£ 
€ 
Performance Rating
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Energy Consumption3.5 out of 5
This rating is based on the watts per dry of the hand dryer which is derived from the rated power and the time taken to dry the hands. We have used the figures based on either the manufacturer’s dry time, if yet to be in house tested or based on the in house testing dry time we have conducted. This will also be based on the most energy efficient setting, if the hand dryer is adjustable for speed and/or heat.
Watts per dry:
- 0 – 1.99W = star rating 5
- 2 – 2.99W = star rating 4.5
- 3 – 3.99W = star rating 4
- 4 – 4.99W = star rating 3.5
- 5 – 5.99W = star rating 3
- 6 – 6.99W = star rating 2.5
- 7 – 7.99W = star rating 2
- 8 – 8.99W = star rating 1.5
- 9 – 9.99W = star rating 1
- 10W and above = star rating 0.5
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Quiet Sound Level2.0 out of 5
This rating is based on the manufacturers stated sound level, usually at 1m. Please see the section titled "how quiet is the." for more information and independent test results, which give a more accurate noise decibel level. These ratings will also be based on the low noise setting, if the hand dryer is adjustable for speed. Therefore at full speed the hand dryer may not be quiet, however it may be adjustable to become quiet if this is required.
Decibels (dB):
- Up to 68dB = star rating 5
- 69 – 70dB = star rating 4.5
- 71 – 72dB = star rating 4
- 73 – 74dB = star rating 3.5
- 75 – 76dB = star rating 3
- 77 – 78dB = star rating 2.5
- 79 – 80dB = star rating 2
- 81 – 82dB = star rating 1.5
- 83 – 84dB = star rating 1
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Life Expectancy3.5 out of 5
This rating is based on the number of motor life cycles (number of uses) the hand dryer, in theory, will last for. This is based on the motor life expectancy given to us in hours, from the manufacturer.
The number of cycles (uses) has been calculated as follows:
(Number of seconds in the hour / seconds per dry) x motor life hours
For a more individualised longevity calculation based on your own usage numbers please use the life expectancy calculator on each product page.
Number of motor life cycles:
- 1,000,000 and over = star rating 5
- 800,000 – 999,999 = star rating 4.5
- 600,000 – 799,999 = star rating 4
- 400,000 – 599,999 = star rating 3.5
- 200,000 – 399,999 = star rating 3
- 100,000 – 199,999 = star rating 2.5
- 80,000 – 99,999 = star rating 2
- 60,000 – 79,999 = star rating 1.5
- 40,000 – 59,999 = star rating 1
- 39,999 and under = star rating 0.5
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High Speed5.0 out of 5
These ratings are based on the in house testing we have conducted regarding dry times. They show realistic comparisons of what to expect from each hand dryer. Please note that the manufacturer stated dry time is not always accurate when compared to the hand dryer being used in realistic conditions. The ratings are based on the hand dryer being placed at its high speed setting if it can be manually adjusted.
Dry Speed (seconds):
- 10 – 11 seconds = star rating 5
- 12 – 13 seconds = star rating 4.5
- 14 – 15 seconds = star rating 4
- 16 – 17 seconds = star rating 3.5
- 18 – 19 seconds = star rating 3
- 20 – 21 seconds = star rating 2.5
- 22 – 23 seconds = star rating 2
- 24 – 25 seconds = star rating 1.5
- 26 – 27 seconds = star rating 1
- Over 28 seconds = star rating 0.5
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Enhanced Hygiene3.5 out of 5
Hand dryers are a hygienic method of drying the hands. The better the dry, the less the risk of carrying germs on wet hands. Some hand dryers however have gone that little bit further to enhance the hygienic aspects of the hand dryer. These ratings are based on these extra factors that have been added to aid the hygienic properties. These ratings are based on an added together scoring system where the higher the rating the more enhanced the hygienic properties of the hand dryer. Cold Plasma Clean (CPC) is the most advanced hygienic property on the market and scores a maximum of 5 stars.
Enhanced Hygienic properties:
- Cold Plasm Clean Technology = score 5
- Fast dry (<15secs) = score 0.5
- Touch Free = score 0.5
- Heat Sanitation = score 0.5
- UV-C cleaning = score 0.5
- HEPA filter = score 1.5
- Anti Bacterial Coating = score 0.5
- General filter = score 0.5
- Ioniser = score 0.5
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Vandal Resistance4.0 out of 5
Some hand dryers would not be suitable for some locations where abuse may be likely such as a train station or night club. However the same hand dryer would be suitable for an office or school location. These ratings are based on an added together scoring system where the higher the rating, the more suitable we would recommend for areas where abuse may be likely.
Vandal Resistance score
- Compact size = score 0.5
- Decreased blockage potential = score 0.5
- Additional Backplate/ fixings strength = score 1
- Anti-vandal extras = score 1
- Metal / ABS = score 1
- Cover thickness 1.5mm or more = score 0.5
- No leverage points (design) = score 0.5
- The fastest hand dryer on the market - consistent 10-15 second dry times. Independently verified
- Low energy consumption - 4-6 watts per dry at a cost of 48p to 72p for 1000 dries
- Long life brushless motor - capable of withstanding extreme use
- 5 year manufacturers guarantee - On-site or replacement warranty
- Reduced noise level from earlier models - 80 dB(A) with little increase in independent tests
- IP35
Please note, you will need to make sure you have fuse spurs installed which are suitable for hand dryers.
The Dyson Airblade AB14 hand dryer has our install rating of:
* 3 *
1 = Easy, simple installation with no complicated considerations
2 = Easy, simple installation with a few considerations
3 = Moderately complex installation, with some considerations
4 = Slightly difficult, possibly complex installation with some complicated considerations
5 = Difficult, complex installation with complicated considerations
Please click hereto view the installation manual for the Dyson Airblade AB14 hand dryer.
Please note, our ratings above are our own for ease of comparison and are based on the assumption that a qualified electrician will be installing the hand dryer. We always recommend that a person of this calibre is commissioned to install for correct installation and health and safety requirements.
For more information regarding our install service please click here
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here
So how long will this dryer last?
Hand dryers can have 2 types of motor which are:
- A digital brushless motor
- A universal brush motor
In theory, universal brush motors do not last as long as digital brushless motors and require the brushes to be changed periodically. They also vary in their lifespan. Digital motors however do cost more to repair should they fail at any point. There are variations in the lifespans of both universal brushed motors and digital motors.
The best way to choose what is right for you is to look at your facility and the amount of use each hand dryer is expected to get. This way it can be determined if a brushed motor hand dryer would be most suitable for you or whether investing in a digital brushless motor would be more cost effective.
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Type of motor in the Dyson Airblade AB14 Hand Dryer |
A digital brushless motor |
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Lifetime of brushes before needing replacing (if applicable) |
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Lifetime of the motor |
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* Please note: the above is for guidance only based on generalised information relating to standard figures; each location and type of usage will effect each factor. With all high speed brush motors, they will last longer if the dust around moving parts is removed periodically.
The above is based on the inhouse testing dry times of 11 seconds.
Based on the above information we would recommend this hand dryer to be situated in bathrooms with the following daily uses: (see recommendations with 'y') (non recommendations with 'n')
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Low Traffic |
Light Traffic |
Medium Traffic |
Heavy Traffic |
Extreme Traffic |
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<50 daily uses |
51 – 100 daily uses |
101 – 300 daily uses |
301 – 500 daily uses |
501> daily uses |
|
y |
y |
y |
y |
y |
To work out the annual life expectancy in your facility for the Dyson Airblade AB14 hand dryer click here
To view our full range of long life expectancy hand dryers please click here
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here.
Depending upon the location, hand dryers can be damaged through vandalism. This includes being leveraged off the wall, damaging the outer casing and putting foreign objects into the openings. Locations I which this is likely to occur include pubs, nightclubs, transport facilities such as train stations, schools, stadiums, arenas and unattended public toilets to name a few.
The Dyson Airblade AB14 hand dryer has the following features to help reduce vandalism:
- No areas for blockage potential
- Galvanised steel back plate/mounting bracket
- Anti-tamper M6 machine screw
- Polycarbonate-ABS casing which is greater than 1.5mm thick
As can be seen, this hand dryer has been made with anti-vandalism in mind. Although you usually find that “hands in” type hand dryers can easily be pulled off the wall due to being larger and having leverage points, Dyson have provided a video of their testing to show this has been thought of in design.
To view our full range of hand dryers with enhanced anti vandal features please click here
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here
There are a few points to consider when choosing a hand dryer with disabled users in mind. These include:
- Wheelchair access with regard to users being able to position their hands correctly
- The amount of moisture that will be left on the floor after drying if units are to be used by people physically impaired
- The noise level of some high speed hand dryers may be too loud for some users, such as users with autism, multiple sclerosis etc
Disabled areas often double up as baby changing facilities, so considerations include leaving extra space for double buggies, noise levels for children etc.
We would say that the Dyson Airblade AB14 is not really suited for disabled users due to its loud noise levels and no water catchment area so excess water drips on the floor. Also, as with most “hands in” hand dryers, the position of the hands becomes an issue and makes them not very accessible.
To view our full range of hand dryers with suitable properties for disabled users please click here
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here
Without doubt the Airblade hand dryer is the fastest and most powerful blade hand dryer on the market, you will get at least a 2 second faster hand dry from the Airblade than the Mitsubishi Jet Towel, Mediclinics dualflow or Biodrier (despite their claims)!
You will need to weigh this up against the Airblade being less energy efficient than the Mitsubishi Jet Towel, The Mediclinics Dual flow and many of the 'hands' under high speed, low energy hand dryers. Also the Airblade is not as effective as virtually all other 'blade' hand dryers when it comes to keeping floors dry as they have no water drainage system.
Finally the Dyson Airblade is 8 times louder than the Mitsubishi Jet Towel which does matter in some locations, particularly if there are a few going off at once or the walls are not particularly sound proofed.
On the other hand, the Dyson Airblade is the most robust of all the 'blade’ hand dryers and therefore more suitable where vandalism may occur, for example in nightclubs or city centre pubs. It also delivers one of the highest levels of hand hygiene due to the HEPA filter.
Check before installing a Dyson Airblade that your washroom has the required space and suitable electrical points. If you have a small washroom and require multiple units this may not be the hand dryer for you. Also consider that the guarantee of 360,000 cycles may not cover your Airblade for very long in very high traffic locations and therefore you may be better with something like the Mitsubishi jet towel which is guaranteed for twice as many hand drying cycles.
Some of the places this hand dryer has been installed include:
- University of Glasgow National Gallery
- Longleat Safari park
- MOTO Service stations
- Salzburg Airport
- Alton Towers
- The Gerkin
- Nando's
- Davy’s Of London
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here
Washing hands correctly is the best way to ensure high levels of hand hygiene. Making sure hands are completely dry is the next important aspect of hand hygiene.
Most modern hand dryers have standard hygienic properties such as fast dry times and touch free sensors to activate. However for added peace of mind some models have enhanced hygienic properties.
The extra hygiene aspects this hand dryer has are:
- Dry time under 15 seconds
- Touch Free Activation
- HEPA filter, to clean the air of dust and bacteria before it gets blown onto the hands
- Antibacterial coating to fascia and blades to help prevent the growth of bacteria
To view our full range of hand dryers with extra hygienic properties please click here – this includes our eXtremeAir CPC model with Cold Plasma technology, scientifically proven to kill germs including E.coli, Salmonella, Influenza A, Staph, C.diff and MRSA.
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here
So how much will it cost you to run this hand dryer?
The below figures are per 1000 dries, please see below regarding how to calculate a more personalised annual cost for you
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Dyson Airblade AB14* |
£0.59 |
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Paper Towels+ |
£12.50 |
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Standard warm air hand dryer*# |
£3 |
*Based on 12p per kW of electricity unit cost
+Based on 2.5 towels used per dry
#Standard warm air hand dryer use approx 25 watts per dry
Based on a 12p per kW of electricity unit cost, we would anticipate the Dyson Airblade AB14 hand dryer would cost approximately £0.000587 per average drying cycle. These and the above figures are based on our in house testing dry times
To work out the annual running costs and carbon emissions in your facility for the Dyson Airblade AB14 hand dryer click here – this will also show you annual savings made against putting paper towels, roller towels and standard warm air hand dryers into your facility.
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here.
Manufacturers typically measure sound levels in terms of decibels dB(A) @ a 1 metre distance in a sound proof chamber. This measurement does not take into account the increase in noise when hands are positioned under/in the dryer or when the sound bounces off walls. Where possible we supply manufacturer's stated dB(A), and 2 independent tests which are more reflective of 'real conditions’.
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Manufacturer stated |
N/A dB(A) |
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Hands under in an anechoic chamber (sound proof) |
80 dB(A) |
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Hands under in a normal room* |
N/A dB(A) |
*represents maximum “real life” volume
Equivalent Examples:
Normal Conversation 50 - 70dB(A)
Vacuum Cleaner 70dB(A)
Busy Traffic / Alarm clock 80dB(A)
Lawn Mower / Chainsaw 90dB(A)
*various internet sources
Please click here to read our guide to help understand what the perceived decibel level above would be equivalent to.
The Dyson Airblade AB14 is certainly not the quietest on the market as you would expect from a hand dryer with such good drying performance. The motor needs to be spinning fast to create a powerful airflow.
We independently tested the original AB07 Airblade in 'real conditions' i.e. standard room with hands in the dryer and the dbA levels were 86.6 dBA. The AB14 is claimed to be over 50% quieter than the original and we can confirm a perceptual change from the original, however we could not find in Dysons specification precisely what the official dbA rating is.
It is worth noting that if your noise concern relates to the noise carrying into different areas of the building then pitch will be just as relevant as sound output (loudness). Higher frequency pitches will not travel through walls as easily as low frequency pitches for example. Please contact usdirectly to discuss your specific need.
To view our full range of quiet hand dryers please click here
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here.
In our experience, the dry time stated by the manufacturer is not always the same in reality when used by the consumer. As experts in our field we like to show the types of variations we have found from independent testing and in house testing so that you have all relevant information before you purchase.
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Dyson Airblade AB14 |
Dry Speed |
Videos / References (click below) |
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Stated by Manufacturer* |
10 Seconds |
Video, document etc |
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Independent testing+ |
13 – 14 seconds |
Video, document etc |
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In house testing# |
Approx. 11 seconds |
Video, document etc |
* As stated by the manufacturer using their own testing procedures
+ Please ask for more information
# Conducted using our own in house testing protocols (visual demonstration in “real use” as opposed to scientific protocols)
Our in house testing, the video of which can be seen here, showed that the dry time stated by the manufacturer of 10 seconds is accurate.
When we subjected the Dyson Airblade AB14 to test conditions which compared it against other hand dryers it achieved 96.3% moisture reduction (hygienic dry is 95%) within 15 seconds so hands were hygienically dry in 13-14 seconds. This information is not intended to be reflective of drying times when used in normal conditions but provides equal comparison with other TESTED hand dryers using the same protocol.
Dyson tested their unit based on the National Sanitation Foundation's Protocol P335 (NSF P335)
It is impossible to argue with the power of an Airblade. The motor spins at an incredible 90,000 times a minute, producing an air force powerful enough to draw in 35 litres of air a second through a HEPA filter, the air is then concentrated through two long outlets the width of a human hair. This produces two blades of air with a velocity force of 430 mph that scrapes moisture from hands.
To view our full range of fast drying hand dryers please click here
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here.
The energy efficiency of a hand dryer is derived by dividing the rated power by the dry speed. Ultimately what is important is how many watt-hours per dry are used.
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Dyson Airblade AB14 |
Rated Power |
Watt-hours per Dry |
Videos / References (click below) |
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Stated by Manufacturer* |
1.6kW |
4.44Wh |
Video, document etc |
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Independent testing+ |
1.6kW |
5.78 – 6.22Wh |
Video, document etc |
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In house testing# |
1.6kW |
4.89Wh |
Video, document etc |
* As stated by the manufacturer using their own testing procedures
+ Please ask for more information
# Conducted using our own in house testing protocols (visual demonstration in “real use” as opposed to scientific protocols)
For comparison, a standard conventional hand dryer users around 25 – 30Wh per dry
The above manufacturer rating is based on their reported dry time of 10 seconds. The independent testing rating is based on the reported dry time of between 13-14 seconds. The in house testing rating is based on the dry time of 11 seconds. As you will see, they all show an energy efficient dry time when compared to a standard conventional hand dryer.
To view our full range of our low energy hand dryers please click here.
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here
We are passionate about helping others reduce carbon emissions, which in turn will help slow down the negative effects of global warming. For more information about carbon emissions and the environment click here.
The following table shows the approx. amount of carbon emissions produced to complete 1000 dries based on independent / in house testing:
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Dyson Airblade AB14 |
2.64 Kg/CO2 per 1000 dries |
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Paper Towels* |
22.5 Kg/CO2 per 1000 dries |
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Standard warm air hand dryer+ |
13.5 Kg/CO2 per 1000 dries |
*Based on using 3 towels per dry
+Standard warm air hand dryer use approx 25 watts per dry
Paper towels are based on 22.5gms/Co2 per dry and standard warm air hand dryers are based on Carbon Trusts measurement of 1 kw = 0.54 kg/Co2.
To work out the annual running costs and carbon emissions in your facility for the Dyson Airblade AB14 hand dryer click here – this will also show you how many virgin trees you will be saving by using this hand dryer compared to paper towels.
The figures above are based on the in house testing dry times of 11 seconds. As you will see this is a very low carbon production when compared to paper towels or a standard warm air hand dryer.
The Dyson Airblade AB14 has a fully documented carbon footprint. Every component is recyclable so there’s little waste to dispose of at the end of its life. The product is on the governments ETL list for Energy efficient products that qualify for tax breaks.
We are seriously committed, as a Carbon Trust accredited supplier, to provide you with the most eco-friendly hand dryers available. Please click here to see more about what we do to help improve the environment and reduce carbon emissions.
Not what you were looking for from a hand dryer? Have a look at our Intelligent Search Tool for a more personalised selection by clicking here
At Intelligent Hand Dryers UK, our ethos is to bring you as much open, honest and reliable information as possible so you can make the most suitable and informed purchase.
We endeavour to include independently obtained results and in house testing, as well as manufacturer's specifications. This gives a true reflection of dry time performance, noise and energy efficiency of each hand dryer.
Noise level testing was conducted at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and a leading independent testing facility.
We also provide in house video testing to demonstrate dry performance. This gives a visual demonstration in “real use” as opposed to using methodical scientific protocols. The approximate dry time using this method was set when no spots of water could be seen on a paper towel after drying the hands. This is over and above what is required to be classed as a “hygienic dry” which requires 95% of the hands to be dry after using the dryer.
Need more information or advice? Please contact us by clicking here where one of our dedicated experts will be able to assist you in whichever way you need.
| Energy Consumption | Electrical Supply Voltage | 200-240 Volts |
| Electrical Supply Frequency | 50/60 Hz | |
| Standby Power Consumption | <0.5 Watts | |
| Performance | Expected Motor Life | 1500 Hours |
| Dry Time (max setting) | 11 Seconds | |
| Dry Time Notes | in house testing dry time | |
| Digital Brushless Motor | ||
| Motor Speed (max setting) | 90000 RPM | |
| Air Speed (max setting) | 430 MPH | |
| Air Volume (max setting) | 74.16 CFM | |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0-40 °C | |
| Heater Element Power | N/A Watts | |
| Motor Cutoff Time | 30 Seconds | |
| Rated Power | Rated Power (max settings) | 1600 Watts |
| Energy Per Dry (max setting) | 4.89 Watts Watt-hours (Wh) | |
| Energy Per Dry Notes | Based on in house testing dry time | |
| Noise | Operating Sound Level (max setting) | 80 dB |
| Sound Level Notes | This has been verified by independent testing dB | |
| Guarantee | 5 Years | |
| Inc. Parts | ||
| Inc. Labour | ||
| Guarantee Notes | Inc 1 year labour guarantee | |
| Construction | Materials | Polycarbonate-ABS casing with antibacterial coating |
| Net Weight | 8.2 kg | |
| Packed Weight | 11 kg | |
| Finishes | White ABS | |
| Grey / Silver ABS | ||
| Electrical & Safety | IP rating | IP35 |
| Dimensions | Product Height | 661 mm |
| Product Width | 303 mm | |
| Product Depth | 247 mm | |
| Packaging Height | 735 mm | |
| Packaging Width | 359 mm | |
| Packaging Depth | 305 mm | |
| Mounting Instructions | Men | 1050 mm |
| Women | 975 mm | |
| Children 4-7 Years | 875 mm | |
| Children 7-10 Years | 875 mm | |
| Children 10-13 Years | 875 mm | |
| Children 13-17 Years | 875 mm | |
| Disabled | 875 mm | |
| Certification | CE | |
| Other | BEAB approved to IEC/EN 603351 and IEC/ EN 60335-223 compliant to EMC directive according to EN 55 014 -1, EN 55 014 -2, EN 610 00-3-2, EN 610 00-3-3 | |
| Replaceable Features | HEPA Filter | |
| General | General Notes |
RIBA Architect classification N13-472 hand driers/hand dryers Type: high velocity air dryer Manufacturer: Dyson Product reference: Airblade AB14 Operation: automatically activated Power rating: 1600W Enclosure: Polycarbonate ABS casing Colour: Grey Fixing arrangement: Wall mounted with rear entry cabling Electrical supply: Fused spur. |
