The Various Uses for UV Light

The uses for UV light include a broad range of applications in commercial, industrial, and healthcare settings. Ultraviolet (UV) light is separated into three basic categories of UVA, UVB, and UVC based on the nanometer or wavelength of UV emissions. UVC light is the shortest wavelength emitted by the sun and is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.

· UVA light is between 315 to 400 nm

· UVB light is between 280 to 315 nm

· UVC light is between 100 to 280 nm

UV technology allows for lighting engineers to replicate UVC radiation which provides highly effective disinfection properties. UV lamps provide germicidal effectiveness in many applications along with a host of other purposes and uses in a wide range of industries worldwide. Some of the most common uses of UV light include:

Illumination – of course the original purpose of lamps is to illuminate, with UV lamps offering energy efficient, bright light in many industries such as manufacturing, clean room production, quality inspection and many other applications which require a well-lit environment.

Lighted signs – lighted signs are required for many purposes like illuminating emergency exits in public places and for marketing and brand awareness purposes. LightSources and our valued partner Voltarc provide fluorescent and neon lighting solutions with decades of experience in custom designed solutions.

Backlighting – UV lamps provide backlighting to the avionics and aerospace industry, providing reliable lighting in airplane cabins and cockpits. LightSources and our valued partners offer experienced backlighting solutions with high-quality UV lamps designed for backlighting found in many demanding industries including the NASA space shuttle.

UV curing – used in many manufacturing applications, UV lamps for curing of inks, coatings and finishes provides a strengthened outer coating. Adhesives, varnishes and lacquers cured with UV lamps are more durable and last in demanding environments such as industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications.

Tanning – UV lamps are the core technology in tanning salons, offering clientele a way to enjoy a sun-kissed look from man-made technology. LightSources offers many benefits to the tanning industry with the introduction of proprietary technology designed strictly to improve tanning performance and safety.

Phototherapy – UV lamps provide many medical benefits for a host of conditions such as skin diseases including acne, jaundice, psoriasis, eczema and other conditions like seasonal depression.

Germicidal – UVC germicidal lamps are designed to replicate UVC radiation which is proven to have immense sterilization and disinfection properties. Today, germicidal UVC light applications are the first choice for many industries worldwide that require water, air or surface sterilization.

Germicidal UVC Lamps and Applications

Air – UVC germicidal lamps are used in air sterilization systems including upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems and can also be placed in HVAC systems to sterilize the air as it runs through HVAC systems while also preventing mold and mildew on cooling coils. UV air sterilization systems can be used just about anywhere and are especially helpful in public places like hospitals, schools, libraries, airports, and anywhere people congregate with limited ventilation. UV air sterilization is important and hospitals to improve the health of people with respiratory illness like asthma and prevent the spread of hospital acquired infections.

Water – UV lamps also provide a safe, efficient way to treat water without the need to use harmful chemicals that create pollution in rivers, oceans and other bodies of water. UV lamps are cost-effectively used for water purification in water reclamation, waste water, drinking water, industrial and commercial process water, pool and spa, aquaculture and life sciences applications.

Surface – UV surface sterilization is highly effective as a valuable tool in many industries and environments. Hospitals use UV sterilization to disinfect surgical equipment in patient rooms. Surface sterilization is important in restaurants and commercial kitchens as well as public places such as airports, bus stations and public transportation systems. UV lamps significantly improve a sterile environment in hospitals and help to prevent the spread of disease.

Food Industry – UV germicidal lamps provide many benefits to the food and restaurant industries, with food irradiation a highly effective and safe method of food treatment approved by the FDA. Food irradiation prevents early spoiling of various foods, prolonged shelf-life, preserves nutritional value and helps to eliminate foodborne illnesses like E. coli and salmonella. UVC lamps can prevent viruses from accumulating on food preparation surfaces and in dining areas and restaurants. UV germicidal lamps provide a host of benefits to the restaurant food industry and can be used in water, air and surface applications.

UV Lamp Suppliers for the Many Uses of UV Light

LightSources and our valued partner LightTech are premier light bulb suppliers in the industry. We produce UV lamps for virtually any application, with proprietary, first to market UV technology designed to prolong lamp life and extend lamp effectiveness.

All of our UV germicidal low pressure, medium pressure and high pressure ultra-violet lamps are designed to be energy-efficient as well as long-lasting. Please contact us to find out how UV light can provide a solution for your application. We offer high-quality standard lamps and components as well as specialize in customizing the best solutions to meet our partner’s unique needs.