World Dryer Model Number XA5-974AU

We are looking for Model #XA5-974 for a project. Under the item specifics, you list the model number as #XA5-974AU. Is this the same hand dryer (not sure what the AU is after the number)? Thanks for you time. E.J.

EJ:

Yes.  The XA5-974 is the same as the XA5-974AU. We normally leave off the AU, but that is actually the complete model number.  

Here's the full story:  

The X means it is an automatic hand dryer.  Without the X it is push button.  

The A means it is a World Dryer Model A hand dryer.  If there were a D before the A, it would mean it is a steel cover, but since there is no D, it is a standard cast iron hand dryer. 

The 5 means it is a fixed nozzle.  Without the 5 it is a swivel nozzle.  Most of the World Dryer hand dryers now come with the 5 because they come with Universal nozzles.  A Universal nozzle comes in the fixed position but all you have to do is remove a screw, and the nozzle will swivel.  More on that in a second!  

The number 974 is the color.  White.  The other common number is 973 which is stainless. 

That is normally the end of the model number.  The A actually means this hand dryer is for sale.  Without the A, it is technically a demo.  (But again, it's not usually necessary to add it.)  
The U means that the nozzle on this hand dryer is a Universal nozzle - it has the ability to be fixed or to swivel.

Restroom Direct has a full write-up on the traditional World Dryer model numbers  

-HDE

My Hand Dryer Didn't Come With a Plug

Why didn't my hand dryer come with a plug?  I had to go to a hardware store to buy a plug for my hand dryer.

-No Air in Noank
_______________________________________________


Dear Nan,

Like wall mounted light fixtures almost all hand dryers do not come with a cord and plug for plugging into the wall.  Hand dryer are intended to be hard-wired.  They are designed that way for safety reasons. They also look better hard-wired and there is less opportunity to be vandalized.  

Many people do, in fact, add plugs to hand dryers, and they tend to work just fine.  (The hand dryers, that is.  I don't know most of the people.)    However, this is best with hand dryers that are less than 1500 watts and 15 AMPS.  Make sure you purchase a plug that is the appropriate gauge for your hand dryer.  (And, while this is not difficult to do, yes, you should have a qualified technician do this sort of work.)  

In the US, there are two hand dryers that we know of that come pre-installed with a cord and plug.  They are both manufactured by World Dryer Corporation.  The Nova 1 model 0833 and the World Dryer VMax.  (Although I heard rumors that the VMax will also be hard-wired in the future, so double check.)  

You can also find distributors who will add a cord and plug for you.  But note that adding a cord and plug to a product that isn't intended to have one could void the warranty and more importantly the safety certification that comes with the product.

Final note:  Hand dryers with cord and plug are much more common in Australia and some parts of Asia and Europe.  Often they come with a switch so they can be turned off on the spot.  This makes it easier to service, rather than having to turn the breaker off.  

-HDE