In order to design the flush-mounted installation necessary for this as easily as possible, Dornbracht has developed the xTool as a time-saving installation module. Up to three valves with ceramic discs and a thermostat cartridge can be installed with intersection-free cabling with the highest accuracy in fit. In even more complicated fixtures, an additional flush-mounted valve can be combined with the xTool.

Contemporary showers in a sophisticated ambience are very often like small spa systems. Nowadays overhead, side and underfoot sprinklers make for pure relaxation, whilst massage jets and Kneipp hoses provide physical and spiritual refreshment. The installation technology literally “behind“ this ensures simpler and safer operation and is required in conjunction with careful planning for professional installation. Thus, the wiring and positioning of the flush-mounted fixture units must be very precise so that the eventual shower experience also harmonizes with the overall image of the bathroom.

With the xTool thermostat module, Dornbracht has ensured that this task is just as economical as it is reliable and safe. Easily attached to the bare wall or onto a cross-beam using the mounting clip, the module, made of zinc-free brass, defines the gauges for the valves and the thermostat cartridge. This guarantees the completely streamlined arrangement of up to three valves and a thermostat cartridge, either horizontally or vertically, within a predefined grid.

The same applies for the depth, as the spindle shaft and threaded bush in the valve can be shortened to fit accurately. Thus depth compensation of up to 40 mm is possible.

However, the xTool module does not only ensure a clean-cut, neat installation finish, but also considerably more economical installations. Until now, the flush-mounted valves, the thermostat and the tapping points/drains had to be connected to each other using several lengths of pipe in order to enable the various functions. That was very time-consuming and also very intricate due to the intersecting wiring. However, this time expenditure can be reduced by approximatley 70 percent using the xTool, since only the supply lines and the outlets from the drains need to be installed in addition to the assembly.

With an operating supply pressure of approximatley 3 bar flow pressure in combination with the high-performance thermostat cartridge from Dornbracht, a maximum flow capacity of 50 liters per minute can be achieved. Even in a generously proportioned wellness shower this is more than sufficient to simultaneously supply overhead, hand and up to four side sprinklers.

The reliable water-tightness of the installation is as important as the optical appearance and ease of operation, particularly in showers. Dornbracht therefore specially developed a final assembly kit for the xTool thermostat module that permanently protects the walls from the penetration of moisture. After installation of the xTool module, a custom-fit Kerdi waterproof panel is embedded in the grouting with a significant overlap in relation to the wall during tiling. Thus, as opposed to the effect of the usual foam rubber seals simply fitted to the rosette of the valve or thermostat module, the penetration of water and subsequent damage to masonry is hereby prevented over a larger area.

This solution also allows the use of especially small cover rosettes that further emphasize the sleek design standards of Dornbracht fixture lines. A whole new meaning was added to this when Dornbracht took a closer look at the aesthetics of covering rosette of the thermostat for example, which is clipped on without a disruptive grub screw and can be protected from twisting by an almost invisible locating pin.

The xTool thermostat module package is completed by a two-piece, easy to fit polystyrene sound and heat insulation panel. Furthermore, the thermostat has an integrated scald-protection system. Pre-set to 38 °C at the factory and adjusted to requirements when installed on site, the system ensures a pleasant shower experience even in the event of improper use of the thermostat. Should the shower be supplied with higher temperature water from thermal disinfection by a drinking water system, these temperatures can be configured easily by hand once the safety lock has been disabled by a qualified engineer.

The advantages of installing an xTool thermostat module can be experienced both in brand new bathrooms as well as in renovated bathrooms. Due to the variable installation depths, this combination is compatible with all fixture series from Dornbracht.

For rurther information: www.dornbracht.com