Welcome to the Bobrick BLOG and Message Center. Through this forum, you have the ability to ask questions, communicate views and address issues with Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
Feel free to read others postings or click Submit Comment to add your own posting.
Previous Blog Entries: 2006 ; 2005
 

2007: January   February   March   April   May   June    July   August   September   October   November   December


6/20/08
Thank you!

Hi

I really don’t have a question – Just wanted to say THANK YOU to whoever is responsible for speeding up the Bobrick website. 

In my capacity at Dolan & Traynor, I prepare and send the submittal packages for our Section 10 customers.   Your site is faster than it used to be thus so much easier to use.

Thanks!!
 


3/24/08
Unable to Download Cad file

I am unable to download the B-5181 shower seat.  I referenced your help and it didn't work.

We use your products quite extensively and this has been problem for some time.  Do you have a cad block cd to order or a library to download?

Thank you,

 

Judy Peterson

Engineering Services
Clark County School District

Response:

The Cad file has been sent via email to you.

Thank you,


3/11/08
Bobrick Website

I have used Bobrick for many years. I always found your printed catalog easy to use but your web site is painful! It seems very slow compared to other web sites and does not seem to present logical searches.

Response:

Website improvements are in the works. Our Marketing, International and MIS Departments, as well as Circa, are working on developing an action plan that will improve the content, function, speed and  intuitive navigation of the Bobrick website.

Thanks,


12/10/07
Commercial Hand Dryer Unit Question

Sir/Ma’am,

I tried posting this on the blog. It is my hope that someone from your organization would be able to assist me with a question I have about your products.
 We are currently building a specially adapted home for SPC James Fair in Pittsburgh, PA. This soldier lost both hands and was blinded in an incident in Iraq. As a result, we are trying to build a system to allow him to dry off after showering.

 Conceptually, we would like to mount a few commercial hand dryer units to a wall and make it possible for him to press a large button or wave his hand to activate all the units to blow his entire body dry.

 Is it possible one of your commercial hand dryer units is adaptable to allow air to blow perpendicular to the wall it is mounted on?

 Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Best Regards,

Rick Goyette
Project Manager
Homes for Our Troops

Response:

Hello Ricky,

I have sent your question on to our Engineering Department and this is their response. The company who designs our hand dryers does not recommend using hand dryers for this purpose and application. They commented that even if 4 dryers were mounted in a vertical row, with the base mounted parallel to the floor to allow the air to come out horizontally, there would not be enough air coverage to dry an entire body. They also said that dryers are not safety approved to be used near a shower area. They did however suggest that you try using a fan or cross flow heater normally used for heating doorways. They are installed over a doorway and in this case would be away from the water from the shower. A radiant heater could also be used to keep the person warm while the air is blowing on them. Let me know if you have any other questions and I will be more than happy to assist you.

 


9/24/07
DWG Drawings

Although I did not ask the question I would like to know ir you have a dwg drawings that shows both the elevation and product number.  This is a major coordination issue for an achitct and would be easier if you had it in dwg format for us.

Thanks

Response:

We have many CAD drawings in .dwg format on our website. They show product with dimensions and the product number and name. Please try our website for yourself.

 http://www.bobrick.com/Bobrick/SearchResults.aspx?sendingPageType=CatalogBase

 -Bobrick Blog Staff


8/6/07
Zamak Hardware
I have noticed that in a few of the product spec sheets, Zamak hardware is deemed unacceptable and stainless steel is the preferred hardware. Have there been problems with Zamak hardware? Is stainless steel just a superior product over Zamak alloy?

Response:

Bobrick Stainless Steel hardware is far superior to Zamak. It is stronger, more corrosion resistant and has concealed mounting feature.

-Bobrick Blog Staff


08/01/07
CD-Rom Request
Dear Sirs; I would like to request that you produce a CD-ROM like the one produced by the Simpson Strong-Tie Company. This CD-ROM includes their product catalogs in pdf and dwgs (blocks) of their products that can be inserted into drawings. Thank you, Kimmonique.

Response:

All our product catalogs and technical data sheets are available for download on our website in .pdf format. We no longer produce CD-ROMs because of this.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

07/27/07
ADA Code
Is there an ADA code stating that grab bars in public showers must be U-shaped continuous? Can (3) grab bars be installed one for each wall?

Response:

Grab bars in public showers are not required to be U-shaped continuous. Standard compartments require one grab bar at least 40” long to be mounted on the side wall, no more than 12” from the back wall. A second grab bar at least 36” long must be mounted on the back wall, no more than 6” from the side wall. For more information on grab bar ADA compliance, see page 7 of our Barrier-Free Washroom Planning Guide.

You can order 3 straight grab bars – one for each wall. We can also make custom three-wall grab bars. See your local sales representative for that.


-Bobrick Blog Staff

7/25/07
B-751E
I have had several people contacting me on how they can get the B-751E Dryer. Architects have been specifing these, because they found the technical data sheet on Bobrick's website. No where on the website does it state that these are not available in the USA.

Response:

The B-751 115V dryer with cULus listing is available in the USA if a building owner or architect wants/needs a stainless steel dryer. The B-715E 220V dryer with CE and VDE listing is also shown on the website, but this dryer is only sold to countries where E is the standard.

We have not noted where we do and do not sell these dryers on the TD sheets. We show the electrical specifications and allow the specifier to match the product to their requirements.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

07/23/07
B-4998
For the Swing-Up Grab Bar, Bobrick B-4998, do you have any approved mounting brackets/plates for metal stud walls? Thanks

Response:

We do not have approved mounting brackets for metal stud walls. Please see our technical data sheet for the 4998 swing-up grab bar for more information: http://bobrick.com/Bobrick/TechnicalData/B-4998.pdf

-Bobrick Blog Staff

7/20/07
Website Issue
Sometimes your web site does not have the white box behind the words. When this happens I cannot read the product words. It would be great if this could be fixed permanantly. But I don't know if it is your site or my computer. Any suggestions if it is my computer?

Response:

The problem you are describing occurs when your Internet browser does not load the website fully. To remedy this error, try reloading the website.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

07/17/07
B-8221 & B240
I am interested with Deck Mounted Soap Dispenser B-8221 20 fl.oz (0.6 liter) and Stainless Steel Wall Mounted Asthray B-240, I would try to buy it for 12 nos each. How to get it? Please advice. Thank you

Response:

These products can be ordered through your local distributor. Distributors within your area can be found through the Bobrick website, Contact Us, Bobrick Representatives and Distributors. Distributor’s websites are linked on this page. The distributor in Indonesia is PT. EMS INDOAPPLIANCES.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

07/15/07
B-112 Rebuild kit & Key
I am searching for a rebuild kit and a key for a Bobrick Soap Dispenser Model B 112. Can you tell me where and how to order?

Response:

A representative from our Sales Service Department will contact you in order to fully answer your question.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

07/10/07
B-2111 & B-822
I'm putting together a submittals package for a military base and I need to know if the following soap dispensers are American made: B-2111 & B-822. If these are not, do you have a substitute for them that is American made?

Response:

The B-822 is American made, but the B-2111 is made in Taiwan, 4112 is American made. It's not an exact substitute, but similar - although more expensive as well.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

07/05/07
Barrier-Free Washroom Planning Guide
Has the Barrier-Free Washroom Planning Guide been updated? Does this guide apply nationally? Do some cities/counties have their own requirements? For example: We installed a napkin disposal at the location indicated in the guide, and was told the location did not meet the 2003 ANSI code by the inspector for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Suggestions as to where I can get these codes? Many thanks.

Response:

Our Barrier-Free Washroom Planning Guide is based on the current, enforceable federal Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) Revised July 1994. This is a national standard and a federal civil law that is enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice. It is a baseline or minimum accessibility standard. Many states and cities have adopted their own accessibility standards that are more stringent. Our Barrier-Free Washroom Planning Guide does not attempt to cover all local accessibility standards. Local accessibility guidelines are available from the individual states’ Department of Architecture.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

07/02/07
B-822
I would like to access the B-822 soap dispenser from the top with the little key. How do I get the key , and how does it work?

Response:

A representative from our Sales Service Department will contact you for replacement keys.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

06/27/07                                                                                                                                                           Page up
B-6806x48
I am looking for information on item number B-68061x48, a grab bar with three attachment flanges. Is this still available? If not, what is the alternative item?

Response:

Bobrick’s B-68061x48, the three flange grab bar, is still available but must be special ordered.

-Bobrick Blog Staff


06/26/07
B-2800
I work for a campground that has a B-2800 Napkin/Tampon vendor. In the 2 1/2 years since the new Manager took over, we have not been able to find the keys to this unit. How do we go about getting replacement keys?

Response:

A representative from our Sales Service Department will contact you for replacement keys.

-Bobrick Blog Staff


6/25/07
Bobrick Website
I am having all kinds of problems with Bobrick website at this time. When I try to access data sheet - not there; when I open detail - it is an unreadable dynamic pdf - what is going on?

Response:

The response times of Bobrick.com have recently become and issue due to the quick adoption of our newly released ecommerce system. Speed performance is an issue that we consider critical for our web related tools. Rest assured that we are looking into the proper fix for the issue and expect to have Bobrick.com up to your standards within the next couple months. Thank you for your patience.

-Bobrick Blog Staff


6/20/07
Graffiti Remover
could you tell me where to buy bobrick graffiti remover. i have look on your site and manual

Response:

Bobrick Graffiti Remover can be ordered by using the product number 891099.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

06/19/07
Green Solutions/Paperless products
My company is interested in green solutions or paperless products/equipment. We would like to purchase hand dryers for 40 of our restroom but we have been getting mix reviews on the actual cost savings if we go this route and some say that people don't like them because it takes to long to dry their hands. Can you please tell me what's on the market today for hand dryers and what's been your experience as far as cost savings?

Response:

The Cost of Paper Towels vs. Hand Dryers
Bobrick Hand Dryers:
1) Bobrick Hand Dryers draw 2300 watts (2.3 kW) of electricity while operating and have a 30-second drying cycle.
2) 1 hour of operation = 30 seconds per drying cycle x 120 drying cycles.
3) 1 hour x 2.3 kW = 2.3 kWh.
4) 2.3 kWh x 7 cents/kWh* = 16 cents.
5) 16 cents / 120 drying cycles = 0.13 cents per drying cycle.
Source: Los Angeles County Industrial/Commercial Rate A1 (less than 30 kW usage per month) as of February 2000.

Multifold Paper Towels:
1) Average number of paper towels used per hand dry is 2.5 towels.
2) A typical case of 2,400 Multifold paper towels cost an average of $25.00.
3) 2,400 paper towels per case / 2.5 paper towels per hand dry = 960 hand drys per case.
4) $25.00 per case / 960 hand drys per case = 3 cents per hand dry.

Further costs of using paper towels include labor to fill dispenser and empty waste receptacles, storage and insurance for paper supply, costs of hauling away waste paper, and the hazards of fire and of plumbing stoppage.

To calculate your annual savings realized by using Bobrick hand dryers instead of paper towels:
Use the previous year’s towel purchase records, and electricity bill to calculate the following:
1. ___ cases of towels x ____ (count) per case = ____ (total towels) / 2.5 towels per dry = number of hand drys.
2. $____ per kWh x 2.3 kWh = $____ per hour / 120 drys per hour = $____ dryer cost per hand dry.
3. ____ annual number of hand drys (#1) x $____ dryer cost per hand dry = $____ annual dryer operating cost.

When making the comparison, include the cost of paper towel storage as well as the labor required to fill dispensers, empty waste receptacles, dispose of waste, and purchase towels. If precise records are not available, assume that each washroom requires 10 minutes daily to maintain towel supply and use the following formula to make estimate.

4. ____ (count) washrooms x 10 minutes x operating days per year* / 60 minutes per hour x $____ labor costs per hour for maintenance personnel = direct labor cost.
*Office buildings or factories normally operate 250 workdays per year; the operating days of schools, theaters, or restaurants may vary.

Add towel cost, direct labor to maintain towels, estimated cost of towel and waste handling, then deduct the annual operating cost of dryers. The difference is your savings per year.

-Bobrick Blog Staff


06/19/07
B-4063
Are there any disposable soap cartridges on the market compatible w/ the B-4063 recessed soap dispenser.

Response:

The B-4063 has a refillable soap container. There are no cartridges that are compatible with the B-4063.

-Bobrick Blog Staff


06/12/2007
B-781
i am looking for a model number B781, hair, hand dryer which i know is discontinued. We need only one for a residence, so if you can be of any help. Thank you, Jeannie Rollo e-mail jr-rollo@hotmail.com

Response:

The only hand and hair dryer we currently have is B-731. It is a push button just like the B-781 but it is surface mounted.

-Bobrick Blog Staff

04/03/2007
B-362
Has B-362 Recessed Paper Towel Dispenser been discontinued? If so, what is alternative?

Response:

The B-362 Recessed Paper Towel Dispenser has been discontinued. Its alternative is the B-359, the Classic Series Recessed Paper Towel Dispenser. You can find the product specification by following this link http://www.bobrick.com/Bobrick/ProductSpecs/B-359.pdf.
 
-Bobrick Blog Staff

04/03/2007
Technical Data Sheets
I cannot find a technical data sheet for the B-165 or B-290 mirrors with any of the special finishes, ie 1656, 1658, 2906, 2908 etc. Can these please be added. Thank you!

Response:

Your message has been forwarded to our Advertising department. Currently, you can find more information on the B-165 mirror by following this link: http://bobrick.com/Bobrick/AdditionalInfo/B-165.pdf. A technical data sheet is attached.

 -Bobrick Blog Staff

04/02/2007
Bobrick Blog
To Whom it May Concern, There must be some HTML programming issues with your blog because it shows larger than how it should be. It supercedes the screen. Also, would it be a good idea if you can provide a forum-type blog where topics are sorted out? I know this example I am gonna show is not related. Nonetheless, forum hosting within your blog can improve "customer service" and others for you. This is the example. It is a reef aquarium blog: www.reefcentral.com. I am only suggesting the format of this; not the actual content of the website. Overall, I love the web page. Thanks and more power! Kudos to Bobrick Team and Mark Louchheim. Angelo

Response:

Thank you for your feedback. Your message was sent to our MIS department.


 -Bobrick Blog Staff

03/22/2007                                                                                                                                                       Page up
B-6109.99 Grab Bars
What grab bar series would you recommend in an 18" length that is similar to the B-6106.99 series?

Response:

A grab bar series that is similar to the B-6106.99 series is the B-6806.99 series. Its standards sizes are 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches.


 -Bobrick Blog Staff

03/22/2007
Phenolic Shower Doors
Our firm is a stocking distributor in eastern Canada and we've recently supplied phenolic shower doors with a stainless post on the hinge and latch side of eac door. Our customer has complained that each post are factory drilled to accept hinges. What they end up with is wall posts that are full of holes (12 per side) and nothing suppied to fill them. I've brought this to the attention of Bobrick Canada but thought it may benefit all distributors if we can change this. Thanks.

Response:

Bobrick receives these posts from the manufacturer predrilled. If you would like a post that wasn’t drilled you can order it as a special.


-Bobrick Blog Staff

03/04/2007
1040 Partition Series
I maintance for a company uses Bobrick Hand Dyers B701, B751, & B731. All four of the hand dyers havent gone out with a close time frame as other and seems as if the touch button not even able to be pushed in? Any idea on whats going on?

Response:

Please check the following:

Possible Cause
  1. No electricity supply
  2. Installation fault
  3. Worn motor brushes
  4. Tabs are not connecting


Possible Solution
  1. Check main supply/wiring
  2. Check service manual for possible wiring mistakes
  3. Check length of brushes; replace if less than ½”
  4. Turn off power, remove cover & bend tabs closer to sensor board
  5. Replace motor brushes


 -Bobrick Blog Staff

03/06/2007
1040 Partition Series
Is the 1040 series floor mounted partitions structurally sound enough to mount the grab bar to it?

Response:

All Bobrick partition series are structurally sound enough to mount a grab bar to. Please remember that grab bars are no stronger than the anchors and walls to which they are attached and, therefore, must be firmly secured in order to sustain the loads for which they are intended.


 -Bobrick Blog Staff

03/08/2007
Division of the State Architect – Access Compliance
I have been having discussions with Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance regarding toilet paper dispensers and protruding more than 4" into the stall. They are stating that toilet dispensers must be recessed and that your B-2888 is not a compliant unit, yet you denote it as a barrier free design. Is your unit an approved designed for the State of California. WE do not use recessed units due to maintenance issues


Response:

In the Division of the State Architect’s California Access Compliance Reference Manual, section 1115B.7.1.3 states that “grab bars shall not project more than 3 inches (76mm) into the clear spaces as specified above.” The Access Compliance affirms that toilet paper dispensers should be within the same plane of the grab bar, and, therefore, cannot protrude more than 4”. This code is their interpretation of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, and although the 2888 may be ADA compliant, it does not comply with the DSA’s interpretation. However, Bobrick’s 3888 recessed model does comply with the DSA’s requirements.


 -Bobrick Blog Staff

Company Information
My company is currently and correctly listed on http://www.bobrick.com/Bobrick/State_FL.aspx as a stocking distributor of Bobrick Washroom Accessories for the state of Florida. The contact phone number for us on that site is, however, incorrect, as in the fact that our website is shopping-cart capable. Having seen no visible or apparent link to a webmaster on the bobrick.com website how would these issues be best remedied?

Response:

Your company information has been updated on the Bobrick website.


 -Bobrick Blog Staff

B-2260 Waste Receptacle
A client of mine ordered the B-2260 waste receptacle. Now their tenant wants the swing top for this waste receptacle. I was informed by the Rep that the B-2250 is the only one to have the top. The 2260 and 2250 are exactly the same item, and Bobrick does not sell the swing lid separately. I can't possibly tell my client to buy another two trash cans because the lid isn't separate. Where does Bobrick obtain the lid from and maybe they will have a few to purchase.

Response:

Bobrick does have the lid for B-2250, part number 2250-2. It may not fit the 2260 as this unit was designed without a lid. Although the B-2250 and B-2260 have the same dimensions, there may be differences.



 -Bobrick Blog Staff

826-20 AC Adapter
How many 826 soap dispensers can be wired to one 826-20 transformer, I assume each dispenser does not need its own. There is no tech data sheet or instructions that I can find. thanks

Response:

The 6V 826-20 AC Adapter is for one B-826 Automatic Lavatory-Mounted Soap Dispenser. An AC Adapter for up to four B-826 Automatic Lavatory-Mounted Soap Dispensers is available on special order.



 -Bobrick Blog Staff

01/02/2007                                                                                                                                                       Page up
Handicap Accessory Pricing
I need pricing for handicap acc. for church bathrooms please, who do I contact?


Response:

A representative from customer service will contact you in order to fully answer your question.



 -Bobrick Blog Staff

01/02/2007
Under Cabinet Soap Dispensing System
Are there plans to design an under cabinet soap dispensing system smaller than the current one. I like the concept, but the size is much to larger for my needs. I'd like to see something roughly half the size.


Response:

Thank you for your comment on Bobrick’s SureFlo Soap System. We are aware of the market’s interest in a smaller size system. Although we have no introduction of a smaller size SureFlo Soap System at this time, our next version of the Soap System will include a smaller size.



 -Bobrick Blog Staff

01/02/2007
Soap Dispensers B-822
Thru the years I have sold many of your B-822 Counter mounted soap dispensing systems. However, as technology is changing, Bobrick is being left in the dust; not to mention making things difficult for me. My customers (primarily large casinos)are really into the FOAM SOAP. They are ALL asking for a COUNTER MOUNTED FOAM SOAP DISPENSING SYSTEM. If you had one available, no problem, I would sell them yours. But, since you don't, I have to find one to sell them. Can you have one ready for ship by tomorrow? (Just wishing) (Unisource has one and is causing me and you business) Do you have one in the works???? If so, knowing that would be of some help.


Response:

Thank you for providing input on customers’ interests in lavatory mounted foam soap dispensers. Bobrick is currently reviewing the market’s interest in foam soap dispensers, but currently we do not have an introduction date for them.



 -Bobrick Blog Staff