Where are UV Light Bulbs Used?

Ultraviolet (UV) light bulbs are used in many industries and applications, providing such a broad range of solutions to so many environments it is difficult to list them all. UV light is not visible to the human eye, scientists and lighting engineers replicate the shortwave electromagnetic radiation when manufacturing UV lamps. Custom phosphor blends and lamp design and engineering provide visibility of the UV radiation, which is typically not detectable by the human eye.

UV light, when emitted by the sun, is typically categorized into three areas, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is the shortest wavelength and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, never reaching the surface of the earth. UVC light is also known to possess highly effective germicidal properties to sterilize surfaces, water, and the air.  UVA and UVB lamps are also used for a wide range of purposes, with ultraviolet light bulbs providing a healthier and safer environment for the human race in many ways.

Common UV Light Bulb Applications

Some of the most common applications where UV lamps are utilized include:

UV curing - ultraviolet light is known to quickly cure certain coatings, glazes, adhesives, lacquers, and varnishes in an instant, providing a durable and smooth surface. This speeds up industrial processes in many industries and creates higher-quality products with quick curing, less evaporation, and less contamination.

UV germicidal - ultraviolet light emitted in the short wave range of UVC is known to provide very effective germicidal properties and can eliminate viruses, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms in a matter of seconds. UVC germicidal lamps are used in air purification systems, water, and surface sterilization systems, and many environments such as schools, laboratories, hospitals, and many commercial and residential environments. Germicidal UVC lamps are known to eliminate superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics and are also effective against beta coronaviruses, including MERS, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. 

Phototherapy - UV lamps bring healing to patients suffering from many conditions, offering hope and effective treatment to people suffering from many skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. UV light bulbs also provide healing to people with mood disorders and depression and are used to treat babies born with neonatal jaundice. 

Tanning - UV light tubes used for tanning are one of the most commonly recognized UV lamps in service. UV tanning lamps are quite different from phototherapy and germicidal lamps, and not all UV lamps are created equal.

It is important to source your UV lamps from a reputable UV lamp manufacturer.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamp solutions used in a broad range of applications worldwide. We employ the leading high-tech lighting and UV lamp engineers, combined with a state-of-the-art glass factory and a commitment to delivering innovative, energy-efficient, and cost-saving UV lighting solutions. Contact us with any questions and learn how to improve your UV lamp application with quality UV light bulbs and tubes.

Where Is UV Light on the Electromagnetic Spectrum?

Electromagnetic energy travels in waves and covers a very wide spectrum from short gamma rays to long radio waves, with x-rays, visible light, and UV light in between. Only a small portion of this electromagnetic spectrum is visible light that the human eye can detect. An x-ray machine detects a different portion of the spectrum, and a radio detects yet another portion of this spectrum. 

People use electromagnetic energy every day, when they send a text message, watch television, listen to the radio, or use a microwave oven. The world as we know it would not exist without electromagnetic energy.

UV Light and Visible Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is actually not visible to the human eye, with shorter wavelengths than visible light. Visible light can be seen at wavelengths measuring from about 400 to 700 nm, with 400 nm light being purple or violet in color. UV light is emitted in shorter wavelengths in the range of 100 to 400 nm, closest to the violet color on the visible spectrum, thus is coined beyond violet, or ultraviolet.

UVA, UVB, & UVC

Ultraviolet radiation has many practical uses and provides many benefits to industries and applications to help the human race.  Ultraviolet light is further broken down into three categories, UVA, UVB, and UVC light.  UVC is the shortest wavelength and, when emitted from the sun, is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, although it is proven to provide powerful germicidal properties. 

Scientists and lighting engineers replicate UVC radiation when manufacturing UVC bulbs that provide powerful germicidal properties in many environments, including air disinfection, surface, and water sterilization. UVB lamps are commonly used in many medical phototherapy applications, bringing relief to a wide range of people suffering from skin disorders, acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and also helping people with mood disorders and depression. UVA lamps are also useful in medical phototherapy applications and are also the commonly known black light. Black lights do much more than illuminate psychedelic posters, they help crime scene investigators identify organic material and bodily fluids and help prevent fraud with currency validation.

No matter what type of UV light bulbs you require, working with a reputable UV lamp manufacturer is the best way to ensure quality lamps, as not all UV lamps are created equal.

LightSources is recognized as a leading global supplier of UV light bulbs with a wide selection of standard shapes and sizes and custom options available, including UV light tubes, U-shaped lamps, and custom designs. Contact us to learn more about the many UV lamp solutions we provide with high-quality, and high-tech UV lamp engineering.