found out through pandemics, this tap handle is a breeding ground for life-threatening germs. One touch and you may be in deep trouble.

You might say it's okay because you're washing your hands with soap. Well, that's if there is soap supplied. Even if there is soap, you still have to turn the tap... off.

Your choice is:

A: walk out without washing your hands.

B: walk out leaving the tap on after washing your hands

C:  the smart choice (and the responsible one), grab some toilet paper and cover the tap handle when you turn it off. Bingo! Your hands are protected from those germs after you've washed.

Hooray for the sensor-automated faucet

Now we can truly say a huge thanks to Norman Wareham, and let's not forget the operations manager who arranged to have the infrared taps installed in that public washroom you found yourself in.

It goes without saying, hygiene is critical. Whether you're out in public or at home, you need to practice excellent hygiene to prevent germs being spread.

It's not only for hygienic reasons though.

Perhaps you have limited hand movement. You might find it difficult or near impossible to turn on a tap. This is another reason why sensor taps are a better choice. You no longer have to struggle with this issue. Problem solved.

The kitchen is just as important as the bathroom

Another space where automation is critical is the domestic and commercial kitchen. For obvious reasons, which we went into with bathrooms, you need strict hygiene measures in food preparation areas, regardless of whether it's your kitchen at home, or the restaurant or café where you need to handle those medallions of beef or salad greens on the plate you're just about to serve up.

The arrangement of the asparagus, beef, and cherry tomatoes around that succulent meat is fabulous, but without a sensor-activated faucet, you're risking transmitting germs.

Let's not forget other spaces where these taps are critical, such as hospitals and aged care homes. These are important for both reasons, hygiene and ease of use.

Today, the variations of automated faucets on the market would make Norman's head spin. Let's take a brief look at them.

The many varieties of automated faucets

Manufacturers have really taken the ball and run with it. There are some fabulous varieties on the market for domestic and commercial applications.

These include:

• almost any shape and size you can imagine
• infrared or tap foot operated faucets
• upward facing sensors to combat false triggering
• separate wall mount sensor light for a wall mounted faucet
• glow sensor tap with an illuminated light ring creating a unique ambience

As you can see, inventors of modern sensor-activated faucets have thought of everything.

What this all boils down to is that sensor taps are a better choice. A great example is the Autoflo Basin Sensor Tap Gooseneck Chrome 24V Mains Power available at Plumbing Sales.

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