In order to adjust to the world’s new normal living with COVID-19, many home product manufacturers are shifting their focus to developing new products that could either limit the spread of the virus, including touchless faucets or upgraded PPE, or help homeowners continue to live, work, and play comfortably in their spaces, with air purifiers or in-home network modules. While none of the below will 100% prevent people from contracting the virus, the manufacturers hope they will help limit the spread and make homeowners and communities more safe.
Sonoma Forge
Sonoma Forge’s Sans Hands Automated Faucet Technology allows homeowners to integrate touch-free hand washing in their home, preventing the spread of bacteria and diseases. The manufacturer developed the technology by combining a low-voltage current with an electromagnetic field. When a user approaches the faucet and interrupts the electromagnetic field, the valve opens to begin the flow of water. Sans Hands are available using the spouts from the WherEver series, the CiXX collection, and the Strap line. They come in wall- and deck-mount configurations and offer a suite of coordinating bath accessories. sonomaforge.com
ICERA
Icera’s iWash S-11 bidet seat was created to enhance the functionality of a traditional toilet. The seat can be installed on most standard elongated toilets and offers a minimalist profile. The system includes a stainless-steel, self-cleaning sprayer with customizable spray options (rear, front, oscillating, and power wash) and a ceramic water-heating system that provides instant and unlimited warm-water spray. Other features include a built-in deodorizer, in-bowl night light, silent-close lid, and wall-mounted remote control. It retails for $675. icerausa.com
Legrand
Legrand introduced a new mounting plate and network interface module for its On-Q plastic structured wiring enclosure system. The mounting plate allows a number of third-party devices to be mounted into the enclosure, while the network interface provides strong data through a connection to an existing Wi-Fi router or wired networking throughout the home. The AC106A6 network interface module supports Cat 6a cable connections and terminates up to six data lines for high-speed device connections. legrand.us
HexArmor
HexArmor has converted and expanded its Michigan production facilities to begin making a new line of disposable and fluid-resistant face shields and goggles. The Fluid-Resistant Full Face Protector is intended as a "first line of defense" against airborne fluids when used in conjunction with an appropriate mask. For those wearing helmets, the Fluid-Resistant Face Protector for Hard Hats secures into the accessory slots of your hard hat and fits most major brands. The Fluid-Resistant Disposable Goggle is designed to block liquid splash or dust penetration. The full face protectors are available in cases of 216, the face protector for hard hats in cases of 100, and goggles in cases of 84. The manufacturer notes the masks are not to be used as protection against flames or sparks, and that the goggles are not designed to fit over prescription glasses. hexarmor.com
Mockett
Mockett created a new, easy-to-install door handle cuff to offer a hygienic approach to opening interior doors. By simply resting your forearm into the cuff and pressing down on the door handle, the device can minimize contact and possible contamination. To install, the cuff slips over the handle and is screwed into place. It fits most traditional door handles, including square or round handles with a ¾- to 1-inch diameter. mockett.com
EcoSmart
EcoSmart’s newly designed ECO MINI collection provides immediate hot water in small quantities, making it a suitable point-of-use heater for remote sinks in a garage, outdoor kitchen, studio, or guest house. Models come in 1.5-, 2.5-, 4-, and 6-gallon sizes, all equipped with an external temperature control knob and a cord and 15-amp plug for use in a 120-volt outlet. Pricing ranges from $135 to $205, depending on unit size. ecosmartus.com
NanaWall
NanaWall Systems has announced that it will begin offering copper handles as a hardware option for all NanaWall opening glass wall systems. Copper, according to Nana, “has more than 5,000 years of history and tradition for its unsurpassed antiviral and antimicrobial properties." The company cites the results of a recent study of antimicrobial surfaces at the National Institutes of Health and the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, in which copper surfaces tended to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus within about four hours of contact, as part of its decision to offer the new product. NanaWall customers may also order new copper handles for existing glass wall systems. nanawall.com
Carrier
For a limited time, all purchases of Carrier’s new Infinity 26 Air Conditioner or Infinity 24 Heat Pump include an Infinity Air Purifier. The purifier uses Carrier’s Captures & Kills technology to filter up to 95% of particulate matter from the air—including pollen, animal dander, and bacteria—and an electrical charge to kill or inactivate up to 99% of germs and viruses on its long-lasting MERV 15 filter. It can be placed in line with nearly any ductwork system, and does not produce a significant pressure drop. carrier.com
Elkay
Elkay’s CuVerro antimicrobial copper sinks are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to continuously kill more than 99.9% of bacteria within two hours. The CuVerro sinks are available in a wide variety of sizes, with single-bowl, drop-in configurations for kitchen, bath, and professional use. All are ADA-compliant when properly installed. elkay.com
INOX
INOX has introduced a new powder coat finish, the INOX MicroArmor Antimicrobial Coating, to its lines of stainless steel door levers, pulls, deadbolts, push/pull plates, and panic devices. The coating is infused with silver ions, which attach to microbes’ cellular enzymes to inhibit growth. This reduces the spread of bacteria, fungi, or mold on the hardware. The coating and silver ions are applied and integrated during the manufacturing process, ensuring that the coating will not wear away or lose effectiveness, according to the manufacturer. inoxproducts.com
California Faucets
The Descanso faucet and fixture series aims to create a “fresh” take on industrial faucet design with a cylindrical body and a choice of carbon fiber or knurled detailing on the handle. Each piece is constructed from solid brass, with antique brass flat, antique copper flat, and bella terra bronze among the available finishes. The series includes pull-down kitchen faucets with a high or low spout, a pull-down prep/bar faucet, a wall-mounted pot filler, cold and hot/cold water dispensers, and a coordinating soap dispenser. calfaucets.com
