- Dry time (in-house tested): 16 Seconds
- Cost per 1000 dries: 40p - 75p (95 - 97.3% saving against paper towels)
- Guarantee: 3 Years
- Rated Power: 0.75 kW - 1.4 kW | 3.33 - 6.22 Wh per dry (Intelligent heating system)
- Cover made of high quality, vandal resistant ABS or stainless steel with modern design
- Produces a relatively low noise level
- Standard filter for dust and particles
- Compact dimensions: 330 (H) x 265 (W) x 170 (D) mm
- It saves energy as heating element switches off automatically when room temperature is > 25ºC
- Produces dry times that will not disappoint
- IP23
We ask, is it possible to get a balance between speed and noise in a hand dryer that satisfies the user. Of course faster airflow and particularly fast, condensed airflow is going to create more noise, so it’s a real challenge to hand dryer designers and engineers to create a dryer that people are happy with the performance, the noise levels and the energy efficiency,
Blade hand dryers
The Mitsubishi Jet towel is an example of a product that nearly meets this objective. Our independent results* measured the Mitsubishi Jet Towel at 75 dB(A) in a anechoic chamber (sound proof room) with hands placed into the airflow for a realistic noise measurement. 75 dB(A) is considerably higher than the 58 to 64 dB(A) advertised for the Mitsubishi Jet Towel however the generation 8 model dries relatively quickly (around 16 seconds in stringent test conditions, less in normal circumstances) and it uses as little as 0.55kw rated power. 75 dB(A) on a scale using deafening, very loud, loud, moderate, faint and very faint to describe would be on the lower end of loud, very few people would be expected to be irritated by this level.
It must be noted though that this measurement did not take into account noise amplification in a normal room, a previous study at Intertek revealed the Mitsubishi Jet Towel hand dryer measured at 79 dB(A) in a representative room. Upper 70’s in dB(A) are considered to irritate a small minority of people but with a hand dryer it is a very short lived experience, certainly in terms of safety, 80 dB(A) is considered safe for up to 8 hours exposure per day so there is no issue from this perspective. A little more detail about pitch is needed to complete the overview of the perceived sound on hand dryers but from this basic information the Mitsubishi Jet Towel achieves a good balance.
From a hygiene perspective, it has NSF approvals, although these kinds of approvals are done based on testing on brand new hand dryers. What is important is how hygienic the hand dryer will be 2 years after installing. The nature of this hand dryer with its water collection means that it must have a thorough and regular cleaning routine to maintain optimum hygiene standards.
The information we have on the new ‘quieter’ Dyson Airblade DB is incomplete, we only have a measurement in the sound proof chamber at 80 dB(A). You would expect a 4-5 dB(A) amplification in a normal room, if it followed the same pattern as the Mitsubishi Jet Towel and other dryers. Again, there is no safety issue at these levels considering the short term exposure but some users will certainly find these noise levels irritating. The Dyson Airblade DB is certainly fast drying (13-14 seconds in our stringent test and less than this under normal conditions) and uses an acceptable if not low rate power of 1.6kw. We have to say, based on the evidence, if you are looking for a good balance between energy efficiency, speed and noise the Mitsubishi is the overall winner here. With regards to hygiene, the same applies as with the Mitsubishi Jet Towel, all testing is based on a brand new unit, although the Airblade does not collect water if the HEPA filter is not properly maintained and cleaned there will surely be a difference between the hygiene levels provided by a new unit and one two years into its life.
‘Hands under’ type hand dryers.
The Dryflow Classic PLUS and Dryflow Elite are two dryers that are designed specifically to meet the objective of achieving an acceptable performance, at a quiet sound level with reasonable levels of energy efficiency. Another positive is that they are both very affordable hand dryers with outstanding motor lifespans. The Dryflow Classic PLUS is not a super-fast dryer but it is solid, it combines 45 m/s air speeds (traditional dryers 20-30 m/s, high speed 70 m/s upwards) with heat to achieve an approximate 20 second dry. The independent test measured the dB(A) at 72 in a sound proof chamber with hands under and because the Dryflow Classic PLUS is not relying purely on rapid airspeed we would expect amplification in a normal room to be minimal. We would describe this hand dryer as an excellent compromise, reasonable fast if not spectacular, with a very tolerable noise level with a rated power of just 1.35kw giving an energy efficient, if not hyper low energy performance. The Dryflow Classic PLUS is vandal resistant, very long lasting and at a price point where it is affordable for all. I guess the only question mark is that mild heat, in theory will increase bacteria levels if the dryer is not internally sanitized, we don’t have any clear evidence of this put this is the argument that has been pu forward by the paper towel companies for many years.
The eXtremeAir CPC hand dryer
The eXtremeAir CPC is a new innovation in the hand dryer market, this product contains a Cold Plasma generator that effectively creates a reaction from the moisture on the hands and in the air to form hydroxyl radicals that break down the molecular structure of bacteria and small viruses present on the hands, in the immediate surrounding air and surfaces. The eXtremeAir CPC has a completely adjustable motor and heat settings hence why it is included in this discussion.
On maximum speed the dryer tested at a relatively high 86 dB(A) with hands in the airflow, however it reduced to just 73 dB(A) on the lower setting. It is worth noting that at the lower dB (A) level it still had a motor speed of 14,000 rpm and airflow comparable, if not a little faster with the Dryflow Classic PLUS, so with this hand dryer you can find the balance to suit. The eXtremeAir CPC uses as little as 0.3kw on minimum motor speed and only 0.5kw on high motor speed. When you need it to be quieter, you can reduce the motor speed down and add heat. The issue of heat creating bacteria is negated by the cold plasma. Cold plasma is also self-sanitising in the sense that it continuously sanitises the surface of the hands, surrounding surfaces and inside the dryer, so we can say with assurance that the product remains as hygienic 5 years into its life as when it was first tested.
The eXtremeAir CPC is a genuine breakthrough in the market and we believe can be evidenced as the best current solution that can be described as potentially quiet, very hygienic (more so than any other method of drying in fact), very fast and energy efficient. It is also guaranteed for 6 years and highly vandal resistant so we think ticks all the boxes.
For more information on any of the hand dryers discussed please view the website or call +44 (0)114 3540047
Intelligent Hand Dryers UK has written on this subject many times; however we now categorically have the answer.
The eXtremeAir CPC, is available at discounted price to the public sector to make it a comparable price with the other high quality fast and energy efficient hand dryers we offer, but it is not just a hand dryer, it is a passive and hugely effective way of reducing cross infection of pupils, teachers and family members.
Schools are an absolute hotbed for cross infection because a) Kids do not tend to wash their hands as thoroughly as they might, this is true of us all actually, b) School Children change rooms and move all over the building throughout the day and share equipment and c) there are a large number of people in close proximity and physical contact is frequent.
The eXtremeAir satisfies all the current criteria of being highly energy efficient, quick drying, vandal resistant and accessible for Children of different heights but also incorporates Cold Plasma Clean Technology to break down the molecular structure of viruses and bacteria on the surfaces of the hands.
This is not to be confused with the hand dryers we offer that trap 99.9% of bacteria over a 0.3 microns using a HEPA filter, the eXtremeAir is not only sanitizing the air, it is much more importantly sanitizing the hands every time they are dried. In terms of inflectional control cleaning the air that dries the hands may stop extra bacteria forming on the hands but it does nothing to tackle it.
The eXtemeAir CPC hand dryer therefore offers a passive way of improving hand hygiene throughout schools. We say passive’ because pupils don’t need to be educated to use it, hand dryers are already part of their cycle unlike using a sanitizer and there is no consumable to change.
It can even be used as an educational tool as wall plates are available that explain the technology
Another important feature of the eXtremeAir CPC is that it remains hygienic and energy efficient even when heat is used. If you use heat evaporation in normal circumstances it is not considered to be as hygienic but Cold Plasma Clean technology eliminates that as a problem. This in turn allows the motor speed to be reduced where quiet is needed i.e near classrooms, Assembly Halls, Libraries etc and warm air to be added. The eXtremeAir CPC then remains effective yet quiet (70% quieter than the new ‘50% quieter Airblade’ and Airforce, 130% quieter than the new Xlerator 500)
Click here to download the White Paper and learn more about Cold Plasma technology and the independent testing that has been carried out or call 0114 3540047 for more information.
Energy Consumption | Electrical Supply Voltage | 220-240 Volts |
Electrical Supply Frequency | 50/60 Hz | |
Performance | Expected Motor Life | 1500 Hours |
Dry Time (max setting) | 16 Seconds | |
Dry Time (min setting) | 16 Seconds | |
Dry Time Notes | As per our in-house test | |
Universal Brush Motor | ||
Air Speed (max setting) | 248.5 MPH | |
Heater Element Power | 650 Watts | |
Motor Class | Class II | |
Rated Power | Rated Power (max settings) | 1,400 Watts |
Rated Power (min settings) | 750 Watts | |
Rated Power Notes | Intelligent heating system: The heater element is only activated if the washroom temperature drops below 25 ºC | |
Energy Per Dry (max setting) | 3.33 Watt-hours (Wh) | |
Energy Per Dry (min setting) | 6.22 Watt-hours (Wh) | |
Noise | Operating Sound Level (max setting) | 75 dB |
Guarantee | 3 Years | |
Construction | Materials | ABS & PC |
Net Weight | 3.195 kg | |
Packed Weight | 3.990 kg | |
Finishes | White ABS | |
Electrical & Safety | IP rating | IP23 |
Dimensions | Product Height | 330 mm |
Product Width | 265 mm | |
Product Depth | 170 mm | |
Packaging Height | 375 mm | |
Packaging Width | 340 mm | |
Packaging Depth | 220 mm | |
Mounting Instructions | Men | 1170 mm |
Women | 1120 mm | |
Children 4-7 Years | 810 mm | |
Children 7-10 Years | 910 mm | |
Children 10-13 Years | 1020 mm | |
Children 13-17 Years | 1120 mm | |
Disabled | 940 mm | |
Certification | CE | |
Other | GS |
Service rating :Would highly recommend this company, they were friendly, polite and extremely professional.
Product : Great hand dryer, would recommend.
Service rating : Very prompt service and delivery
Product : Very Prompt Service and delivery
The guy (in the website chat room) was really clued up about their products and the transaction was fast and easy. The only issue was when I clicked yes to buy insurance with the product and the transaction for this part didn't go through. They had to call me again to take another payment over the phone, which I didn't feel comfortable doing just in case it was a telephone scam!
Not tried the product yet but the service was good.