CONVERTING PUSH BUTTONS

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,
 

I teach at a high school that uses the push-button hand dryers. Girls are constantly pressing the buttons, all day long, so that people won't hear them in the bathroom. This is a huge waste of energy. Is there any way of converting our existing hand dryers to motion-sensored ones?

Stephanie

Answer:

Stephanie,

 
That is an interesting question! Unfortunately, there is no simple way to convert a push button to an automatic hand dryer. You would have to buy new dryers.

Restroom Direct does have some really good prices on World Dryer Model A and AirMax hand dryers.  Assuming you have a Model A in the restroom already,  these would fit in the same location.  Restroom Direct often posts specials also.

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

COST OF A XLERATOR

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

How much does a Xlerator Hand Dryer cost?

Thanks, Mike

Answer:

Mike,

The cost of every hand dryer depends what specifications best suit your needs , which cover you select and where you purchase your dryer. On Restroom Direct, the Xlerator by Excel Hand Dryers is priced from $400.00 to $540.00. The price difference is based on the specifications you chose. Here is a great article which explains the difference between hand dryer cover options [article link]. Plan for additional installation expenses to hire a licensed electrician if required.

Whatever the cost of your new hand dryer, be assured that the cost and electricity usage will still surpass the amount you will save in paper towel expense and maintenance costs. When you choose an automatic hand dryer instead of a paper towel dispenser you will save trees. . In fact, its been proven that you will use less energy to dry your hands with an automatic hand dryer than is necessary to produce the equivalent amount of paper towels.
 

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

COST OF A DYSON AIRBLADE

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,
 

How much does a Dyson Airblade cost?

Thanks, Mark

Answer:

Mark,

The cost of every hand dryer depends what specifications best suit your needs , which cover you select and where you purchase your dryer. On Restroom Direct, the Dyson Airblade is priced from $1199.00 to $1599.00.  The price difference is based on a white cover ($1199.00) and an aluminum cover ($1599.00).Here is a great article which explains the difference between hand dryer cover options [article link]. Plan for additional installation expenses to hire a licensed electrician if required.

Whatever the cost of your new hand dryer, be assured that the cost and electricity usage will still surpass the amount you will save in paper towel expense and maintenance costs. When you choose an automatic hand dryer instead of a paper towel dispenser you will save trees. . In fact, its been proven that you will  use less energy to dry your hands with an automatic hand dryer than is necessary to produce the equivalent amount of paper towels.

 

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

BATTERY-POWERED HAND DRYERS

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

I'm in search of a battery powered hand dryer for my business.  Our electrical was accidentally tiled over, so I'm hoping someone makes a battery powered hand dryer. Any assistance in this search is greatly appreciated.

Best, Jolene

Answer:

Jolene,

There are no battery powered hand dryers. Sorry!

The best alternative would be a plug-in hand dryer. The only UL certified plug-in hand dryer that we know of is the Nova 1. This is a nice, lighter-weight and low profile (ADA compliant) hand dryer, however it is not as fast or as durable as other hand dryers. You can add a cord and a plug to many hand dryers and there are some distributors that will do this for you. However be aware that the warranty and the (UL) certification may be voided by adding a plug yourself since these are intended to be hard wired. But it’s fairly simple operation.

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

MODEL A BRUSHES

 

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

I currently have an older RA5 World Dryer hand dryer.  I am looking for new brushes, and am pretty sure the motor is a GE. I have been told the brushes are obsolete. Is this true? Can I just order a new motor instead?

Thanks, Erik


Answer:

Erik,

World Dryer Model A hand dryers were built with two different GE motors. Unfortunately, one of the motors has brushes which are now obsolete. The difference can be identified by the motor number. If the motor is 5P54GE or H with a number/letter combination, replacement brushes are available. If it has any other combination, no replacement brushes are available.  A replacement motor is could be an option, but before replacing the motor consider that heating elements used in this model are also no longer available. Instead of dumping money into this hand dryer, you may want to consider investing in a new one. You may want consider a wholesaler, such as Restroom Direct, where you can compare many models in order to locate which best suits your needs.

 

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

DYSON PROBLEMS

Question:
  

Hand Dryer Expert,

Do you have any trouble shooting idea's for my Dyson Airblade hand dryer?

Thanks, Brad


Answer:

Brad,

Here are some common problems with trouble shooting suggestions. If the issue isn't resolved after call the Dyson Helpline at 888-DYSON-AB (397-6622).

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

Dyson Airblade Troubleshooting Suggestions:

PROBLEM: The Dyson Airblade handdryer fails to start. Check to make sure the unit is connected andwired correctly, and that it is turned on.

PROBLEM: The Dyson Airblade hand dryer is turning on and off erratically. Check that the sensor lenses are clean.

PROBLEM: The Dyson Airblade hand dryer sometimes cuts out when in use, but resumes operation after a period of time. Check that the air inlet at the base is clean and free of dust. If the air inlet is dusty, simply remove dust.

PROBLEM: Air is coming out of the front or back of the unit. Check for and remove any obstructions.

PROBLEM: Unit is making a rattling noise. Ensure that none of the tamper proof screws are loose. Tighten if necessary.

PROBLEM: Unit runs for approximately 2 seconds after hands are removed. Don't worry, the unit is operating correctly. There is a time delay function built into the unit.

PROBLEM: Unit runs for longer than 5 seconds after hands are removed. Check to ensure that the Infra-red sensors are not obstructed or dirty.

PROBLEM: Unit is not drying hands as fast as it used to. Verify that the air inlet is not blocked or obstructed. If necessary, clean the air inlet.

PROBLEM: Water collects on floor. During normal use, there may be some gathering of water underneath the Dyson Airblade hand dryer. Please ensure that the unit and surrounding surfaces are wiped and cleaned regularly.

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SPRAYING DOWN AN AIRBLADE


 

Dyson Airblade

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

Is it okay to spray the Dyson Airblade down with water? 

From, Molly


Answer:

Molly,

I spoke to the engineers at Dyson and their answer is “yes”. It is acceptable to spray the Dyson Airblade with water when needed.  This dryer has a water ingress rating of IPX5, which means it is approved for some water conditions, such as rain, but it should not be submerged. 

All hand dryers are made for the restroom and so are expected to be able to handle a certain amount of moisture. Having them outside is even permitted so long as they are not exposed to rain.   Some people like to clean restrooms by taking a fire hose to them.  If water gets into the workings of a hand dryer, this can actually void the warranty on many models.  I think the Dyson Airblade may be the best choice if you want to spray a restroom because it is made to capture water as it comes off your hands.  (As you know you put your hands down into the Airblade rather than below a regular dryer.)  But I would still take care not to spray water at the bottom of the unit where the air intakes are located.   Please remember that these are electrical appliances and electricity and water do not mix.

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

 

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INSTITUTIONAL USAGE



World Dryer Model A, push button with a cast iron cover



 

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

I am considering installing Hand dryers into a mental health unit, but I have some concerns.  Is there is a concern of safety associated with hand dryers?  

Thank you, Glenn


Answer:

Glenn,

Hand dryers are made with safety standards and vandalism prevention in mind.  Dryers operate in mental institutions, federal prisons, and large public schools.  They have an excellent, proven track record.  One model to consider is the World Dryer Model A with a cast iron cover.  This has been extensively tested for vandalism over the past 60 years that it has been in service!    Cast iron with porcelain enamel is the best for vandalism, but stainless steel is on par.  (I was told by one major chain that they use only stainless because the vandals don’t even bother messing with it.  Brushed is the best because it hides marks.) 

 

Many institutions swear by push button models because they feel they are more durable, but I prefer automatics because there are less moving parts and of course you don’t have to touch them.  One prison told me that they go with automatic because they are afraid that the push button, if it were somehow pried free, could be used as a weapon. 

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

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Email:HandDryerExpert@gmail.com
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND HEAT





World Dryer SmartDri allows you the control
whether the heating element is in use.

 

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

I am looking for an electric hand dryer with a heater, not just room (ambient) temperature. I would like one that uses a low amount of energy too. Could you give me some information as to what my options are?

Thanks, Don

 

Answer:

Don,

It used to be that all hand dryers had heating elements. Heat makes your hands feel more comfortable while drying them, but it does not necessarily speed up the dry time, especially in the faster hand dryers which displace the water rather than evaporate it. The heating element generally uses more energy than the motor for the blower. So some of the newer high speed hand dryers have removed the heating element to make a more energy efficient, albeit cooler, hand dryer. Others, like the World Dryer Smartdri, have a heating element that can be turned off.

There are a number of good choices when it comes to dryers with heating elements:

World Dryer
The traditional standard in the industry is the World Dryer Model A. This comes with a heating element and consumes 2300 watts, which is now on the high end of energy consumption (although still considerably more efficient than paper towels). To get the same (very durable) hand dryer that consumes less energy, get the World Dryer AirMax. The AirMax also consumes 2300 watts, but it has a motor that is almost twice as fast (15 seconds vs 25 seconds to dry) as the Model A. It therefore uses almost ½ the energy, which helped it to qualify for a GreenSpec listing. 

 

XleratorHere we have an even faster hand dryer (12-15 seconds) that uses less energy (1500 watts). It also has a heating element and puts out nice warm air. 

 

Nova 1
The Nova 1 hand dryer is only 1000 watts. It also has a heating element but is not very powerful. So because it takes more time to dry your hands, (about 30 seconds) it is not as energy efficient as the high speed hand dryers. 

 

American Dryer GXT

This hand dryer is similar in function to the Xlerator, but more compact. It uses about 1500 watts and this can be adjusted down with lower speed settings. However its sister hand dryer, the EXT, has no heating element at all and it gets VERY efficient at about 540 watts on the fastest settings.

 

Slimdri
The new World Dryer Slimdri has a heating element and is very energy efficient at only 950 watts. And it is very slim (ADA compliant). But wait, there’s more! The heating element can be turned off, pushing the energy consumption to only 350 watts, or 3.5 amps at 120 volts. It is a mid-speed hand dryer, about 20 seconds. 

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

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INSTITUTIONAL SAFETY



Model A by World Dryer

 

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

I am considering installing Hand dryers into a mental health unit, but I have some concerns.  Is there is a concern of safety associated with hand dryers? 

From, Kirk


Answer:

Kirk,

 

Hand dryers are made with safety standards and vandalism prevention in mind.  Dryers operate in mental institutions, federal prisons, and large public schools.  They have an excellent, proven track record.  One model to consider is the World Dryer Model A with a cast iron cover.  This has been extensively tested for vandalism over the past 60 years that it has been in service!  They have been prodded, poked, shot (did you know that a cast iron cover will flatten almost any bullet?) doused with flammable liquids and lit, and subjected to many other evils.  Cast iron with porcelain enamel is the best for vandalism, but stainless steel is on par.  (I was told by one major chain that they use only stainless because the vandals don’t even bother messing with it.  Brushed is the best because it hides marks.) 

 

Many institutions swear by push button models because they feel they are more durable, but I prefer automatics because there are less moving parts and of course you don’t have to touch them.  One prison told me that they go with automatic because they are afraid that the push button, if it were somehow pried free, could be used as a weapon.

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

=====================================

??? Do you have a hand dryer question ???
Email:HandDryerExpert@gmail.com
=====================================