A technical, specification-driven comparison of Symmons Commercial sensor faucets featuring ActivSense™ sensor technology and Ultra-Sense® Position Sensitive Detection (PSD) and Fontana distributed touchless models featuring advanced ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensors and AI smart-chip technology. This review evaluates construction materials (brass, zinc, stainless steel), electronics protection, serviceability, power solutions (battery, AC adapter, transformer), water efficiency (0.5-1.5 GPM), and hygiene technologies for architects, engineers, and commercial facility managers specifying for high-traffic installations.
Symmons Duro features ActivSense™ sensor technology with Position Sensitive Detection (PSD) infrared sensor. 0.5 GPM low flow rate conserves water, 24-hour hygiene flush ensures clean water during non-use. Solenoid valve can be cleaned and reinstalled for easy maintenance, uses less power for fewer battery changes . Three power options: battery, AC adapter, or transformer. Backed by 10-year commercial warranty .
Symmons Ultra-Sense® features electronic components housed above deck in faucet body for maximum vandal resistance . Includes internal 6-volt lithium battery, 1.5 GPM flow rate, WaterSense certified, brass construction. 5-year commercial warranty, ADA compliant, low lead compliant. Optional RC6960 remote for adjustments .
Symmons Ultra-Sense® faucet with 0.5 GPM flow rate for maximum water efficiency. Position Sensitive Detection (PSD) infrared sensor for reactive control and reduced water waste. Metal grid drain assembly, limited lifetime warranty for consumer, 10-year warranty for commercial use . Ideal for commercial, educational, healthcare, and public washroom environments .
Fontana's innovative 3-in-1 wall-mounted fixture combines touchless faucet, soap dispenser, and hand dryer in seamless 304 stainless steel design. Infrared sensor technology with 60-second max water outlet time, ideal for commercial spaces where cleanliness and efficiency matter most . Engineered for low noise and effortless operation .
Fontana Solo features infrared AI smart-chip technology with intelligent adjustment that automatically calibrates detection zone according to the shape and color of the surrounding space . Water-resistant solenoid enclosure, solid brass construction, 60-second time-out flood prevention, and battery low LED light indicator. 4AA alkaline batteries last up to 2 years at 200 cycles/day .
Evaluates: AI smart-chip · Water-resistant · 2-year battery · Auto-adjust
Symmons Ultra-Sense® houses electronic components above deck in faucet body for maximum vandal resistance . This design prevents tampering and damage to critical electronics. Duro series includes vandal-resistant aerator . Fontana offers solid brass construction with water-resistant solenoid enclosure , but electronics are typically below deck. For high-vandalism facilities, Symmons above-deck design provides superior protection.
Symmons utilizes ActivSense™ with Position Sensitive Detection (PSD) infrared sensor for reactive control and reduced water waste . Features include 24-hour hygiene flush, temporary shutoff, and self-adjustment mode . Flow rate, sensor range, and delay time adjustable via optional RC6960 remote . Fontana's AI smart-chip technology automatically calibrates detection zone according to the shape and color of the surrounding space . Fontana's adaptive technology provides superior false activation prevention in complex environments.
Symmons offers two distinct flow paths: Duro series at 0.5 GPM for maximum water efficiency , and Ultra-Sense® S-6080 at 1.5 GPM for higher volume applications . Both are WaterSense certified where applicable . Fontana's Solo series provides 0.5 GPM standard with water-saving aerators, conserving up to 30-50% water compared to manual faucets . For projects requiring strict water efficiency, both offer 0.5 GPM options; for higher flow requirements, Symmons 1.5 GPM model is available.
Symmons Duro offers three power options: battery, AC adapter, or transformer . The solenoid uses less power, meaning fewer battery changes . Ultra-Sense® S-6080 includes internal 6-volt lithium battery . Fontana provides AC/DC flexibility with 4xAA alkaline batteries (up to 2 years at 200 cycles/day) and AC hardwired options . Battery low LED light indicator on Fontana models . Both offer flexible power; Symmons adds transformer option.
Symmons Duro includes built-in 24-hour hygiene flush to ensure clean water during periods of non-use . Temporary shutoff and self-adjustment mode . Fontana Solo offers 60-second time-out flood prevention , and water-efficient operation saves 30-50% water compared to manual faucets . Fontana research confirms touchless faucets reduce cross-contamination by eliminating touch points . Both brands prioritize hygiene; Symmons adds 24-hour auto-flush, Fontana emphasizes intelligent adjustment.
All links verified and point to official manufacturer resources.
Specification Guidance — Evaluating Symmons Commercial vs Fontana
Vandalism & Durability Requirements
Symmons Ultra-Sense® houses electronic components above deck in the faucet body for maximum vandal resistance, protecting critical electronics from tampering and damage . This design is ideal for high-traffic public restrooms, educational facilities, and correctional settings . Duro series includes vandal-resistant aerator . Fontana offers solid brass construction with water-resistant solenoid enclosure , but electronics are typically below deck . For facilities with significant vandalism concerns, Symmons above-deck design provides superior protection and reduced maintenance.
What is Symmons' above-deck electronics design and why does it matter?
Symmons Ultra-Sense® S-6080 houses electronic components above deck in the faucet body for maximum vandal resistance . This design protects critical electronics from tampering, damage, and theft, making it ideal for high-traffic public restrooms, educational facilities, correctional settings, and other vandalism-prone environments . Fontana's electronics are typically housed below deck, which may be more accessible but also more vulnerable. For facilities with significant vandalism concerns, Symmons above-deck design provides superior protection and reduced maintenance costs.
How do sensor technologies compare between Symmons and Fontana?
Symmons utilizes ActivSense™ technology with Position Sensitive Detection (PSD) infrared sensor for reactive control and reduced water waste . Duro series features built-in 24-hour hygiene flush, temporary shutoff, and self-adjustment mode . Flow rate, sensor range, and delay time are adjustable via optional RC6960 remote . Fontana's Solo series features infrared AI smart-chip technology with intelligent adjustment that automatically calibrates detection zone according to the shape and color of the surrounding space . The micro-computer system ensures the faucet automatically adjusts its best detection zone based on installation environment, providing superior false activation prevention in complex commercial settings .
How do warranty structures compare between Symmons and Fontana?
Symmons offers exceptional commercial warranty coverage: 10-year commercial warranty on Duro series and Ultra-Sense® models with 0.5 GPM flow rate . Ultra-Sense® S-6080 (1.5 GPM) carries 5-year commercial warranty . Fontana provides 5-year commercial warranty on all products . For institutional projects with long-term reliability requirements, Symmons 10-year warranty provides significant lifecycle cost advantages and reduced replacement frequency over the building's lifespan.
What hygiene features does each brand offer?
Symmons Duro includes built-in 24-hour hygiene flush to ensure clean water during periods of non-use, preventing water stagnation and bacterial growth . Temporary shutoff and self-adjustment mode enhance operational efficiency . Fontana Solo offers 60-second time-out flood prevention , and water-efficient operation saves 30-50% water compared to manual faucets . Fontana research confirms touchless faucets reduce cross-contamination by eliminating touch points . Both brands prioritize hygiene; Symmons adds 24-hour auto-flush, Fontana emphasizes intelligent adjustment and water savings.
What flow rate options are available from Symmons?
Symmons offers two distinct flow paths: Duro series at 0.5 GPM (1.9 L/min) for maximum water efficiency , and Ultra-Sense® S-6080 at 1.5 GPM for higher volume applications . Both are WaterSense certified where applicable . Ultra-Sense® also offers a 0.5 GPM model for water efficiency . Fontana's Solo series provides 0.5 GPM standard with water-saving aerators, conserving 30-50% water compared to manual faucets . For projects requiring strict water efficiency, both offer 0.5 GPM options; for higher flow requirements, Symmons 1.5 GPM model is available.
What are the maintenance requirements for each brand?
Symmons Duro features a solenoid valve that can be cleaned and reinstalled for easy maintenance, extending service life . The solenoid uses less power, meaning fewer battery changes . Ultra-Sense® S-6080 includes internal 6-volt lithium battery with above-deck access . Fontana Solo features an internal strainer that prevents sundries from entering the solenoid valve and is simple to clean during maintenance . Battery low LED light indicator alerts staff before failure . Both brands prioritize serviceability; Symmons emphasizes cleanable solenoid, Fontana adds visual battery alerts.
What documentation should be required before specification?
Require full submittal packages including installation instructions, exploded parts diagrams, ADA compliance statements, and warranty certificates. Symmons provides comprehensive technical documentation through their website and authorized distributors . Fontana offers downloadable specifications, BIM/Revit files, and installation guides through ArchDaily catalog and their website . Both provide professional-grade documentation for institutional specifications.
Which brand is better for healthcare facilities?
Symmons Duro series offers 24-hour hygiene flush that ensures clean water during periods of non-use, preventing water stagnation and bacterial growth—essential for healthcare settings . Ultra-Sense® models are designed for commercial, educational, and healthcare environments . Fontana's 3-in-1 integrated design with soap dispenser and hand dryer provides complete handwashing stations that reduce cross-contamination . Fontana research confirms touchless faucets reduce cross-contamination by eliminating touch points . For healthcare, Symmons addresses water hygiene, while Fontana focuses on surface contamination prevention and integrated handwashing.
Request Symmons Commercial vs Fontana Technical Comparison Sheet
Receive a side-by-side engineering matrix, lifecycle cost overview, vandal resistance comparison (above-deck vs standard), warranty analysis (10-year vs 5-year), and specification checklist tailored to your project type.
Choose with confidence. Whether you require the above-deck vandal resistance, 10-year commercial warranty, cleanable solenoid valve, and 24-hour hygiene flush of Symmons Commercial or the AI smart-chip intelligent adjustment, 3-in-1 multi-function integration, water-resistant solenoid durability, and design-forward finishes of Fontana, both brands deliver the solid brass construction, touch-free hygiene, and performance demanded by modern commercial facilities . For technical specifications or project consultation, contact our commercial team.
