Excel Dryer ThinAir: Slim, Surface-Mounted and ADA-Conscious
The ThinAir is Excel Dryer's slim-profile alternative for projects where wall projection matters. At approximately 3 15/16 inches deep, it stays under the common 4-inch protrusion limit while remaining surface mounted, eliminating the need to recess the dryer into the wall in many installations.

ThinAir Key Features
- 14-second published dry time
- 3 15/16-inch depth for a slim surface-mounted installation
- Meets the 4-inch ADA protrusion guideline when properly installed
- Adjustable speed and sound
- Adjustable heat, including heat-off operation
- Approximately 950 watts or less with heat
- As low as approximately 300 watts with heat off
- Automatic sensor activation
- Washable pre-filter
- Optional electrostatic HEPA filtration
- Made in USA Certified
- 5-year limited manufacturer warranty
Why Choose ThinAir?
The main reason to choose ThinAir is simple: you want a high-speed Excel Dryer hand dryer in a cabinet that projects less than four inches from the wall.
That makes ThinAir especially useful in restrooms where protruding-object requirements influence fixture selection, but where a recessed hand dryer or recess kit is not desirable.
ThinAir also gives facilities more operating flexibility than a basic fixed-output dryer. Air speed and heat can be adjusted, allowing the unit to be tuned for energy use, sound and user comfort.
When We Recommend ThinAir
ThinAir makes the most sense when surface-mounted ADA projection is a project requirement. If maximum drying speed and the traditional XLERATOR format are the priority instead, we generally compare ThinAir with the broader Excel Dryer lineup before making a final selection.
ThinAir and ADA Wall Projection
ADA accessibility guidelines generally limit wall-mounted objects between certain heights to a maximum projection of 4 inches into the circulation path.
ThinAir is approximately 3 15/16 inches deep, which allows Excel Dryer to position it as a surface-mounted dryer designed to meet that protrusion guideline when correctly installed.
That does not mean every ThinAir installation is automatically ADA compliant. Mounting height, placement, surrounding fixtures and the complete restroom layout still need to be considered.
For other surface-mounted options designed around shallow wall projection, see our ADA hand dryer category.
ThinAir Drying Performance
Excel Dryer currently publishes a 14-second dry time for the ThinAir based on third-party testing.
Air velocity is adjustable from approximately 11,000 to 18,000 linear feet per minute, with an adjustable airflow range of approximately 27 to 44 CFM.
The motor can operate up to approximately 31,000 RPM. Adjustable airflow allows a facility to reduce output when lower sound is preferred or increase it when faster performance is the priority.
Adjustable Sound and Heat
ThinAir's published sound range is approximately 66 to 74 dB, depending on the operating setting.
The heating system is adjustable as well. Facilities can run the dryer with supplemental heat or turn the heat down or off to reduce power consumption.
| Operating Mode | Approx. Wattage | Why Use It |
| Heat On |
Up to approximately 950W |
Warmer drying air |
| Heat Off |
As low as approximately 300W |
Reduced power consumption |
ThinAir with Electrostatic HEPA Filtration
ThinAir is also available with Excel Dryer's optional electrostatic HEPA filtration system.
Excel states that the eHEPA system is designed to remove 99.97% of potentially present bacteria at 0.3 microns and 99.999% of viruses from the airstream under the manufacturer's published test conditions.
HEPA-equipped ThinAir models are identified with an -H designation. Examples include TA-ABSH, TA-SBH, TA-GRH and other HEPA-equipped configurations.
If filtration is not required for the project, standard ThinAir models remain available with the washable pre-filter.
ThinAir Models and Cover Options
The ThinAir family is available in several cover materials and finishes, allowing the same core dryer platform to fit different budgets and restroom designs.
| ThinAir Model | Cover / Finish | Typical Reason to Choose |
| TA-ABS |
White polymer |
Lowest-cost ThinAir configuration |
| TA-SB |
Brushed stainless steel |
Durable commercial stainless finish |
| TA-W |
White painted steel |
Metal cover with a traditional white finish |
| TA-GR |
Graphite textured finish |
Dark architectural finish |
| TA-SP |
Special paint |
Custom color requirements |
| TA-SI / TA-SB-SI |
Custom image |
Logos, graphics and branded covers |
For a straightforward white ThinAir, see the TA-ABS ThinAir. For brushed stainless steel, see the TA-SB ThinAir.
ThinAir Dimensions
| Width |
9 5/32 in. |
| Height |
13 15/16 in. |
| Depth |
3 15/16 in. |
| Weight |
Approximately 8-10 lbs., depending on cover |
| Mounting |
Surface mounted |
ThinAir vs. XLERATOR
ThinAir and XLERATOR are both Excel Dryer high-speed hand dryers, but they are designed around different project priorities.
| Feature | ThinAir | XLERATOR |
| Primary design goal |
Slim surface-mounted profile |
Maximum high-speed performance |
| Wall projection |
Under 4 in. |
Deeper surface-mounted cabinet unless recessed |
| Published dry time |
Approx. 14 sec. |
Approx. 8 sec. depending on configuration |
| Best reason to choose |
Surface-mounted ADA projection requirements |
Faster drying and proven high-traffic performance |
If wall depth is not the deciding factor, compare the broader Excel Dryer hand dryer lineup before choosing between ThinAir and XLERATOR.
Where Does ThinAir Make Sense?
Architect-specified restrooms: ThinAir is especially useful when the project calls for a surface-mounted dryer that stays within the 4-inch protrusion guideline.
Schools and institutional facilities: Adjustable speed and heat provide flexibility for sound and energy-use requirements.
Offices, retail and restaurants: Multiple finishes make it easier to coordinate the dryer with the surrounding restroom design.
Renovations: ThinAir can provide a shallow-profile solution without opening the wall for a recessed dryer installation.
ThinAir Technical Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Excel Dryer ThinAir
How fast does the Excel Dryer ThinAir dry hands?
Excel Dryer currently publishes a dry time of approximately 14 seconds for the ThinAir.
Is the ThinAir ADA compliant?
ThinAir is designed to meet the 4-inch ADA protrusion guideline when surface mounted and properly installed. Complete accessibility compliance still depends on mounting height, location and the surrounding restroom layout.
How deep is the ThinAir hand dryer?
The ThinAir is approximately 3 15/16 inches deep, keeping the cabinet under four inches from the wall.
Can the ThinAir run without heat?
Yes. The heat is adjustable and can be turned off. Depending on voltage and configuration, ThinAir can operate at approximately 300 to 415 watts with heat disabled.
Does ThinAir have a HEPA filter?
ThinAir is available with Excel Dryer's optional electrostatic HEPA filtration system. HEPA-equipped configurations use the -H model designation.
What is the difference between TA-ABS and TA-SB?
The core dryer is the same ThinAir platform. TA-ABS uses a white polymer cover, while TA-SB uses a brushed stainless steel cover. Other painted, custom-color and custom-image versions are also available.
What warranty does the ThinAir have?
Excel Dryer currently provides a 5-year limited warranty on the ThinAir.
Need Help Choosing a ThinAir?
ProDryers can help compare ThinAir cover materials, HEPA and non-HEPA configurations, voltage options and other Excel Dryer models based on your restroom design and installation requirements.
Compare Excel Dryer Models