Buying guide: the best automatics taps with sensor

We compare the best automatic taps sensor. Find out what automatic sensor taps are, how they work, their advantages ... Read our 2021 buying guide!

Automatic taps with sensors are one solution that guarantees health and safety in the bathroom, as they can be used without any manual handling or operation. Our hands are constantly in contact with the outside world, acting as conduits between it and the rest of our bodies. As well as washing our hands properly to prevent the spread of infections and germs, there are now technological solutions available that can act as barriers to protect ourselves and others. Our range of touch-free products includes electronic sensor taps and sensor driven controls for toilets and urinals. Electronic taps also restrict water consumption as the tap stops running whilst you wash your hands - without you having to touch the taps. Most of our models also incorporate Eco Flow technology, making them an excellent choice for reducing your water consumption. Automatic sensor taps

What are sensor taps and how do they work?

Electronic taps automatically activate the water flow when a physical presence is detected under the spout. Using infrared technology, the water is switched on when a break in the light beam is detected. The water comes on when hands are placed under the tap, and it stops when the hands are removed. They require electricity to function, so power needs to be supplied either by battery or through a connection to your mains electrics.  

What are the advantages of automatic sensor taps?

  Taps with automatic sensors are a smart, efficient, and hygienic option, harnessing technology for improved health and safety. One of their key advantages is their efficiency - they guarantee a reduction in water consumption, as the taps are always off when not in use. You can achieve savings of up to 60%. They're safer too, minimising the risk of potential flooding and waste due to leaving the tap switched on, for example. Our models have integrated safety systems, shutting off the water flow after a certain amount of time - which prevents them from being activated in error if an object is left in the sink. Water use is kept to a minimum without any discernible impact on user comfort. This is why their use is so widespread in public and shared bathrooms: but now, using them in homes too is becoming a much more sought-after alternative. They are the contactless concept brought to the bathroom, with countless benefits to public health. They stay cleaner for longer and are more hygienic, as they don't need to be operated manually; thus preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses, and germs.

What do you need to know before buying an automatic tap?

One of the main things to think about when choosing an automatic tap for your washbasin is the sensor's precision, but there are other technical considerations too, such as power supply, installation, and water consumption - and of course design and aesthetics.

Sensor precision

Sensor quality is crucial to optimum usability, as the automatic water flow activation relies on it. Automatic taps with inaccurate sensors are actually less convenient than traditional mixer taps. You also need to remember that reflective surfaces will interfere with the proper functioning of the sensor. As such, if your tap is going to be installed facing a door, you need to choose materials that won't adversely affect the sensor.

Design

In terms of design Noken has a number of options - from wall-mounted designs through to automatic taps installed over the washbasin. To choose a tap with the right aesthetic you need to think about the overall style of your bathroom. Noken's range includes signature sensor taps such as the Tono sensor tap designed by Foster+Partners studio, with clean lines that amplify the versatility of the design. Our wall-mounted Round sensor taps come in a cylindrical chrome design: an updated take on the aesthetic of traditional water pipes. Hotels and Square are characterised by compact designs, with different versions available to incorporate a double water feed (hot and cold) and temperature regulation.

Power supply

Automatic sensor taps can be powered in one of two ways. Some operate with mains electricity, whilst others are fitted with batteries with a limited life based on tap usage. The latter option is easier to install, but it's advisable to always make sure replacement batteries are available.

Water consumption

The premise behind all automatic taps is that they lead to water savings, as they stop taps from being on when not in use and prevent any accidents arising from them being left on, but each model will have a flow rate that determines the level of water consumption. The ECO options in our catalogue, part of our WaterForest concept, are the perfect option: they use aerators that limit the flow to 5 litres/minute, which can achieve water savings of up to 58%. Our catalogue includes sensor taps in Tono, Round, Hotels, and Square models, all part of our ECO WaterForest concept.

Installation and assembly

We recommend using a qualified professional to install your taps. The product sheets on our website include detailed installation documents for each item. We recommend flushing out your pipes prior to installation to remove any dirt. For new builds, toilet, washbasin, and sink traps need to be filled with water to prevent the taps getting oxidized by the rise of corrosive gases, which is why it's advisable to keep your space well ventilated.

Guarantee

You can find guarantees together with the installation and assembly instructions in the product sheets for all our items on the website. To ensure your product keeps working optimally, cleaning and maintenance are essential. As such, you need to clean regularly with hot water and a pH neutral detergent, avoiding any abrasive scourers or products containing phosphoric, hydrochloric, formic or acetic acid, or bleach with chlorine, as they could cause considerable damage. Regular care will prevent any calcification and prolong the life of your automatic taps.

Automatic taps comparison

 
Design Single water feed (cold) Double water feed (hot + cold) ECO Power supply Temperature regulation
Hotels Single water feed model Double water feed model (5 litres/min) 3V battery for the control panel operated double feed model
Round (5,2  litres/min) 4 x 1.5V (AA) battery powered model 220V 50Hz mains electric model
Tono Premium. Designed by Foster+Partners (5,5 litres/min with swivel aerator) 6V battery
Square (5 litres/min) 6V battery only accessible from beneath the countertop
Irta 6V battery only accessible from beneath the countertop

The best automatic sensor taps

We've curated a selection of automatic sensor taps and fittings based on sustainability, functionality, and versatility that make them adaptable to different projects.   

Tono sensor taps

Tono sensor taps have been designed by Foster+Partners studio, with clean lines that amplify the versatility of the design. The series represents a new interpretation of functional design, opting for quality, improved quality of life, and aesthetic harmony over superfluous detailing. Versatility in its purest state for a made-to-measure bathroom. They’re also an eco-friendly choice, featuring a 5.5 litres/minute flow limiter, as well as a swivel aerator. Tono has a single water feed and is powered by a 6V battery.

Automatic sensor taps

Tono electronic washbasin taps

Round automatic taps

Round automatic taps are wall-mounted, making it easier to clean the washbasin area. The cylindrical design highlights the subtlety of its forms and detailing. Added to the aesthetics are its eco-friendly features: flow is limited to 5.2 litres/min, and it uses a single water feed. Comfort and energy efficiency. You can choose between two types of power supply, mains or battery powered, making it truly versatile. We supply all the parts customers need for the full, finished product, including pipework for wall mounting, valves, filters, and connecting hoses.

Automatic sensor taps

Round washbasin sensor taps 

Hotels automatic sensor taps

Hotels offers a more compact design, making it ideal for contract projects, especially with its flow limited to 5 litres/min: it's the perfect option for high transit projects. You can choose between single or double water feed - for hot and cold - with the latter having the option to regulate the water temperature on the sensor tap itself with a small control.

Automatic sensor taps

Hotels automatic sensor taps

Square electronic taps

Square taps have a double water feed (hot and cold), a 6V battery and a 5 litres/min flow limiter making them another eco-friendly offering from Noken.

Square electronic taps

 

Irta sensor taps

Irta is a highly desirable option for home installation. It comes in standard deck-mounted design or a high spout option, which has a distinctive sensor fitted into the countertop to activate the tap for 15 seconds when a hand passes over it. It will automatically switch off after this time.

Where to buy our automatic taps

 

Our sales network now covers more than 950 outlets in 118 countries worldwide. Find your nearest showroom here.  

Customers' frequently asked questions about automatic sensor taps

How long does the battery last?

The battery life is measured in cycles, so the level of battery autonomy depends on how the taps are used.

How is the temperature regulated?

Our double feed options offer temperature regulation. Depending on the model, you can adjust the temperature using a control on the body of the tap, or the temperature can be regulated by adjusting the hot and cold water feed directly from the valves.

 

Can you still use the tap manually if the battery runs out?

If the battery runs out, the taps will not work. Our models benefit from a system where the light will flash to indicate when the battery needs to be replaced.

Sensor toilet and urinal controls

Noken has a number of options for sensor controlled toilets and urinals. To make sure you get the right model, please consider the type of wall they will be installed on, as we have different options for solid walls or lighter weight walls. These solutions are particularly hygienic, making them especially suited to public or shared bathrooms: they flush automatically after each use and don't require any physical contact. Automatic sensor taps Automatic sensor taps

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