Plumbing Africa September 2020 | страница 36

34 FEATURE such as sensor taps to make sure there’s no need for contact. With almost every user thereafter touching the exit door handle, some facilities managers are reverting away from air driers to paper towels, with the bin placed beyond the door so people can use a paper towel to open the door and then deposit it. For instance, Werner Beukes, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at LIXIL Africa, says LIXIL for one is well aware of the need for hygiene products: “We’re offering the full range of touch-free bathroom solutions including mixers for sinks and baths, and infrared sensors for toilets and urinals, as well as ‘personal cleaning’ shower toilet options. These are powered either by batteries or electricity, and the top of the range includes off-grid solutions with a power box for high traffic areas. Certain of our toilets can save up to 73% of water. “There are also products suited to a residential environment, which are web connected to enable the owner to change settings, adjust the sensor radius or water running time for water efficiency.” Part of the LIXIL Group, Vaal Sanitaryware has launched rimless toilets in South Africa, with rimless technology and an effective 4.5l flush to ensure water conservation. Rimless technology is a concept developed to prevent the build-up of bacteria that occurs in traditional rimmed toilet designs. Thanks to this more streamlined design, cleaning is much easier and far more effective than ever, and a remote makes it touch free. “Bacteria thrives in small, damp spaces, which means the underneath of the toilet rim is their happy place,” says Werner Beukes, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at LIXIL Africa. “A rimless toilet offers a far more hygienic and easy-cleaning solution, making cleaning as easy as one smooth wiping motion.” Beukes explains that selection of the appropriate sanitaryware solution could be either a plumber or an interior decorator. The considerations that would drive a plumber’s choice include its water-saving characteristics and availability of spare parts. “Otherwise, the deciding criteria would be budget, quality and supplier reputation.” LIXIL LIXIL Left: Euroeco Cosmopolitan E Infrared electronic wall basin tap. Top: Euroeco Cosmopolitan E Electronic basin tap with powerbox. Mariette Boucher, National Projects Manager at LIXIL Africa, says: “We have won the National Specification for Checkers with our GROHE Euroeco CE Powerbox range. Working together with Guillaume du Toit from Cobus Schoeman Architects, in Pretoria to install this product in over 300 Checkers stores annually across South-Africa. The Powerbox is designated for projects where there is a need to save energy and reduces negative impacts to the environment, making it ideal to help fight Covid-19.” The Powerbox uses the hydraulic energy of water to produce electricity and consequently requires no battery or electric power. For more details see our Products section (page 42). www.plumbingafrica.co.za @plumbingonline @plumbingonline @PlumbingAfricaOnline September 2020 Volume 26 I Number 07