The future of the bathroom: experts explain digital developments and test requirements for smart bathrooms

Many people would also like to use digital entertainment and information options in the bathroom.”

MARTIN FRIES

What solutions are manufacturers developing in response?

Martin Fries: Savings and more convenience can be achieved with contactless sensor technologies and even through smartphone controls. An app can store personal profiles. The shower recognizes the user and automatically adjusts the water temperature, jet intensity, shower duration and other settings according to the user’s preferences. For example, in the morning, someone might choose to shower for just two minutes warm, followed by 30 seconds cold, while in the evening this person might opt for a 15-minute alternating warm-cold shower with personalized mood lighting.

Infotainment in the bathroom may be provided for example by mirrors with integrated smart technology, which can display news, streamed content, or weather forecasts. A shower panel with an integrated display may communicate with smartphones and offer massage functions and lighting controls.

In terms of hygiene and cleanliness, toilets with an electric flush and bidet function – a water jet that can be adjusted to the individual user’s preferences for cleaning their rear and intimate areas – play an important role. As you see, the variety of electrically operated bathroom equipment and accessories is evolving at a very fast pace, extending far beyond lighted and brightness-adjustable bathroom cabinets. Of course, many of the products mentioned are rather pricey and currently cater to the high-end market. However, it is definitely a possibility that these technologies will become mainstream over time.

“For digital installations, there are additional aspects that are still somewhat unusual for bathrooms, e.g. EMC testing, wireless testing, or cyber-security tests.”

Gerhard Richter

What are the benefits of optional product testing for manufacturers?

Gerhard Richter: Our optional tests are very much in demand. Manufacturers often intentionally choose risk-oriented tests. At TÜV Rheinland, we then do not act as a Notified Body, but prepare individual test reports. One example: There is no requirement to test the photobiological safety of cool white LED lights, but for some manufacturers, it is very important. The same is true for the level of noise produced by bathroom fixtures that can be heard in adjacent rooms. Anyone who has ever been woken up by a late-night shower in an apartment building or hotel knows what we are talking about ...

Of course, we also offer the GS certification mark. However, “GS” only applies to finished products – so it is not an option for permanent installations. The “Bauartgeprüft” (type-tested) test mark is an attractive option for many manufacturers. For this test mark, we create an individual test plan and conduct electrical, mechanical, and chemical tests. It also includes a manufacturing inspection. As part of this inspection, we assess for example, whether the workforce has been properly trained and whether the installed components conform to the documentation. Manufacturers recognize the significant added value of these optional tests, such as being able to use the “Bauartgeprüft” test mark in many different EU countries.

When should manufacturers have their products and applications tested?

Martin Fries: It makes perfect sense and is common practice not to wait for the finished product to do those tests, but to have prototypes tested at various stages of development. In this phase, manufacturers also consult us to understand certain standards and guidelines. In technical consultations, we then discuss any potential normative weaknesses or challenges for each individual product.

Is it your experience that manufacturers are familiar with the (changing) regulatory requirements?

Gerhard Richter: The big players in the industry know the requirements and even employ their own electrical engineers and electronics technicians to ensure that their products are compliant from the very beginning. However, even these companies still like to consult us during product development – for example with questions about how to interpret a particular standard. There are currently many new guidelines and standards being released, which presents manufacturers with major challenges.

The situation may look different for importers of low-price products: Sometimes they buy a product and only find out after our tests that a label or a warning is incorrect or that a component or even the entire product does not comply with the Certificate of Conformity. This is very upsetting of course. It would be better to involve us at an early stage, once they have a test sample, and potentially have us carry out an assessment.

How can you support manufacturers to ensure their products are safe and compliant?

Martin Fries: With our highly experienced experts and state-of-the-art test laboratories in Nuremberg and Würzburg, we are a true full-service testing provider for bathroom installations with a complete portfolio. The customer will not need any additional testing laboratory. In addition, there is the geographical proximity and the shared language: Unlike competitors who have their testing facilities in Asia, we are based in Germany and can offer European manufacturers a direct added value. Short transportation distances and a closer cooperation mean faster response times.

Why is TÜV Rheinland such a particularly well-suited testing service provider for electrified and digitalized sanitary equipment?

Martin Fries: A key reason is our expertise, experience, and our technical know-how, which far exceeds that of other testing service providers. Especially during product development, manufacturers benefit greatly, for example from the compilation of standards by our experts. In addition, we are a member in many bodies and committees and are involved in the development of future standards.

We know from speaking with our customers that they greatly appreciate the open communication, discussions and exchanges they have with us. They receive preliminary information on the status of a test and can even visit us in person to see the laboratory and observe the testing process “live”. If there are any deviations, the customer can then decide on the spot whether to continue testing or to cancel the test because they may want to modify the product before further testing. This provides a significant added value compared to testing in Asia. If the product fails the test there, customers may lose a lot of time. In any case, we are equipped for all testing requirements in this highly dynamic segment. With their cutting-edge products and applications, manufacturers are showcasing their capabilities – and so are we.