The LED lights will change colour with the temperature of the water; blue for cold, red for hot and purple for warm. The visual effect created by this type of mixer is very stunning.
The designs are fairly limited at present, with most designs being quite modern, but we are starting to see an emergence of more designs as the popularity of LED basin mixers increases.
The LED lights work by a tiny turbine built into the mixer, the flow of water turns the turbine generating just enough power to operate the lights. There is no requirement for the mixer to be connected to an electricity supply.
LED BASIN MIXER MATERIALS
- Quality basin mixers are constructed of solid DR Brass or Stainless steel. DR Brass is a brass alloy capable of withstanding corrosion from the high mineral content contained in Australia’s domestic water supply.
- They are generally finished in chrome plating however, a few designs are starting to become available again in satin stainless, polished brass (gold) or in some colours, particularly black.
HOW BASIN MIXERS WORK
- Basin mixers control the flow and temperature of the water by a ceramic cartridge inside the body of the tap.
- The cartridge is operated by the lever handle, which when moved horizontally controls the water temperature by allowing different amounts of hot and cold water to mix together in the cartridge.
- When the lever handle is moved vertically, it opens or closes the cartridge to allow for the regulation of the water flow.
WELS & WATEMARKS
- WELS - All tapware sold in Australia must carry a WELS water efficiency rating. The minimum water rating on basin mixers is 4 stars/ 7.5lt per minute.
- WATERMARKS – The watermark is a quality certification mark that confirms the product complies with the requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia and the Australian Standards. All tapware must have the watermark logo marked on the product to be legally installed in accordance with state and territory regulations.
OPERATING WATER PRESSURES
- The optimum water pressure range for a basin mixer is between 100 – 650kpa.
- Many manufacturers will void warranties if the water pressure exceeds 500kpa, be sure to check the water pressure in your home and if higher than 500kpa you should consider installing a pressure reducing valve.