Prestige Sensor Tap with Mixer Lever (Polished) - IFS8904D

Automatic taps should be easily operated, as Approved Document M requires. Other requirements will be up to the installer, like fixing the basin tap at the right distance from the WC and floor or setting a safe temperature for the users.

For further details about these topics, please, read our blog post about Doc M taps.

This sensor tap has one filter per water supply (included in the package), in order to be placed before the solenoid valve. Furthermore, the tap aerator in the spout will also act as a filter.

Like in any type of tap, filters must be taken out and washed regularly with running water. In particular, the solenoid valve diaphragm should be checked every 6 months.

There are two situations when the upkeep is essential:

• After the installation, since a lot of dust is spreaded during the process.

• After a water cut, this liquid will have dirt.

By clicking here, you will access an infographic that depicts how sensor taps work.

The proximity sensors in our taps and some soap dispensers use active infrared technology: they detect the infrared radiation that a close object (in their range) reflects back. This means that hands, washroom accessories or just even dirt near them will activate them.

Furthermore, infrared sensors can misinterpret certain situations and open the solenoid valve when they are not suppose to:

• Mirrors and very reflective finishes (like polished chrome) in front of them will send confusing signals if they are closer than 1.5 metre to the tap. One must be careful for example with the elements of the basin bowl: the spout of wall-mounted sensor taps should be at least 300mm away from the bottom of the sink and not facing a shiny basin plug. Tap sensors can also react if a person is wearing striking garments.

• Other infrared sensors opposite them also imply unintended triggers.

Therefore, we encourage you to read the installation guidelines the manufacturer provides and accept that accidental unlocks are a (rare) fact.

We've compared different types of faucets and we've found a lot of advantages of sensor taps, specially for commercial bathrooms and public toilets. You can read them in this blog post, including a few less positive considerations.

You can also check this summary:

• Advantages
  • Water conservation
  • Energy saving
  • Reducing costs in the bill
  • Easily operated by any user
  • Cut off time to prevent misuse
  • Customisation once for good
  • A cleaner washroom (no dirty handle, less splashes, no sink overflow)
  • No cross-contamination
  • No corrosion (depending on the model)
  • One remote control can adjust infinite taps

• Neutral features
  • Users will have to learn how to use them (once)
  • Maintenance is required, like any other tap
  • Batteries must be replaced

• Disadvantages
  • Greater initial investment
  • Remote control to change settings
  • Power cut would entail no operation
  • Infrared sensors can make mistakes
  • Animals activate them as well
  • Some internal parts may favour bacteria
  • More likeliness to replace the whole unit

We advise you to assess what points are more relevant and frequent according to your needs and the location of the tap.