Sensor valves have gained immense popularity in the past decade as people have grown more conscious about hygiene and reducing surface contact in public spaces like airports, malls, and offices. A Sensor valve uses an infrared beam or other sensing technology to detect hand movement under the faucet and automatically turns the water on and off without the need for touch. 

How do Sensor Faucet Work?

Most Sensor valves use infrared sensing technology which involves an infrared LED emitter and sensor positioned below the spout. The emitter shoots an infrared beam which gets interrupted when a hand is placed under the faucet nozzle. This triggers the electronics inside to open the water valve and start water flow. When the hand is removed, the beam is not interrupted and the valve closes to stop water. Some advanced models also incorporate proximity sensors, capacitive touch or ultrasonic wave sensors for increased accuracy. The electronics ensure smooth transitions from off to on and vice versa for a seamless experience.

Advantages of Sensor Technology

The main benefit of a Sensor valve is its touchless functionality which provides hygienic protection and convenience. Since water turns on automatically upon hand detection, users do not need to touch the faucet surface which could harbor bacteria and viruses. This makes Sensor valves ideal for public restrooms that see a lot of daily traffic. They also help avoid cross-contamination and the spread of illnesses. For elderly and handicapped users, Sensor valves remove the difficulty of operating lever-handled or knob-based faucets.

Applications in Public Spaces

Given the hygiene and usability advantages, Sensor Faucet have become standard fixtures in most commercial restrooms, office buildings, airports, malls and entertainment venues. Their touchless operation is especially suitable during the current pandemic times when avoiding surface contacts is priority. Schools and hospitals also extensively use Sensor valves in student washrooms and patient bathrooms to uphold hygienic standards. Hotels prefer them for guest room sinks as it provides a more hassle-free experience for travelers. Sensor technology essentially upgrades the bathroom amenities in public spaces.

Models for Residential Use

While primarily meant for commercial settings, Sensor valves are now commonly installed in luxury homes and premium residential properties as well. Top brands offer various high-end Sensor valve models designed for bathroom and kitchen sinks. Features like water-saving modes, temperature control, spray settings and docking stations make them comparable to traditional faucets in functionality. Homeowners appreciate the hygienic and easier operation benefits of Sensor valves, especially for families with children or elderly. Touchless technology is gradually becoming a desired amenity like dishwashers and other smart appliances in modern dwellings.

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