Rotation angle
An angle to turn the drain. It is worth considering that in our case the angle is not considered relative to the center position, but the overall angle is right-left. In this way, the 110 degree value allows to rotate the mixer slurry with respect to the center position by 55° to the right and left.
Jet depth
Distance from the fixing point (for vertically mounted taps) or from the centre of the mounting hole (for horizontally mounted taps) to the middle of the spout. It is a characteristic that determines the "reach zone" of the tap.
Water jet angle
The angle of the water jet produced by the tap, relative to the vertical. Generally stated for full head; with partially blocked water, this angle is smaller. Anyway, the water jet is usually directed towards the user, and the greater the angle of inclination, the farther from the spout the point of incidence of the jet will be placed. However, in most cases this point is not critical; problems can arise only in very cramped conditions, with small basin sizes.
Cartridge diameter
The diameter of the cartridge used in the tap.
The cartridge is called the "heart" of the tap — the part directly responsible for adjusting the pressure and/or temperature of the water (in some models — also for switching between spout and shower). The main dimension of this part is precisely the diameter. However, in fact, this size becomes relevant only if it is necessary to replace the cartridge. But when choosing a tap, it does not really matter — from the point of view of characteristics, only the overall dimensions of the device depend on the diameter of the cartridge, and then quite approximately and without a fundamental difference between individual models.
Water flow
The maximum water flow during the operation of the tap, in other words, the maximum amount of water that it can pass through in a minute. This characteristic is important, foremost, for models designed for baths (see "Suitable for"): the greater the throughput, the faster the bath will fill. However, the meaning of this paragraph is not limited to this. First, flow information can be useful in certain calculations related to water supply — for example, to calculate the required pump capacity. Secondly, high-end taps can be equipped with aerators to achieve a powerful and efficient jet with low water consumption; the consumption indicated in the characteristics allows you to evaluate the efficiency of such devices in comparison with analogues.
Power source
The type of power used in a tap with electronic components — for example, a non-contact model (see Tap Type) or a backlit device (see above).
The most popular nowadays are
battery-operated mixers, while some of these models may also have the ability to be powered from the mains. In addition, there are purely network devices, as well as a rather specific option — mixers with combined battery power with a generator. Here is a more detailed description of all these types of food.
— Batteries. The main advantage of such mixers is ease of installation — they do not require electricity supply from the network, which eliminates the difficulties of laying wires. However the operating time on one set of batteries is limited, and replaceable batteries usually have to be purchased separately. On the other hand, the electronic components of mixers are usually not particularly “gluttonous” in terms of energy consumption, so the battery life period is often calculated not even in months, but in years. And when buying batteries, you can choose their brand at your own discretion, and often the type: either purchase inexpensive disposable cells and change them periodically, or spend money on batteries with a charger once and avoid additional expenses in the future.
— Network. Mains power is convenient because the user does not need to monitor the condition of the batteries and periodically change them — the electronics will work a
...s long as there is voltage. The downside of these amenities is, first of all, some difficulty in installation: you need not only to install a mixer, but also to find a nearby outlet for the power supply and connect the wires, paying special attention to the quality of the insulation. After all, the device will have to work in conditions of high humidity, and even direct contact with water. On the other hand, such models operate from a low safe voltage (usually about 12 V) supplied from the power supply; so even with problems with insulation, you can not be afraid of electric shock. The second caveat is that when the electricity is turned off, the mixer can become completely useless.
In general, this option is especially suitable for plumbing used in public places — for example, toilets of stations, shopping centers, etc. Mains power minimizes service interruptions (no need to change batteries); and a power outage, usually, makes useless not only the mixer itself, but the entire room where it is installed. Although, of course, nothing prevents you from choosing a model with mains power and for home use.
— Network / batteries. Taps capable of using both types of power described above. Usually, in such devices, the main source of energy is the mains, and batteries are used as a backup option in case of power outages. Thus, the mixer, on the one hand, has an unlimited service life, on the other hand, it remains operational even when the mains voltage is lost. On the other hand, such versatility significantly affects the cost, despite the fact that it is not required so often; and the main drawback of network models — the need for laying wires — is also quite relevant in this case. Therefore, mixers with combined power supply are produced quite a bit.
— Battery / generator. Quite an original option: a combination of a generator driven by a stream of water and a battery. In this case, the battery is the direct power source for the mixer electronics, while the generator is used to recharge it as needed. Thus, the power supply is completely autonomous, independent of the mains; and additional maintenance for such devices is practically not required (unlike the same battery-powered models — see above). Installation of such a mixer is quite complicated, but most often it is less difficult than installing a network model. But the unambiguous disadvantages of this option include the complexity and high cost, which significantly limit its use.
