Germicidal UV-C lamps finds new use mid-pandemic

Pandemic pushes utility of UV-Cs to broader coverage.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is a disinfection method widely used for a number of industrial applications such as air purification and water treatment. It works by exposing the material to be sterilized to high-intensity, short wavelength UV-C light that destroys unwanted microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses and in doing so, inactivates and prevents the multiplication of the same. Unlike other disinfection methods such as chemical spray downs, UV-C irradiation does the job effectively without the need to use toxic chemicals. For this reason, the technology, in the form of UV-C lamps, became widely used in disinfecting medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics and laboratories.

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, where consumers place high importance on the disinfection of common surfaces, there is a promising trend seen in the widespread use of UV-C lamps in homes, offices, restaurants and other common spaces. As the sales gain traction due to growing popularity, Arizton's germicidal lamp market forecast reports a 20.1 percent CAGR from 2020 through 2025.

The rise in the popularity of germicidal UV-C lamps has led more and more consumers to be curious about these devices, how they work, and the proper way to use them. Disinfection via UV-C sounds ideal, but experts caution that while industrial grade UV-C lights are proven to be effective at killing microorganisms, they also pose a threat to human health as prolonged exposure to their radiation can cause burns to the skin and eye injuries. Because of these risks, experts warn against products sold online with no warnings or user manuals. That being said, how can regular consumers use UV-C lamps safely?

The general rule of thumb when sterilizing with UV-C lamps is to vacate the room and make sure that no pets or plants are nearby during the process. Depending on the model, UV-C lamps typically take from 5 to 15 minutes to fully sterilize enclosed spaces with an average area of 40sqm. On a positive note, newer models are built-in with motion sensors that turn off the device if movement is detected nearby during operation. Waveform lighting, a lighting manufacturer based in California, recommends products with a wavelength of around 265nm for effective sterilization.

In this pandemic, it is important to know where to source top-quality germicidal UV-C lamps. Check out a few of the offerings available through Global Sources.

38W portable germicidal UV-C lamp

Company: Shenzhen Waweis Technology Co. Ltd

The HWS-UV200401-1300 from Shenzhen Waweis Technology Co. Ltd is a 38W UV-C germicidal, ozone-generating lamp with 15, 30 and 60 minutes timer settings. The UV tube is made of quartz and has a spectral wavelength range of 253.7 to 260nm. Safe usage guide for ozone-generating UV-Cs include allowing the sterilized room to ventilate for up to an hour to eliminate the lingering ozone.

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Remote-controlled UV-C lamp

Company: Ningbo V.K. Industry & Trading Co. Ltd

With an iron frame and a quartz tube, the MWG-A20015 from Ningbo V.K. Industry & Trading Co. Ltd is a germicidal UV-C lamp. The remote-controlled unit has a lamp holder that can be adjusted to a 180-degree angle. The UV-C lamp has an ozone-free wavelength of 253nm and 185nm with ozone. Wheels at the base add mobility to the device.

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38W germicidal UV-C lamp

Company: Shenzhen Waweis Technology Co. Ltd

The HWS-UV200401 model from Shenzhen Waweis Technology Co. Ltd is an ozone-generating germicidal UV-C lamp with 15, 30 and 60-minute timer settings. The desktop unit can be remotely controlled through walls and has a spectral wavelength range of 253.7 to 260nm and a rated power of 38W.

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UV-C lamp with 99.9% disinfection rate

Company: Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co. Ltd

Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co. Ltd's UVM432-N is a germicidal UV-C lamp with a 99.9 percent disinfection rate. It has 12 36W bulbs and emits light at 253.7nm wavelength. Built-in safety features include motion detection that deactivates the lamp and triggers an alarm in case of movement within 3m, and an auto-shutoff function when the lamp tilts or falls over.

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Ozone-free germicidal UV-C lamp

Company: Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co. Ltd

Featuring a no-ozone disinfection rate of 99.99 percent, the UVS4-W from Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co. Ltd is a tabletop UV-C germicidal lamp with an intelligent motion sensor that turns off the device if it falls over or if movement is detected nearby. Timer settings are 30, 60 and 120 mins. Other safety features include a child lock, a 30-second delay in activation, an audio alarm and visual indicators.

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Aluminum germicidal pop-up UV-C lamp

Company: Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co. Ltd

The T40 model from Shenzhen Amaztec Co. Ltd is a germicidal UV-C lamp with a pop-up mechanism that retracts the lamp in an aluminum enclosure when not in use. The wheeled, remote-controlled unit has a wavelength of 253.7nm and is suitable for disinfecting areas up to 100sqm. Security features include a motion detector that triggers an auto-shut off when movement nearby is detected.

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