by Ann Withanee — June 20, 2011—Joining its line of proprietary hydropower faucets, marketed as EcoPower, TOTO introduced the new Integrated and Wall-Hung Gooseneck hands-free, sensor models during NeoCon World’s Trade Fair at The Merchandise Mart, Chicago.
TOTO’s EcoPower technology harnesses the kinetic power of flowing water to power its electronics, creating a stand-alone sustainable loop that does not require hard wiring or the use of disposable batteries, thus reducing toxic battery waste. EcoPower successfully combines hands-free operation, low maintenance, easy installation, and sustainability. These sensor faucets are ideal for high-traffic commercial spaces, providing an elegant water conservation solution or LEED option.
In response to market demand and an excellent example of TOTO’s People-First Innovation design philosophy, the company’s engineers developed the Integrated EcoPower Faucet. Innovative features include temperature and operational controls above the counter for optimum user interface. The EcoPower Faucet’s sensor eye is angled down into the lavatory bowl, so water is discharged only when hands are actually placed in the sensor’s path. Water flow stops almost immediately when the hands are removed, conserving water.
Joining TOTO’s other WaterSense-certified faucets, the new EcoPower Integrated Faucet is a High-Efficiency model that consumes a mere 0.15 gallons per 10-second cycle. This is a 40 percent reduction in water consumption below the base line of 0.25 gallons per cycle set by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and a 25 percent reduction in water consumption below the California Green Building Code’s baseline of 0.20 gallons per 10-cycle, claims the company.
Expanding the versatility of this line of high-efficiency sensor faucets, the new ADA-compliant, Wall-Hung Gooseneck model consumes a modest 0.09 gallons per 10-second cycle and is designed with convenience in mind. Ideal for healthcare, commercial, and educational facility applications, its 7-1/2-in. high-arch gooseneck design offers a hygienic solution to hand washing. The spout-tip sensor is recessed and carefully hidden from view to protect it from damage.
The Wall-Hung Gooseneck model uses smart-sensor technology and an instantaneous pulse of infrared light to detect the presence of hands before discharging, which conserves water. It also records daily usage for a full week; then, during periods of infrequent use, it automatically reduces its infrared pulse frequency to conserve power.
For more information visit the TOTO USA Web site.
