MOEN News
Welcome to the Moen Commercial E-Newsletter, brought to you exclusively by Plumbing Engineer. In this installment, we take a look at the latest products and industry trends, provide helpful tips and examine white papers that address the needs of engineers like you. We hope you find this e-newsletter insightful and helpful as you strive to build a deeper connection with your customers, and ultimately, making your next project a success.
At Moen Commercial, we understand how important the issues of energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction are to engineers when they specify a product. That’s why since 1982, we’ve been leading the industry in sustainability practices by implementing manufacturing processes and programs that protect the environment. Plus, we offer a complete line of water-wise products including FreeHand™ sensor-operated faucets and flush valves, metering faucets and lavatory faucets which exceed LEED® requirements. And with our exclusive LEED Qualification Guide, it’s easier than ever to determine which products can contribute the most points toward a building’s certification. At Moen Commercial, our goal is to help professionals meet their customers’ demands for high quality, durable green solutions. Because our products aren’t just built for the real world. They’re built for a better world.
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UNIVERSAL DESIGN TRENDS ACCOMODATE EVERYONE
Moen's Quality Product Design and Accessibility Ensure Public Spaces Are Suited For All
Ensuring that a public space can be used by everyone is the underlying goal of Universal Design. This concept is challenging designers, architects and engineers to rethink the fundamentals while considering how an environment can be designed or adapted to accommodate people's changing needs, as well as incorporating new aesthetics that aren’t prohibitively expensive or appear institutional.
The Principles of Universal Design
When beginning a project, it is important to keep seven key principles in mind. These were developed by the Center for Universal Design to assist manufacturers, builders and consumers in keeping accessibility and practicality top of mind.
- Equitable use –The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities
- Flexibility in use – It accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities
- Simple and intuitive – The design is easy-to-understand, regardless of user’s experience, knowledge or skills
- Perceptible information –Necessary information is communicated effectively to the user, regardless of sensory limitations
- Tolerance for error – The design minimizes hazards, accidents or unintended actions
- Low physical effort – It can be used with minimal effort
- Size and space for approach and use – Regardless of user’s stature and mobility, the design is appropriate for approach, reach, manipulation and use
Incorporating the Principles
These principles help ensure the design for each space is usable and accessible. For companies and builders interested in implementing universal design principles, but concerned about cost implications, it is important to note that small changes can make a big difference. Commercial products, like Moen’s Extended Reach Faucets or FreeHand™ sensor operated flush valves and faucets are rapidly entering the commercial products market to affordably cater to the needs of consumers. By incorporating these products into the initial design, a business can avoid the high costs associated with installing specialized, and often numerous units while ensuring the lavatory can be easily accessible and usable by all.
Adopting universal design is becoming the rule in today’s construction industry – not the exception. Make sure your commercial designs offer features that make the space adaptable for all consumers, regardless of age and ability.
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PREVENTION IS KEY TO CURBING RESTROOM VANDALISM
Vandalizing lavatory faucets. Destroying walls with graffiti. Flooding floors with running water. These are just a few examples of vandalism that threaten today’s public restrooms.
Reducing vandalism involves more than just beefing up security or implementing regular clean-up sessions -- it’s about taking preventative measures that will diminish the effects of vandals’ efforts.
Tampering
Faucets are common targets for destruction. To avoid tampering, look for a faucet designed to prevent vandalism. Moen’s Commercial Division manufactures a complete line of quality, Heavy-Duty faucets with solid-cast brass bodies for extended sturdiness. Free-spinning cartridge nut covers protect the cartridge below from tampering, and stainless steel Torx® head screws require a special tool for servicing, providing extra security. In addition, Moen’s Heavy-Duty faucet line features a recessed, shielded aerator that reduces tampering.
Waste Water
Leaving the faucet running is one of the most destructive ways to vandalize a public restroom. In addition to the cost of excess water, the damage associated with flooding, including system damage or mold and bacteria growth, can be devastating to a building’s bottom line.
In order to prevent this type of water overflow situation, it is important to design a restroom that prevents vandals from flooding the space. Consider installing hands-free faucets, such as Moen’s Commercial FreeHand™ faucets, which operate only when motion sensors are activated and stop water flow when faucets are not in use. Another water-limiting option is metering faucets, which run for a limited time when handles are depressed.
Toilets offer vandals another huge opportunity for flooding and damage. To prevent continuous flushing by users’ holding handles down, opt for flush valves without handles. Sensor-operated flush valves, such as Moen’s FreeHand™ line, not only prevent vandals from continuously flushing toilets, but they conserve water and energy and promote hygiene as well.
When it comes to restroom vandalism, the key is prevention. By considering your facility's potential for damage and using products and designs made to avert damage, you can save a great deal of time and expense.
MOEN Product Showcase
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Moen Commercial products are specially designed to address the specific needs of engineers, building owners and end users. Their Heavy-Duty Commercial Faucets feature solid-cast brass bodies, which offer extended sturdiness, while the resilient chrome finish can withstand exposure to harsh industrial strength cleaners. Durable, ceramic disc cartridges prevent handle wobble while ensuring complete shut-off. Free-spinning cartridge nut covers and stainless steel Torx screws provide the ultimate vandal-resistance. |
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Moen Commercial offers a complete line of easy-to-use FreeHand™ Sensor-Operated Faucets featuring hands-free activation. Designed with conservation and convenience in mind, these faucets are ideal for commercial, healthcare and educational applications. They feature advanced electronics which eliminate false sensing, all-metal construction which reduces wear and tear, and 30-second “auto-off” function to prevent waste and overflow. And because there are no handles, FreeHand™ faucets prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. |
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FreeHand™ Sensor-Operated Flush Valves provide accurate flush cycles using an infrared sensor beam, ensuring efficient water use and the ultimate in sanitary protection. They feature solid brass chrome-plated construction, advanced electronics to limit false sensing, and an exclusive piston technology that prevents clogs and water hammer. Available in a variety of efficient options, including battery-powered which utilizes standard lead-free AA Alkaline batteries, or low-powered AC adapters.
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Ultra-Low Flow Showerheads are designed with water conservation and durability in mind. These showerheads have a flow rate of 1.6 gallons per minute, offering a 30% water savings from standard 2.5 gallons per minute. Unlike many low-flow showerheads that simply restrict the water flow, Moen’s products feature an optimized spray pattern to preserve the experience of a full-flow shower, while sustaining water resources for future generations. |
