Getting into hot water
June 1st 2009

Rada Tripoint-F basin taps have been installed in a new John Lewis flagship distribution centre, saving water with accurate infrared hand detection

Rada Tripoint-F infrared electronic basin taps providing no-touch hand washing have been installed throughout the cloakroom and washroom facilities in the new £45m John Lewis automated distribution centre in Milton Keynes.

The 650,000ft2 centre is a major part of the John Lewis programme of supply chain investment supporting its expansion plans to double the size of the business and accelerating improvements in productivity, product availability and customer service. It will be operational by early 2009.

Rada – the commercial division of Kohler Mira and supplier of washroom water control products – has installed Tripoint throughout the distribution centre and some washrooms also have Rada Exact-3 shower valves fitted in the shower cubicles.

The decision to install 40 Tripoint taps is based on efficient use of hot water. Another important factor is that in many areas of the centre, personnel are required to wear high visibility jackets which, by reflecting light in the room, can set off complete banks of unused conventional infrared taps – a process known as 'nuisance activation'.

The camera never lies Easy to install and serviceable from above the basin,Tripoint-F makes use of a battery powered infrared sensor technology called Tripoint that works in a similar manner to an auto focus camera. It produces highly reliable operation, accurately sensing the true distance of the hands in relation to the infrared eye, regardless of reflections from mirrors, clothing colour or light variations.

Tripoint-F is a three-in-one product, having the capability to be installed with a pre-mixed supply – suitable for applications requiring TMV3 approval, if the under basin blending valve is TMV3 approved – or when installed with separate hot and cold supply.This can be with or without temperature adjustment (non-thermostatic).

The Tripoint-F features a transmitter and receiver.When the user approaches the tap and their hands enter the 'triangle' in front of the sensor – approximately 14cms – water flow is activated.Tripoint-F taps also feature an energy reducing timed flow facility, a mixer temperature control, a vandal proof design, in line filters and a self cleaning diaphragm. All models are supplied with WRAS approved flexible hoses.

Being battery operated the Tripoint-F can be installed without calling on the services of an electrician – a feature that opens up a range of new possibilities for installing infrared taps in areas where previously it had been uneconomic to do so. Power consumption is minimal with the 6v lithium battery having an expected life span of between three and five years.Watertight seals protect the sensors and control electronics and any servicing that is required is undertaken quickly, with all serviceable components accessible from above the basin.

In the Milton Keynes application, the Tripoint-F basin taps give John Lewis a highly reliable, cost effective alternative to conventional infrared water control systems, saving water and energy in high use environments. Please contact the company for further information.

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