The newly launched range represents a new generation of the Pulse 8 system from Sirrus by Gummers Investment in the development of capacitance technology has enabled the company to refine the design and produce a range that can compete directly on price with infra-red.
Unlike infra-red controls, which operate via a sensor, capacitance systems harness the electrical impulses naturally generated by the human body. Product marketing manager Fiona Bowyer says: “Capacitance technology is well established in consumer electronics applications, where it is widely used to enable touch-screen operations in products such as laptop computers, MP3 players and point-of-sale systems where the user simply has to apply a light touch to a glass screen. We have developed this proven technology by increasing the sensitivity of the capacitance unit within our taps so that they respond to the electrical energy stored within the human body without the need for actual physical contact.”
Now able to compete on a cost basis with infra-red, capacitance technology offers a number of advantages. With no sensor involved, the units are far more resistant to vandalism, nuisance or accidental operation, all of which can lead to a waste of water. Fiona Bowyer: “Capacitance is more reliable and offers a consistent level of performance. It is also an intelligent technology: if an attempt is made to vandalise a unit by, for example, wrapping material around the tap, the unit has the capability of working out that something is wrong and will then turn off and re-set itself.”
The Pulse 8 electronic control box is pre-programmed with variable overrun times which can be selected at the point of installation. Taps are supplied programmed with a clean flush, which runs for 2 seconds after hands are removed to clean the hand basin or trough. Handwash, which can be used with an individual wall plate, has a 15 second overrun time. A and J Gummers Showers can use the 15 second setting or the more suitable 60 second shower time. The new Pulse 8 range consists of two non-touch basin spouts, a remote sensor plate and a power pack that is hard-wired to the mains. Where mains operation is not an option, a separate battery pack is available.