Given the world’s pre-occupation with digital convergence, the success of the iPod and the coming age of the iPhone – is it any wonder then that advanced electronics are entering a ‘new age’ in the control of plumbing fixtures.

While they may not take over our lives, such technologies are destined to play a growing role in monitoring our wastage of water and energy, as well as caring for our aging populations.

More and more product will be directly linked to the Internet to both monitor and control such fixtures remotely.

Electronics have been in the plumbing sector for about 40 years, but they have developed from quite rudimentary forms into much more sophisticated technology.

In the United States, Sloan Valve Company director of design engineering Peter Jahrling says the market is driving new electronic developments, particularly in relation to water-saving and energy-efficient products.

“Examples include faucets with power-generating devices such as solar cells and others with turbines that provide supplementary power to the battery,” he says.

“Complete washing stations with a solar collector on top are now available. This enables electronically operated faucets to be used by groups of people at a sink with a common drain. Sloan Optima faucets include a model with a solar collector mounted on top of the faucet, and some have automatic adjusting sensors to meet prevailing conditions.” For example, the sensors are powerful enough to pick up the target even if the sink gets dirty.

“In relation to toilets, flushing valves are available, whereby a device can be retrofitted over an existing valve to turn a manual flush into an automatic flush without the need for wiring or additional plumbing.

A flushometer valve for commercial markets has also been developed with a battery-assisted flushing device for automatic activation, or transformer power can be utilised so that a battery is not required.”

US manufacturer Delta Faucet Company launched its first electronic hands-free faucet for residential use (the Delta e-Flow) in 2001. Product development manager Nathan Price sees electronics as a growing trend in the bathroom and kitchen.

“With the aging of the baby boomers, products that are accessible and easy to operate will be more in demand,” he says.

“Therefore, you’ll be seeing a lot more done with electronics. There is also a ‘green’ aspect that will boost the electronics trend. By not having the water run continuously while performing tasks such as brushing teeth or washing dishes in the kitchen, you can save a significant amount of water.

“The e-Flow faucet features a high-arc spout for longer reach and has a waterproof polymer electronic control board that controls water flow, as well as a control knob for temperature selection before and during use. A mixing valve with a high-temperature mechanical limit stop prevents the water from turning too hot.

“Digitally calibrated electronics enable the e-Flow to adjust to its environment, preventing false activations when a toothbrush or towel falls into the sink. A 30-second maximum run time automatically resets once the obstruction is removed.”

Delta Faucet Company also manufactures the Brizo brand of premium faucets. The Pascal electronic kitchen faucet was recently released featuring combined hands-free and touch-control technology.

Brizo research and development manager Bob Rodenbeck says Pascal’s electronic technology can use timing to discriminate between momentary touches and grabs.

“This highly precise technology can differentiate between moving and static objects – removing an object from under the spout will turn off the water flow within two seconds,” he says.

“Water flow activates or deactivates by ‘tapping’ the spout almost anywhere on the faucet, as well as via the hands-free sensor, so this technology has special benefits for physically challenged people.