FAQ

How does Springwell Smartflush Work?

Springwell Smartflush stands by until movement is detected, then waits before filling and flushing the cistern.

 

Why doesn't the unit start filling when it sees movement?

To obtain the best economy while maintaining a good standard of hygiene, the operating cycle ends in a flush, so that urine is never held in the trap for longer than the cycle time (default 30 minutes) thus minimising the risk of developing unpleasant smells while using only one cistern full of water in the cycle.

When optimally set up, the cistern should be empty between flushes. When a fill occurs, the cistern should fill and flush and the valve should turn off during the flush, hence the cistern will usually remain empty. With a typical fill time of 3 minutes and a cycle time of 30 minutes the unit will appear to be 'not working' for 27 out of every 30 minutes even at busy times, so the chance of seeing any activity on a spot check is remote. Minor fluctuations in water pressure are allowed for as the unit will remain "in step" as long as the valve turns off sometime during the emptying of the cistern, because the cistern always empties to the same low level.

Can the controller be fitted on the ceiling?

The controller may be fitted either to ceiling or to wall (as long as the controller is visible to users) as the sensor is quite sensitive. Be aware that automatic scent devices may trigger a cycle if the scent vapour passes close to the sensor.

 

What voltage is fed to the valve?

On both mains and battery-powered units, a low DC voltage is used to operate the valve, although the operating pulse is so short that it is very difficult to show on a voltmeter.

How long does the battery last?

Within the current SF4B our battery packs have a five to six year operating life making maintenance easy to plan. Replacement batteries are supplied with a reminder sticker and a set of instructions so that the user may verify correct operation of the unit. No readjustment is normally necessary. Our packs have spot-welded interconnections and a good quality plug to ensure reliable transfer of power from the battery. Avoid the use of soldered battery packs as the heat of soldering may damage internal parts of the cells. Some older battery packs are marked with an expiry date which relates to the shelf life only whereas later packs carry a date of manufacture.

Is there another model of Smartflush?

Springwell have been manufacturing Smartflush branded urinal controls since 1992, always using the same control box shape and the dolphin symbol, with the same 4-cell battery pack. Some time later, an unrelated competitor also began using the Smartflush name on their now obsolete unit which has a rectangular box and a 7-cell battery pack.

How do I test my unit?

Springwell Smartflush has a hidden manual flush button to the left of the PIR detector. As long as the enable switch inside the controller (no. 3 on SF103 and SF4) is on, the valve may be opened and closed using the button, with a red flash of light from the domed lens when opening the valve.

The valve will stay open for the programmed fill time or until the button is again pressed. After closing the valve, wait a few seconds then make a slow movement in view of the sensor and the red light will flash once to indicate movement seen and the start of a new cycle.

How long is the fill time?

The fill time may be set to anything from a few seconds up to 31 minutes, with a 1 second resolution, by following the setting instructions. Fill time is retained indefinitely and may be re-programmed at any time. On despatch from us, the fill time is set to 4 minutes (and cycle time 30 minutes) so that in most cases adequate flushing will occur even without following the recommended setting up procedure.

Can I use one controller with two cisterns?

Each controller is designed to operate one valve only. If there is a common pipe feeding both cisterns, then this may be used. Fit a trickle cock on the outlet into each cistern and adjust for a roughly equal but fast flow so that both cisterns fill in a similar time, then set up fill time on the slower cistern.

What about tank-fed installations?

Because the unit may be programmed with any fill time up to 31 minutes and there is no minimum pressure rating on the valve, the standard valve may be used on low pressure installations in most cases. Where the fill time is greater than the cycle time, filling will start as soon as movement is seen. We do have the option of a low pressure valve for extreme cases.

Further Information

For more information please refer to the instructions page or alternatively contact us on 01924 420029.