25 October 2024

Watch time: 3 minutes 45 seconds / Read time: 2 minutes / Updated: October 25, 2024

If you are designing a commercial washroom, it is crucial to ensure that the ergonomics and functionality of your washstation design do not interfere with the tap’s sensor, preventing accidental activations.

In this video, we will share four essential design tips to prevent sensor tap self-activation in your commercial washroom design.


Dolphin Solutions' sensor taps and Alavo Behind Mirror System with soap dispenser and hand dryer at the V&A Museum

4 washroom design considerations for commercial sensor taps

To minimise water and energy waste caused by false triggers in infrared sensor taps, consider these four key factors when designing your washroom layout:

1. Basin and Tap Positioning

If the washbasin surface is slightly reflective, the positioning of the tap becomes crucial.

Touch free taps should be installed in a location where the sensor’s reflection does not bounce off the basin.

To prevent sensor tap self-activation, ensure that any surface near the sensor is at least 200mm away from it.

2. Basin Pooling Issues

A poorly designed basin or wash trough that does not drain water properly and allows pooling at the bottom can create a reflective surface, which may cause the sensor to activate unintentionally.

The solution to prevent sensor tap self-activation is to ensure that the basin or wash trough is designed with proper drainage that stops water from pooling.

Dolphin Solutions special finished sensor taps and Alavo Behind Mirror System with soap dispenser

3. Design Compatibility

Polished click-clacks and waste drains, particularly those with flat tops, can sometimes trigger sensor taps.

To prevent false tap activations, it is advisable to choose a click-clack or waste drain with a non-reflective finish.

Opting for a domed waste drain design can also help minimise the risk of false triggers.

4. Sensor sensitivity

Some infrared sensor taps have highly sensitive sensors or long detection ranges, which can cause them to activate unintentionally when someone walks nearby.

To prevent sensor tap self-activation, ensure the detection ranges are appropriate for the basin area and do not extend beyond the intended activation zone to prevent accidental triggers from nearby movement.

Problems with taps FAQ: Why is my tap not working?

Is your infrared sensor tap turning on by itself?

Your sensor tap may be functioning correctly but could be self-activating due to environmental factors, design compatibility issues with washroom products, water pooling, or the sensitivity of the sensor.

To address these problems, consult a washroom expert who can help identify the root cause and recommend adjustments to your washroom fittings to resolve the issue effectively.