How Automatic Sinks Work

How They Work

• Automatic sinks use faucets that include infrared sensors instead of a typical handle. There is a small, black sensor situated toward the front of the faucet that produces a stream of infrared waves. This stream is broken when a hand passes in front of the stream, which sends a signal to the faucet to let out a stream of water. There is typically a small control module underneath the sink that houses the computer that processes messages from the sensor.

Valves

• Automatic sinks require special valves to open and close, to release water when prompted. These are called solenoid valves, and they create a magnetic field when electrified. The solenoid valve's magnetic field pushes a plunger to an open position when the automatic faucet is activated, which lets the water through. The solenoid will cease production of its field once the electricity is cut, which is controlled by the computer; and the plunger will close, stopping the flow of water.

Settings

• Some automatic sinks are more advanced than others. Many in public restrooms produce only lukewarm water appropriate for washing your hands and thus have only one sensor. Advanced models in homes may have two sensors, one on each side of the faucet, to allow variation between warm and cold water. With some advanced models, you might be able to set how long the water runs after activation, but others may have a non-editable default duration.

Benefits

• The primary benefit of automatic sinks is the reduction of germ-spreading. Germs are transferred to the handles of regular faucets every time they are touched, which could be problematic in a public restroom, where dozens of strangers touch the same handle every day. An automatic sink reduces the risk of picking up one of these germs when you use the sink and also lets you turn on the faucet when your hands are dirty or full.