What is Rapid Action?
A This term describes the mechanism which enables the tap to be fully opened or closed in less than half a turn. In conventional tapware the handle (A) turns the spindle (B) 3 to 4 full rotations up or down the thread inside the bonnet (C) and this raises or lowers the valve (D) which either lets water through the seat of the tap or shuts it off. In ceramic disc tapware the valve is replaced by ceramic discs which slide over each other (think of the twist-caps on salt and spice dispensers). When the tap is closed the ceramic discs completely cover the tap seat; when the tap is opened the discs slide to cover each other and so leave an opening which allows water to flow. In ‘Rapid Action’ tapware the handle (A1) turns the spindle (B1) up or down the specialised and very accurately machined thread inside the bonnet (C1), which enables the spindle to rise to the fully open position in less than half a turn of the handle.The valve (D1), which therefore either completely opens or closes the
