Choosing a Hand Dryer

Which hand dryer is right for me?
Choosing a hand dryer depends on what features are most relevant to you. Things to consider when purchasing a hand dryer are: Hand-Drying speed, Power, Efficiency, Appearance, Sound, and Maintenance

Cost
While a new energy-efficient hand dryer may cost more upfront, the cost effects and benefits to an eco-friendly hand dryer far outweigh its counterparts. You will also want to consider the warranty and if it is ADA compliant. Each of these should impact your purchase decision.

What performance qualities should I be looking for?
Finding a hand dryer with the right performance qualities depends on what features you are looking for. Look for hand dryers with a warranty you are comfortable with. You can also look at hand dryers that have been PCR tested. This means hand dryers that have been tested in a clear and consistent way, allowing the consumer to make an informed decision. *How many guests will be using your hand dryer daily? Our XLERATOR has an 8-second dry time, which is ideal for busy restrooms, while our XLERATOReco has a slightly longer dry time but added features for energy-efficiency.

How long will my hand dryer last?
Most hand dryers last and where from 7-10 years, depending on the frequency of use. Our energy-efficient XLERATOR dryers are warrantied for five years but last much longer.

How much will it cost me to install my new Hand Dryer?
Installing your new hand dryer may range in price depending on your Electrician. We highly recommend a Licensed Electrician install and service your hand dryer.

What voltage do I need?
First, you will want to determine what voltage is in use at your facility. If you don’t know your facilities voltage settings, consult an electrician. Our models come in two voltages, 110-120V and 208-277V. Make sure you know your facility’s voltage when purchasing a dryer.

How many Watts does the XLERATOR hand dryer use?
*Our XLERATOR hand dryer comes in 3 different specifications and uses 1240-1450W, 1160-1490W, and 1410W.
*Our XLERATOReco hand dryer comes in 3 different specifications as well and uses 460-530W, 425-500W, and 500W.
Our ThinAir hand dryer also comes in 3 different specifications and uses 770-915W, 735-950W, and 890W.

Hand Dryers and the Environment
How Eco-friendly are our hand dryers?
To understand if a hand dryer is eco-friendly, check to see if it has an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification. *This is a good way to assess the impact a product will have on the environment. The first-hand dryer company to publish verified, third party EPD’s was Excel Dryer. High-speed hand dryers like the XLERATOReco, are the most energy-efficient and produce the least amount of co2 emissions. The XLERATOReco also qualifies for the most LEED v4 credits of any other hand dryer.

Are XLERATOR hand dryers hygienic?
Yes! Hand dryers are the most hygienic option when it comes to drying hands.

Hand Dryers vs. Paper towels. What’s the difference?
Hand dryers are better than paper towels because hand dryers provide dramatic cost savings over paper towels. Sure, you’re required to invest in a hand dryer, and that can be costly upfront, but the savings you’ll see when you don’t have to purchase paper towels in bulk will far outweigh the cost of the hand dryer. You will also notice a decrease in restroom management as you won’t have to be refilling the paper towel dispensers and cleaning paper towel left on the floor or other inappropriate areas.

*How do I turn the power off to my hand dryer?
You can not “switch” off the power to your Excel hand dryer. Your dryer is required to be hard-wired to your electrical panel, and you must locate the proper circuit breaker to turn it off. The red LED light will also go out, confirming the device is no longer receiving power.

Can I add a heating element to my XLERATOReco hand dryer?
No, you may not add a heating element to your XLERATOReco hand dryer. Any modification to the heating element will void the warranty.

Hand Dryers and Design
Is my hand dryer customizable?
Yes! Customizing your hand dryer to match your restroom and design is *simple. Custom covers allow you to customize your hand dryer with colors, graphics, or messages that align with your brand. We also have a selection of Wall Guards, Recess Kits, and XChanger kits to complete your restroom the way you want it.

How do I take the cover off my hand dryer?
A special 5/32″ Hex Key with a hole in the center of the arm is required to remove the cover on the xlerator dryer. Your dryer kit will come with one. If lost, contact your distributor or manufacturer to obtain one.

Troubleshooting

Where is the serial number located?
You can find the serial number of your Excel hand dryer on both the outside cover (lower left side) and on the inside housing.*

Why won’t my dryer turn on?
There are a plethora of reasons why a hand dryer might not turn on. Refer to the Excel Dryer Troubleshooting codes chart for and troubleshooting assistance.

Why doesn’t my dryer have heat?
In some cases, the hand dryer is not meant to dispense hot air- for example. The XLERATOReco dryer has no heating element.* If you do not have an ECO dryer, check the dial marked H on the control assembly and ensure it is in the “ON” position.* If you still do not have heat, your heating element may have failed.

Why is my dryer blowing half of what it used to?*
Check for a crack in the plastic housing, nozzle, at the heating element, and in the motor bracket inside the housing.* Cracks may allow air to escape before reaching the nozzle. If no cracks are found, your motor may be failing.*

Why does my dryer have a burning smell and/or a grinding noise?
A burning smell or grinding noise can be caused by debris being sucked up into the heating element, so inspect the dryer and clear it of any debris. If there is no debris in the heating element, a burning smell or grinding noise may be signs of a failing motor.*

How can I make my dryer quieter?
If your dryer is too loud, you may have a dryer with a standard .8 nozzle. A 1.1 noise reduction nozzle or turning the motor speed down (turn the knob on the control marked “M” counterclockwise), can help reduce hand dryer noise. You may call us with your serial number, and we can determine the best course of action for you.*

*Hand Dryer FAQs Answered | Common Hand Dryer Inquiries. https://www.exceldryer.com/frequently-asked-hand-dryer-questions/