What Matters Most at Airports
Hygiene that’s real
Bulk “pour-in” tanks often harbor bacteria, while sealed cartridges eliminate the risk. Recommended by hygiene professionals and vendors.
Dose control = savings
Soap use dominates costs, not hardware. Foam systems meter ~0.25–0.30 mL per use, cutting refill spend and preventing “empty” complaints.
Data-driven cleaning
Smart dispensers and sensors guide staff to crowded restrooms, reducing downtime and complaints with real-time refill data.
Accessibility & layout
Touch-free dispensers comply with ADA “operable parts” rules (≤5 lbf), ensuring ease of use and placement within reach ranges.
Airport-Proven Configurations (with Samples)
Based on traffic modeling, deck vs wall-mount options, power visibility, and serviceability — these configurations balance hygiene, user experience, and operational efficiency for busy terminals.
Deck-mount, sealed-cartridge, touch-free (FOH Standard)
Why: Soap lands in the basin (fewer streaks), modern look, easy wipe-downs, avoids contamination.
Examples: Sloan ESD-1500 (battery/AC) and Kohler Composed (low-soap/battery indicators).
Wall-mount, sealed-cartridge, touch-free (Retrofits, Staff Areas)
Why: Fast installation in crowded counters; cartridges = safe, quick swaps.
Examples: PURELL ES6, Rubbermaid AutoFoam, GP PRO enMotion Gen2.
Top-fill Multi-Feed (for Mega-Banks)
Why: One tank feeds multiple spouts → refill once, serve many. Great for gate-bank restrooms & food courts.
Caveat: Requires disciplined sanitation for tanks/lines, unlike sealed cartridges.
Examples: ASI EZ-Fill multi-feed, Bobrick B-858.
Connected / Service Indicators
Choose models with low-soap / low-battery lights so staff catch issues in real time. Pair with connected cleaning systems.
View KohlerEnergy Models
Long-life batteries: tens of thousands of cycles, flexible use.
Energy-on-the-refill: new battery pack per refill to eliminate change-outs.
Explore Models5-Year Cost Picture for Airports (per dispenser)
Despite higher upfront hardware and battery costs, the automatic unit’s smaller dose halves refill spend, dominating savings in high-traffic terminals.
View Vendor SpecsPlacement & Count Quick Tips
Mount to ADA rules
Follow operability standards; keep indicator lights visible above deck.
ICC Digital CodesPair with connected cleaning
Optimize concourses with tidal surges (arrivals, banked departures).
Tork GlobalLeading Brands
Premium touchless soap dispensers designed for modern commercial spaces.
Visit FontanaShowers
Fontana Touchless
Fontana Touchless delivers industry-trusted hygiene with sealed cartridges and a sleek “AT-A-GLANCE” refill window. Perfect for airports, hotels, and high-traffic restrooms where both aesthetics and performance matter.
Visit PURELLStandards & Evidence
Contamination Risk
Bulk-fill vs sealed-refill studies show contamination concerns and highlight the safety of sealed systems.
Read StudyADA 2010 + Access Board
Guidelines on operable parts and reach ranges ensure accessibility and compliance with ADA standards.
View ADA GuideCDC Handwashing Resources
Resources for passenger-facing signage and staff training, supporting compliance and public health goals.
Visit CDC