Layout and Installation

Placement of hand dryers is important to be sure that they are conveniently accessible and appropriately functional. Hand dryers should be spaced at least 2 feet apart, near but not over the wash basin. In congested areas, dryers should be located to create a flow from wash basin to dryer to exit. Automatic sensor operated units should be placed more than 18 inches above or away from reflective surfaces which may interfere with the automatic sensor operation.

The appropriate quantity of hand dryers will vary based on the location of course. For average traffic, one dryer per every two wash basins is recommended. For heavy traffic restrooms, one dryer per each wash basin is more appropriate. In cases where industrial style circular wash centers are used, then four dryers per center are appropriate.

Recommended mounting heights for dryers are as follows:

• Men’s washrooms—46” (117 cm)
• Women’s washrooms—44” (112 cm)
• Children’s washrooms, ages 4-7—32” (81 cm)
• Children’s washrooms, ages 7-10—36” (91 cm)
• Children’s washrooms, ages 10-13—40” (102 cm)
• Children’s washrooms, ages 13-17—44” (112 cm)
• Handicap Mounting Height—37” (94 cm)

Electrical requirements for high-speed energy-efficient hand dryers typically include a 15 amp circuit.

The unit’s exterior surfaces can be cleaned in normal fashion using common bathroom cleaners and should be maintained to be free of any unusual or unnecessary substances. For low to medium washroom traffic, routine inspection of internal passages for cleaning and removal of debris impeding airflow is recommended every 12 months.  For high washroom traffic, inspection and cleaning of internal passages is recommended every 6 months.  Some units include disposable intake air filters to simplify cleaning and reduce cleaning time and effort.

Conclusion

Electric high-speed energy-efficient hand dryers are a sustainable, cost-effective choice for new and renovated restrooms. They have been shown to use up to 88 percent less energy than slower traditional hand dryers and up to a 40 percent difference between similar high-speed dryers. They use less energy than embedded in paper towels and cost notably less than paper towels or traditional hand dryers to operate. These new, updated products boast a longer service life on many models and use technology that promotes good hand hygiene and sanitation. Their contemporary designs are available in multiple finishes and work with many interior design schemes. Overall, they are a logical, preferred, and sustainable choice over paper towels that will benefit the users and the building owner/ managers initially and over time.

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED-AP practices, consults, and writes about sustainable design and practice solutions nationwide. www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch

World Dryer, the global leading manufacturer of hand dryers for over 50 years, is the only manufacturer that offers you a full portfolio of fast, energy efficient, competitively priced hand dryers designed to fit the individual needs of any facility. www.worlddryer.com