Automatic
Soap Dispensers

Bobrick
B-2013

Surface Wall Mount

Foam Soap

800 mL / 27 Oz
Refillable Reservoir

Sensor Activated,
CE Certified

Premium Build

ASI
0362-41

Surface Or Stand Mount

Liquid Soap Or Gel Sanitizer

800 mL / 27 Oz 
Cartridge

6 AA
Batteries

Most Versatile

Vista
SD1003

Surface Wall Mount

Bulk Foam Soap

1000 mL / 33.8 Oz
Bulk-Fill Reservoir

4 C-cell
50,000 cycles

Best Value

Bradley
6A01-11

Surface Wall Mount

Foam Soap Or Sanitizer

27 Oz Refillable
Reservoir

4 AA batteries
IR sensor

Diplomat Series

Bradley
6315-KT

Counter Mounted

Liquid Soap

Includes 27 Oz Bottle;
Accepts 54 Oz Refills

4 D-Cell Batteries,
2-Year Battery Life

Starter Kit

Bradley
6315-00

Counter Mounted

Liquid Soap

Accepts 27 Or 54 Oz
Soap Refills

4 D-Cell Batteries, Low-Soap & Low-Battery LEDs

Bare Unit

4 Things to Decide Before You Buy

Foam vs. Liquid

Foam can often stretch further per refill, dries faster, and may reduce user splash — making it popular for high-traffic restrooms. Liquid soap is required for some specialty soaps and traditional moisturizing formulas.

Battery Life & Power

Most commercial touchless dispensers run on standard batteries and can last 12–24 months in typical use, depending on traffic, settings, and battery type. Check whether the model has a low-battery indicator — it matters for facilities teams.

Bulk-Fill vs. Cartridge

Bulk-fill is usually the lowest cost per wash but requires open soap jugs and more janitorial labor. Sealed cartridges cost more per wash, but help reduce top-off contamination risk and refill quickly — often preferred for healthcare and food service.

Recessed vs. Surface Mount

Recessed dispensers sit flush with the wall for a cleaner look and less projection, but require wall depth and framing. Surface-mounted models work on most finished walls and are the standard retrofit choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are automatic soap dispensers required by code?
Local health codes and OSHA workplace standards require soap at every commercial handwashing sink, but federal code does not specifically require touchless operation. Many state and local food-service and healthcare regulations now require or strongly encourage touchless dispensing, and most commercial spec packages call for it as the default. If the lavatory serves an accessible route, the dispenser must also meet ADA §308 reach-range requirements.

Q: What is the difference between foam and liquid touchless soap dispensers?
Foam dispensers aerate the soap as it dispenses, which means each dose covers more hand surface and uses less liquid soap per wash — typically extending refill life. Liquid dispensers deliver a measured shot of unaltered soap and are required for certain specialty formulas, traditional moisturizing soaps, and some industrial cleansers. Most high-traffic commercial installs choose foam for cost-per-wash and reduced splash.

Q: How long do batteries last in an automatic soap dispenser?
Most commercial battery-powered touchless soap dispensers use 4 to 6 AA, C, or D-cell batteries. Manufacturer-rated battery life varies widely by model and usage, but typical commercial installations see 12 to 24 months between battery changes. High-traffic locations like stadiums, airports, and schools will run through batteries faster — check the model's published activation count and divide by your daily traffic estimate.

Q: Can I use any bulk soap in a touchless dispenser?
Bulk-fill dispensers from Bobrick, Bradley, ASI, and Vista accept most commercial liquid or foam soap that matches the dispenser's pump format, but each manufacturer specifies a viscosity range — soaps outside that range can clog the pump or damage the sensor mechanism. Cartridge systems from Gojo, Purell, and certain Bobrick and ASI models require the brand's sealed refill cartridge and will not accept third-party soap. Always check the dispenser specification sheet before standardizing on a soap supply.

Q: What is the ADA mounting height for a soap dispenser?
The 2010 ADA Standards §308 require the operable parts and outlet of any dispenser serving an accessible lavatory to fall within reach range. For a forward reach over a typical lavatory obstruction, the maximum height is generally 48" above finished floor (AFF), reduced to 44" AFF where the obstruction is deeper than 20". For unobstructed side reach, the maximum is 48" AFF. Confirm the specific lavatory layout against ADA §308 before locking in dispenser placement — the installer sets final mounting height.

Q: Do I need a manual backup if I install touchless dispensers?
A manual backup is not required by code, but it is common practice in healthcare, food service, and high-traffic public restrooms where a dead battery or failed sensor would leave a sink without soap mid-shift. Many facility teams either install one manual dispenser per multi-sink restroom or stock spare batteries and a service spare on site. The trade-off is fixture count, finish coordination, and ongoing maintenance — a janitorial team that reliably swaps batteries on schedule may not need a backup at all.