Idral is a leader in the community tapware sector with a history of over 50 years. IDRAL products have evolved over time towards more and more innovative articles with high technological content: this is why we recognise the importance of sharing our technical knowledge with our customers, in order to guarantee their maximum satisfaction. To this end, we regularly publish up-to-date instructions for the maintenance of our products, enabling anyone to independently and efficiently manage their own plumbing systems, whether in a school, hospital or restaurant.
In this article, we will focus on two product categories that are widely used in our industry: electronic photocell faucets and timed faucets.
Electronic Photocell Faucets
The key feature of electronic faucets is that the connection diagram is uniform for all our products. The sensor is connected to the power supply on one side, and on the other side it controls the solenoid valve that regulates the water flow. These connections use waterproof kcc connections to prevent connection errors.
NOTE: All solenoid valves used by IDRAL are bistable, without a current pulse they cannot change their state. All our solenoid valves have an internal buffer battery that ensures the valve will close in the event of a power failure.
There are three types of photocell sensors offered by Idral:
- Programmable sensor: this type of sensor allows customisation of parameters such as operating logic, comfort timing and forced closure. It comes with standard programming, which can be modified by our Authorised Service Centres.
- Simple version: this sensor is pre-set at the factory and only allows the user to change the detection distance.
- WC: designed exclusively for use in bathrooms, it requires a specific power supply with a high update rate transformer.
It is important to note that photocell sensors are not activated simply by the presence of a person in front of them. The operating logic varies according to the type of tap:
- Washbasin: activates with the presence of the person and closes when the person leaves the detection zone.
- Shower: operates as a time switch, activates with the presence of the hand at 3/8 cm (hand passage) and closes after a subsequent passage at the same distance or after 60 seconds
- Toilet and Urinal: activates flushing only after the person has been within the detection range for more than 5 seconds and has subsequently moved away. Flushing will only be activated after the person has left the detection field
The key parameter for the correct operation of the tap is the 'detention distance', which specifies the distance the hand must be to open the water. This parameter can be recalibrated manually without the need for specific tools.
An explanatory video is available on Idral's YouTube channel: Link to Video.
In addition, we provide you with this guide to solve the most common problems with electronic taps
Timed Faucets
Timed taps are another key category in the industry. Regardless of the product type, Idral's timed faucet cartridge uses proven technology based on pressure balancing.
The way it works is as follows, regardless of the type of product, cartridge, size, or technology that offers greater comfort to the user, the Idral timed faucet cartridge always works with the same technology.
- Inpicture 1, you can see the timed cartridge in the closed position. In the side detail in the sectional view you can see the timing glass that is divided by a lip seal into two parts, part 1 and 2.
- When the button (image 2) is pressed, the lower part of the tumbler (2) is emptied of water. When the button is released, the spring under the cap creates a vacuum in this part of the beaker, which can only be filled via the timing channel (detail A).
- The gradual filling of the lower part of the beaker corresponds to the timing of the cartridge.
It is important to know that the timing is always indicated in the product data sheets; the sheets can be downloaded at www.idral.it on the product page.
Why is it important to have this information? Idral tests the fittings 100% and tests them according to specific parameters that are indicated on the data sheets. Variations in parameters such as dynamic pressure and temperature can affect the performance of the tap.
Again, we provide a diagnostic logic diagram that, together with our instructions, allows anyone to keep their timed tap efficient.
We hope this article has been useful and enjoyable to read. Should you require further information, we invite you to visit our website www.idral.it, where you will find all the necessary information, including technical data sheets, instructions and spare parts sheets for our products.
by Valerio Lai
Project & Development Coordinator