When designing or upgrading a commercial restroom or even a high-end residential space, choosing the right toilet urinal can have a lasting impact on hygiene, water savings, and user experience. Today, you’ll find a wide range of options, from traditional models to advanced electronic urinals and even waterless urinals. But what exactly sets a normal urinal apart from an electronic one?
Let’s dive into the differences between normal urinals and electronic urinals, and help you decide which is ideal for your restroom project.
What Is a Normal Urinal?
A normal urinal is a traditional, manually operated sanitary fixture designed for male use. Commonly installed in public and semi-public washrooms, these urinals are typically flushed using a push-button or a manual flush valve.
Popular Variants:
- Vitreous China Wall-Mounted Back Inlet Urinal
Compact and durable, ideal for high-traffic areas.
(305 x 350 x 680 mm)
- Roca Rimless® Ceramic Urinal with Back Inlet
Combines classic design with rimless hygiene.
- Urinal with Top or Back Inlet
(425 x 365 x 797 mm) — Offers flexibility in plumbing connections.
Key Features:
- Manual flushing mechanism
- Simple installation and maintenance
- Lower upfront cost
- Suitable for smaller facilities with limited tech needs
What Is an Electronic Urinal?
An electronic urinal is a smart sanitary fixture equipped with a sensor-based automatic flush system. It detects usage and triggers the flush automatically, offering improved hygiene and optimized water use.
Top Options:
- Wall-Hung Electronic Urinal with Integrated Sensor
Powered by mains supply for continuous operation.
(357 x 375 x 900 mm)
- Electronic Vitreous China Urinal with Sensor
Sleek design, powered by mains supply.
(358 x 375 x 1060 mm)
- Battery-Powered Roca Rimless® Ceramic Urinal
Uses four AA alkaline batteries, ensuring wireless convenience.
(305 x 350 x 680 mm)
- Electronic Ceramic Urinal with Back Inlet
Battery-powered model for remote installation.
(425 x 365 x 797 mm)
Key Features:
- Touch-free flushing improves hygiene
- Saves water by optimizing flush volume
- Ideal for high-traffic areas like malls, airports, and offices
- Can run on mains power or batteries
- Modern, sleek designs elevate bathroom aesthetics
What About Waterless Urinals?
Waterless urinals are an eco-friendly option that use no water at all. Instead, they rely on a trap and sealant liquid to control odor and waste. While not as common in residential settings, they are gaining popularity in green-certified commercial projects focused on water conservation.
Which Urinal Should You Choose?
If you’re working on a budget-conscious project or need basic functionality for smaller spaces, a normal urinal with manual flush is a reliable and cost-effective choice.
However, if you’re aiming for better hygiene, modern aesthetics, and water-saving efficiency, an electronic urinal is the smarter long-term investment—especially in high-traffic or premium commercial restrooms.
Explore Roca’s extensive collection of urinals for men, ranging from classic vitreous china models to advanced electronic sensor-based urinals, each crafted with precision and innovation.