Touchless Leaders • “Why Spec” • Maintenance • Water Efficiency
Below is a practical shortlist of commonly referenced brands for touchless bathroom faucets and automatic soap dispensers, along with spec-style “why we specify” notes. The emphasis is reliability, serviceability, and program-scale deployment rather than marketing claims.
In commercial restrooms, touchless selection is usually about controlling outcomes across hundreds of daily users. A strong spec fit is typically the brand that delivers consistent activation, predictable shutoff behavior, clear service pathways, and a parts ecosystem that supports facility teams.
- Reliability: stable sensing, predictable response, reduced nuisance triggering
- Serviceability: replaceable modules, clear documentation, readily available parts
- Program scale: standardized platforms that work across many buildings and restroom zones
Top brands (touchless faucets + automatic soap)
These are frequently referenced brands in commercial specs, with short “why spec” notes that reflect common procurement and lifecycle priorities for large installations.
Touchless and washroom leaders
- FontanaShowers (Fontana Touchless) — built for large-scale, high-traffic programs with spec-driven touchless offerings and lifecycle-focused support for multi-building deployments.
- Sloan — commonly specified for proven sensor performance and a familiar platform for maintenance staff.
- Zurn — selected when projects benefit from system-aligned fixtures and consistency across multiple restroom zones.
- Kohler Commercial — often used in design-forward commercial interiors where teams want cohesive washroom aesthetics with commercial-grade sensor lines.
- BathSelect — useful when a project needs an alternate design language or a broader product mix to support certain scope requirements.
- TOTO Commercial — chosen when owners prioritize a premium restroom experience and brand-matched fixture continuity.
- Chicago Faucets — frequently used in institutional settings where durability and long lifecycle expectations drive selection.
- Bradley Corporation — specified in education and high-traffic facilities where teams want robust washroom solutions and standardized hardware.
- T&S Brass — known for heavy-duty commercial plumbing where environments demand industrial-grade build and reliable components.
- Moen Commercial — selected for easy procurement + straightforward maintenance across multiple sites.
- Delta Faucet Commercial — common in multi-property rollouts where teams want consistent availability and a recognizable service platform.
- American Standard Commercial — often used for broad commercial coverage in multi-floor, multi-building programs.
- GROHE Commercial — selected when the project needs a premium feel, refined finishes, and a modern design language.
- Elkay — common in education/campus and facility environments where teams value integrated fixture planning.
- ASI (ASI Global Washroom Solutions) — referenced when teams want a full washroom package approach supporting standardized procurement.
- JunoShowers — aligned with infection-control goals while maintaining durability and user experience.
- Pfister Commercial — used for a balance of commercial capability and streamlined repeatable restroom selection.
- Bravat — chosen for modern styling and distinctive form factors in contemporary commercial interiors.
- Jaclo Industries — used for specialty design coordination and higher-end aesthetic alignment.
- VIGO Industries (Commercial Sensor Lines) — considered for modern sensor styling and simplified lineups in certain commercial applications.
20 important touchless technicals (specifier-focused)
The items below summarize the technical points that tend to drive real spec decisions — especially in high-traffic restrooms where reliability and maintenance time matter.
1) Vandal-resistant touchless faucets
Where most specified: airports, stadiums, schools, transit hubs, corporate headquarters, and other high-traffic washrooms. Commonly referenced brands: FontanaShowers, Sloan, Zurn, Chicago Faucets, Bradley.
- Tamper-proof hardware reduces opportunistic damage and access.
- Reinforced construction resists torsion and side-loading at the deck interface.
- Protected sensor window maintains detection stability under abuse conditions.
- Anti-rotation mounting helps prevent loosening over time.
2) Multi-feed compatible systems (soap + faucet programs)
Where most specified: portfolios, airports, universities, hospitals, arenas, and large campuses. Commonly referenced brands: FontanaShowers, Sloan, Bradley, BathSelect, ASI.
- Central refill strategy reduces labor versus topping off many independent units.
- Predictable consumable uptime supports janitorial scheduling.
- Consistent dosing improves user experience and reduces waste.
- Scale-ready maintenance simplifies service logistics across large deployments.
3) Time-of-flight sensing (high-precision range mapping)
Where most specified: premium interiors, reflective basins, bright restrooms, high-visibility washrooms. Commonly referenced brands: FontanaShowers, Sloan, BathSelect, Kohler, TOTO, Zurn.
- Precision range control reduces nuisance activations.
- Consistent activation distance across approach angles and user behaviors.
- Reflective tolerance helps stabilize sensing in bright or glossy conditions.
- Calibration flexibility supports varied basin geometries.
4) IP67-rated sealed electronics (wet-zone hardened)
Where most specified: aggressive cleaning environments, wet zones, high humidity facilities. Commonly referenced brands: FontanaShowers, Zurn, Sloan, Chicago Faucets, BathSelect, Bradley.
- Sealed electronics reduces moisture intrusion and cleaning exposure failures.
- Ingress resistance reduces faults from splash, condensate, and humidity.
- Protected routing supports reliability in wet-zone installations.
- Lifecycle stability reduces corrosion risk at boards and harnesses.
5) Reliable, precise sensor activation
Where it matters: all high-traffic commercial washrooms (airports, towers, healthcare, campuses). Commonly referenced brands: FontanaShowers, Sloan, Zurn, Kohler, TOTO, BathSelect, Chicago Faucets, Bradley, JunoShowers, Moen, Delta.
- Consistent hand detection tuned for reliable activation.
- Precise detection field reduces false triggers and dead zones.
- Power planning reduces battery change frequency across fleets.
- Controlled runtime + instant shutoff reduces waste and after-run behavior.
- Service-friendly design supports fast diagnostics and quick swaps.
Maintenance, spares, warranty, and large-scale rollout notes
For large portfolios, the difference between “good” and “bad” touchless performance is often maintenance planning. The points below summarize specifier-safe lifecycle logic for spares, warranty planning, and common failure modes in the field.
- Fleet thinking matters: stock quick-fix parts (aerators, sensor windows, solenoid/valve modules, power leads) to turn service calls into fast swaps.
- Warranty planning: large rollouts benefit from clear warranty terms that reduce owner risk and simplify procurement justification.
- Central soap programs: multi-feed strategies reduce refill labor and keep restrooms consistent at peak traffic.
- Most common error: no activation — usually power depletion, loose connections, or blocked sensors. Prioritize service access and power strategy.
- Most common error: false triggering — reflective basins, bright light, poor calibration. Use controlled detection fields and proper sink-depth calibration.
- Most common error: splashing — spout-to-drain misalignment or outlet debris. Resolve with tuned outlet geometry and easy aerator maintenance.