The type of hand dryers installed in school bathrooms impacts on the health and wellbeing of pupils in several ways, but also has implications for accessibility, sustainability, and overall efficiency. 

When choosing hand dryers for schools, it is key to find models which are durable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solutions that are suitable for different age groups while helping to maintain hygiene standards. 

The decision about which hand dryer is best suited to your needs should include consideration of both hands-in and hands-under designs, as well as the amount of noise that the dryers generate when in use.

Hands-In vs. Hands-Under Hand Dryers for Use in Schools

Electric hand dryers come in two primary designs: hands-in and hands-under. Each has distinct advantages and suitability for different age groups:

Hands-In Dryers

Models such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave i01 require users to insert their hands into a drying chamber where powerful air streams remove moisture. They are known for fast drying times, making them highly efficient and are also extremely quiet in use.

Hands-in dryers are ideal for secondary schools, where older students can effectively use them without difficulty. Younger children may struggle with hand positioning, leading to inefficient drying or frustration. 

Hands-Under Dryers

These models offer a more conventional design which younger pupils may be more familiar with, and work by blowing air downwards, allowing users to place their hands underneath the nozzle. Hands-under dryers are often more compact, making them easier to install in smaller bathroom spaces, and can be mounted lower on the wall, making them easier to use in primary schools.

Choosing between these designs depends on the age group of students, available space, and desired drying time efficiency.

Energy Efficient Hand Dryers

Schools should factor in energy efficiency when specifying hand dryers, especially given the high cost of electricity. Modern electric hand dryers such as the Mitsubishi Electric Wave u02 utilize high-efficiency fans that require less energy to direct smoothly flowing air into the drying area which means that hands are dried faster.

-Choosing automatic hand dryers that detect when the user has placed their hands in the drying area are more efficient as they only work for as long as needed rather than wasting electricity. 

Modern jet hand dryers can also work without a heater which means that less energy is wasted during the drying process. Jet hand dryers are around 3 times faster than conventional warm air designs, which means that they use much less energy.

Reducing Waste 

In many schools, a key advantage of electric hand dryers over paper towels is the significant reduction in waste. Traditional paper towels generate large amounts of single-use waste, requiring regular restocking and cannot be recycled, meaning that they are sent to landfill at a higher cost.

Switching to energy-efficient dryers aligns with eco-friendly policies, helping schools meet sustainability targets while maintaining hygiene standards.

Find out More

If you are in the process of choosing new hand dryers for your school, contact us today to discuss your needs. We can provide you with more information about the hand dryers in the Mitsubishi Electric Wave range and give you advice about which are most suitable for use in your school.