LIGHTING SUPPLY
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT US
  • LEARNING CENTER
  • GLOSSARY
  • CONTACT US


a little light reading

Lighting Trends - Product Insight - Industry News

Germicidal Lamps: What You Need to Know

3/25/2020

4 Comments

 
Picture
​If you work in a medical or wastewater treatment facility, you are likely familiar with germicidal, or UV, lamps. For those who are not familiar with these specialty bulbs, let’s take a look at how they work and some of their common uses. 

Germicidal lamps produce short-wavelength ultraviolet, or UVC, light These short-wave UV light rays are between 100nm and 280nm on the spectrum of visible light. This type of light leads to the eradication of harmful bacteria and viruses by disrupting its DNA structure. They are ideal for use where disinfection is the primary goal. Germicidal lamps are also used for water and air purification and the creation of ozone. There are two types germicidal lamps commonly used: low pressure and high pressure.
 
Low pressure lamps are most similar to fluorescent lamps, with the exception of two features. Low pressure germicidal bulbs contain no fluorescent phosphor and are made from fused quartz glass, instead of borosilicate glass like their fluorescent counterpart. They also produce a very small amount of visible light.
 
High pressure lamps are most similar to HID, or high intensity discharge, lamps. These lamps are most commonly used in industrial water treatment facilities because they produce an intense radiation. High pressure germicidal lamps emit a bright bluish white light.
 
*As with any fluorescent or HID lamp, germicidal lamps require the use of an external ballast to regulate the flow of current. ​
COMMON USES:
  • Sterilize workspaces and instruments and medical facilities and laboratories
  • Kill microorganisms during wastewater treatment
  • Create ozone for sanitizing systems in hot tubs, aquariums, etc.
  • Aid geologists in identification of mineral samples by provoking fluorescence
  • Purify air and water
COMMON PLACES OF USE:
  • Medical Facilities
  • Science Labs
  • Water Treatment Facilities
  • Food Processing Facilities
  • Commercial Kitchens
  • Pools, Spas and Aquariums
  • Farms

Picture
​Germicidal lamps require proper safety precautions pertaining to eye and skin protection. Exposure to these lamps without the right protective gear can cause sunburn, inflammation to the cornea, or damage to the retina. High exposure over time can lead to skin cancer and temporary, or even permanent, vision impairment. Since germicidal lamps provide an important function, they must be cleaned often and replaced each year to ensure high performance.
​
Germicidal lamps are a technical product that require specific handling and can cause serious issues if used improperly. If you have any doubt, please give our Customer Service team a call at 877.231.2852 or contact us here. 


4 Comments
    Popular Blog Posts

    Direct Wire LED Tubes vs. LED Tubes w/ Ballasts

    Do LED Bulbs Interfere w/ Garage Door Openers?

    Your Guide To Finding the Right Bulb

    Replacing Your Fixture's Glass Shade

    LS Case Study: Washtenaw County Road Commissions Upgrade to LED Lighting

    How to Light Your Warehouse Effectively


    ​Archives

    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014


This blog's content is copyright © 2014-19 Lighting Supply.
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT US
  • LEARNING CENTER
  • GLOSSARY
  • CONTACT US