COMPARING XLERATORS







Xlerator XL-C

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

I am looking for an Xlerator hand dryer.  There are a number of different options with different prices.  What is the difference between them?

Thanks,

Timothy

Answer:

Timothy,

The Xlerator hand dryers are made by Excel Dryer and can be purchased at Restroom Direct.

First of all, please note that other hand dryers made by Excel, such as the HO-IL hand dryer, for example, are not the Xlerator.  The Xlerator is much faster.  This is the hand dryer that is very powerful.  It blows the air from one nozzle directly down onto your hands with a lot of force and it wrinkles your hands as it blows the water off of them.  This is one of the most popular hand dryers in the US. 

There are a number of options for the Xlerator, but no matter what options you choose, the hand dryer itself is essentially the same. 

The first option is voltage.  The Xlerator comes in 110 / 120 volts, 208 volts, 220 / 240 volts and 277 volts.  The amount of energy used is the same (about 1500 watts) no matter what voltage you pick and so the units act the exact same in any configuration.  They are not necessarily faster given the higher voltage.  These options are made available only if you have a particular set-up requiring a certain voltage.  If you are not sure, then get the 110 / 120 volt unit.  This is available in all buildings in the US and most Xlerators are sold in this configuration.  Price is not affected by your choice of voltage.

The second option is the cover material and this does affect the cost of the unit.  Remember that the dryer is the same no matter what cover you choose, so if you are on a budget, just choose the least expensive version.  However the more expensive covers are better both in looks and durability.

The chart below shows which hand dryer options come with which covers and the prices as of April, 2013.

XLERATOR COVER OPTIONS
XL-BW	$400.00
Cover: White, thermoset polymer.  Similar to a heavy duty plastic, this is a solid cover with a matte finish.  Easier to scratch than other covers but it is white through and through so light scratches can be buffed out.
XL-W	$440.00
Cover: White enamel finish on die cast zinc.  This is the standard Xlerator.
XL-GR	$480.00
Cover: “Textured Graphite” this is a charcoal-black color on zinc.  Textured.  Looks great.
XL-C	$560.00
Cover: Beautiful polished chrome.  Use this instead of a mirror!
XL-SB	$560.00
Cover: Brushed, stainless steel.  This is the best material.  It will last the longest and look great.  Difficult to vandalize.

These are the main options to consider when purchasing an Xlerator., however, there are  a couple of other options:

-If the hand dryer noise is too high for you, you can purchase a 1.1” nozzle that is wider than the original .9” nozzle that comes with the hand dryer.  This makes the dryer a bit quieter and also a little slower.

-You can now also purchase a motor speed control unit that installs inside of the hand dryer.  This enables you to turn the motor speed down.  The dryer is now quieter, but also slower. 

Excel now offers a HEPA filtration kit as well.  You can purchase one as a retrofit kit or you can ask to have one added to the dryer in the factory when purchasing it new.

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

REPLACING A BOBRICK DRYER




Model A Recessed Hand Dryer by World Dryer



Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,

I have a recessed hand dryer. It is a Bobrick B-400 (B400) or a B-450 (B450). I need to replace it with something the same size. It looks like the diensions of the back box are 11.25" x 12" x 3". What can I use in the space?

Thank you for your help,

Becky

Answer:

 

Becky,

 

You have one of the older Bobrick recessed hand dryers that were originally made by World Dryer.   These are the same as the current World Dryer Model A or the newer, high-speed AirMax hand dryers.  These are still made by World Dryer as the XRA5-Q974 and the XRM5-Q974.  (Or remove the X from the model number for push button instead of automatic.)  I would recommend the AirMax unless noise is an issue, since it is louder.  The good news is that either of these will fit exactly in the current location.   You can view them at RestroomDirect here: Model A or AirMax.

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert

NEW DYSON PRODUCTS

The New Dyson Tap

Question:

Hand Dryer Expert,
 

I hear Dyson is coming out with some new products. What are they and when will they be available?” 

William

Answer:

William,

 

You have heard correctly! Dyson has introduced three new commercial hand drying products.

 

 

Dyson Airblade MK2
The MK2 is similar to the existing line of Dyson products, the size, shape look and function is essentially the same. The new Dyson digital motor, these hand dryers are expected to be more efficient and make less noise all at the same time.

 

Dyson Airblade V

The Dyson V is Dyson’s first foray into a traditional wall-hung hand dryer that blows down on the user’s hands (as opposed to the original Dyson Airblade Airblade in which you put your hands down into.) However the V will not simply blow water off of the hands. Like the other Airblades, the Dyson V is an air-knife and will scrape water off of the user’s hands.

 

Dyson Airblade Tap
The Dyson Tap is truly the hand dryer of the future. This is not just a hand dryer, but it is also a water faucet. The user places his hands underneath the center of the tap to activate the water. He then moves his hands to either side of the tap. The water turns off and the Dyson digital motor is activated, creating an air-blade that scrapes the water off of his hands. The beauty is that the water goes right back into the sink. No water is sprayed on walls. No water collects in puddles on the floor. And every sink gets its own hand dryer.

The new products are expected to be available for purchase beginning May to August of 2013 and can be seen at Restroom Direct . In Europe, through Bravada.

Thanks, Hand Dryer Expert