Janitorial & Sanitation Reference Library · Technical Reference

Dispenser Types and Proprietary Fits

Restroom dispensers for towels, tissue and soap are either universal, taking standard products from many makers, or closed systems that accept only one maker's refills. Mounting height and ease of use are also governed by the ADA standards.

Ref JS-0121ADA 2010 Standards 308ADA 2010 Standards 309

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Dispensers hold paper towels, toilet tissue, hand soap and sanitizer. They fall into two groups:

Universal (open) dispensers take standard refills, such as standard toilet rolls, multifold towels or bulk-fill soap.
Closed (proprietary) systems use refills with a special core, plug, nozzle or key that only fits that maker's dispenser.

Many sites get dispensers at low or no cost in exchange for buying that maker's refills.

How to identify

Open the dispenser. A proprietary unit often has a molded hub, spindle, nozzle socket or keyed adapter that matches a shaped core or cartridge. The model number and the compatible refill list are usually inside the cover. Universal units accept common sizes with no adapter.

Dispenser types

Type	Refill	Universal or closed	Notes
Multifold or C-fold towel cabinet	Folded towels	Usually universal	Simple, low cost
Manual hardwound roll towel	Roll towel	Often closed	Lever or pull-down feed
Touchless roll towel	Roll towel	Usually closed	Battery or AC power, sensor feed
Standard tissue holder	Standard rolls	Universal	Low capacity
Jumbo roll tissue	Jumbo roll	Universal by diameter	Match roll size
Bulk-fill soap	Poured soap	Universal	Hygiene concerns with topping off
Cartridge soap or sanitizer	Sealed cartridge	Closed	Sanitary, maker-specific

ADA requirements

The 2010 ADA Standards apply to dispensers in public and commercial restrooms. Section 309 says operable parts must be usable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist, and with no more than 5 pounds of force. Section 308 sets reach ranges; an unobstructed forward reach is limited to 48 in high and 15 in low. Toilet paper dispenser location is covered in Section 604.7. Check the full text for side reach and obstructed reach.

Key points

Before quoting refills, find out which dispensers are on the wall and whether they are closed systems.
Touchless units help hygiene but need batteries or power. Stock the batteries.
Sealed soap cartridges avoid contamination from refilling open reservoirs.
Changing systems means changing every dispenser in the building. Plan the swap as a project.

Common mistakes

Quoting standard towels to a site with closed-system dispensers.
Mounting dispensers above the ADA reach range.
Topping off bulk soap without cleaning the reservoir.
Ignoring dispenser agreements in the customer's contract.

Governing standards: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Sections 308, 309 and 604.7; dispenser maker's compatibility lists.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

More in Technical Reference

← All Janitorial & Sanitation sheets