Watercooler terms and jargon buster
The world of watercoolers can be confusing, and here at Borg & Overström, we like to simplify things for you. Today, we’re discussing the terms often used in regards to watercoolers, and outlining exactly what it is they mean.
Ambient – Water that is at room temperature, it is neither heated or chilled. The Borg & Overström watercoolers that offer ambient water are; the b2, the b3, the b4, the b5, the u1, and the u2.
Bottled watercooler – A water cooler that is fed by a bottle. The bottle is inverted onto a spike which feeds a reservoir with water. Here at Borg & Overström, we believe that the most efficient, and hygienic watercoolers are point of use watercoolers (we’ll be describing these a little later on), but for those who are unable to install a point of use watercooler, our b2 machine can be converted into a bottled machine with this bottle conversion kit.
Carbon filtering – This is a water filtration system that uses a bed of activated carbon to remove contaminants and impurities via chemical adsorption
CO2 regulator (with gauge) – An adjustable pressure gauge for sparkling water dispensers. This allows you to maintain the perfect level of saturation. You can find this product here.
Countertop watercooler – A watercooler that sits atop of a surface, such as a kitchen counter. This is often more convenient when space is at a premium, and also when accessibility factors need to be considered. The Borg & Overström b2, b3, and b4 are all available in a countertop configuration.
Direct chill – The direct chill system utilises cooling technology to ensure water is hygienic and fresh. The direct chill system takes water directly from the supply source, and chills it in a coil on its way to the dispenser faucet. This ensures water is fresh, and reduces the impurity levels. The Direct Chill system is used in all of our watercoolers, and you can read why we are so proud of it, here.
Drip tray – A tray that is fitted beneath the taps of a watercooler to catch any drips. This ensures a moisture free environment around the watercooler, most of the Borg & Overström water dispensers have a fitted drip tray, but for our under-counter devices (you will read about these later in the blog), we do offer separate drip trays, in various size options, in our accessory range here.
Floor-standing watercooler – A watercooler that stands on the floor, generally reaching around waist height to allow for easy interaction and usage. This is the most popular configuration for watercoolers, as they can be installed in most locations, and be accessed by many. Borg & Overström offer many floor-standing watercoolers, including; the b2, the b3, the b4, and the b5.
Leak detector – A device that can be fitted to Borg & Overström watercoolers. It activates an automatic shut off of the device’s water feed if it detects a leak, providing you with reliability and peace of mind. You can find the leak detector devices here.
Point of use or plumbed in watercooler – Otherwise known as a ‘POU’ device. This watercooler is plumbed directly into the main source of water, and dispenses it through a tap, ensuring water is fresh, hygienic, and cool. You can read a little more about why Borg & Overström offer point of use watercoolers here.
Reverse osmosis – A water purification technology that uses a semi permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles.
Reservoir watercooler – A watercooler in which water is held in a reservoir tank, and mainly fed from bottles. The water is dispensed by gravity out of taps.
Sparkling water – Also known as ‘carbonated water’. This is water into which has carbon dioxide gas under pressure has been dissolved in it. This provides the same fizz as many soda drinks, but with none of the calories or excessive sugar levels, you can read more about sparkling water here. Many of Borg & Overström’s watercoolers offer sparkling water alongside your chilled and ambient options, including the b3, the b4, the b5, the u1, and the u2.
Trade only – Borg & Overström operate on a 100% trade only basis. This means we sell to stockists, as opposed to end users. We work with our customers to set them up as approved Borg & Overström distributers, providing them with the training, support, and know-how they need to progress their own business.
Under-counter watercooler – Under-counter watercooler devices consist of a water tap situated on a counter, with the Direct Chill system and water dispense technology located in a discreet box under the counter. The Borg & Overström’s u1 and u2 are both under-counter watercooler devices.
UV – Ultra violet rays can be used in water filtration systems in some water coolers. The direct exposure to UV can help to eliminate bacteria. Borg & Overström’s b3 watercooler offers the capability for UV water filtration, when used in conjunction with this Ultra Violet Filter Kit.
Waste kit – Waste kits can be installed when standard drainage is not available for your watercoolers, or to provide a drip tray overflow solution. Several of Borg & Overström’s waste kits also provide a level sensor, which will notify you when the device is at risk of overflowing. You can find our waste kits within our accessory range, here.
Watercooler effect – A phenomenon in which employees gather around the watercooler to chat, often about widely watched television, sports events, or news stories.
WEEE – The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Direction. This is a European community directive that requires manufacturers to develop a procedure for disposing of their electronic equipment in an environmentally friendly method. At Borg & Overström, we are proud to be WEEE compliant.
We hope we’ve provided you with some much needed insight into the world of watercoolers. Have you heard any terms used that you’re not sure about? Tweet us at @BorgOverstrom and we’ll investigate for you!
