How is Far UVC 222 nm Light Safer than 254 nm UV lamps?

Ultraviolet light emitted in the UVC range (100-280 nm) is highly effective at eliminating harmful germs with standard germicidal lamps designed to emit wavelengths close to the 254 nm range. The specific wavelength is proven to be highly effective at eliminating many harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, and other microorganisms. Germicidal UVC lamps are used in UV air treatment systems, water purification and surface sterilization systems worldwide. 

The standard germicidal lamps, however, cannot be used in the presence of humans due to the risk of damage to human skin and eyes.

222 Nm Far UVC Lamps Are Safer Than Standard Germicidal Lamps

UVC light emitted precisely at 222 nm is also called Far UVC and is proven to have the same germicidal effectiveness without the risk of human exposure. 222 nm UV light is highly absorbed by the DNA of cells, similar to how cells absorb UV light when in the range of 254 nm. 222 nm light is also absorbed by the proteins that surround the cells, which differs from 254 nm light. 

Proteins are contained in the cell outer membranes of bacteria and viruses, and because they absorb 222 nm UV light, the harmful radiation cannot penetrate into the thick layer of human cells. This protective layer is also found on the eyes, making 222 nm light safer for exposure to human skin and eyes, allowing for use in occupied spaces.

Far UVC lamps designed to emit 222 nm are currently in use in many applications, including medical facilities, hospitals, public spaces, and commercial uses providing effective sterilization and disinfection without the risk of causing harm to human health.

LightSources and LightTech are leading global suppliers of UVC germicidal lamps designed for a wide range of industries and applications. We offer custom design and engineering, and prototype development and are currently developing Excimer lamps to produce Far UVC in the range of 222 nm UV light. 

LightSources offers custom design and prototype development to meet unique customer specifications. Excimer lamps to produce far UVC light are currently in development at LightSources. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about all her germicidal solutions  including the efficacy and safety of 222 nm UV light.

How Effective is Far UVC Light at 222 nm?

Far UVC is ultraviolet (UV) light in the range of 207–222 nm, which are shorter wavelengths than the traditional 254 nm UVC lamps.  Interest in far UVC technology is increasing with more research and awareness of the many benefits of UVC lamps engineered to emit wavelengths in the far UVC range. Far UVC wavelengths are shown to provide the same germicidal effectiveness with many benefits such as improved safety. 

Safety of Far UVC vs. Traditional 254 nm UV Lamps

Traditional 254 nm lamps emit powerful UVC radiation highly effective for germicidal applications, although cannot be used when people are present in the room. Traditional UVC sterilization systems must be operated in a closed system, with precautionary measures to shut off automatically if a person enters the room because they can damage human eyes and skin. Far UVC 222 nm lamps emit shorter wavelengths that are shown to operate safely without causing harm to human eyes and skin. 

Far UVC 222 nm Lamp Effectiveness

Far UVC lamps are also shown to be highly effective at killing the same types of viruses, bacteria, and harmful pathogens as traditional UV germicidal lamps, influenza, alpha, and beta coronaviruses. One study conducted by various universities showed that far UVC technology effectively eliminated the threat of airborne bacteria, S. Aureus, while continually spraying into a room. The far UVC lamps and overhead systems eliminated 98% of airborne microbes even though they were continually spraying into the room.

This study and others like it so that the future is bright for far UVC light, with effective disinfection that can be used continually as opposed to only when people are not in the room.

LightSources is a leader in the UVC lamp industry with a wide range of traditional 254 nm UV lamps and custom design and engineering to meet specific wavelength emissions. Our UVC germicidal lamps can be found worldwide in surface, water, and air purification systems. Contact us to learn more about UVC germicidal technology including far UVC lamps.

Custom Designed 254 nm UV Lamps

254 nm UV lamps describe the most common type of UVC germicidal lamps used to disinfect the air, water, and surfaces.  Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted in the UVC range, between 100 to 280 nm, is proven to be most effective at eradicating harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.  UVC lamps are designed to emit UV radiation in the range of 254 nm quickly and effectively penetrate the cells of harmful microbes, altering the DNA and rendering these cells unable to replicate, thus considered harmless.

UVC lamps are used in many environments and applications such as in hospitals, in patient rooms, and operating rooms, to disinfect medical equipment and supplies.  Germicidal UVC lamps are also used to sterilize the air in many industrial, commercial, and residential environments including in HVAC units, furnaces, and air conditioning systems.  Many surface sterilization systems utilize the power of UVC radiation as well as water disinfection UVC systems. 

254 nm UVC Lamp Design and Engineering

254 nm UVC lamps are designed in basically three different glass types including: 

• Soft Glass

• Fused Quartz

• Synthetic Fused Quartz

Soft glass provides a lower-cost option for powerful UVC germicidal lamps that transmit UVC radiation at 254 nm only.  

Fused Quartz is available in two types, “L” for low ozone emission or “VH” for very high ozone emissions. “L” fused quartz 254 nm UV lamps by LightSources are designed to emit up to 90% of the UVC energy at 254 nm.  VH lamps can emit both 185nm and 254nm with custom engineering available to splice both L and VH ratios to meet specific germicidal requirements. 

Synthetic fused quartz lamps provide superior UV transmission at 185nm for very high ozone-producing applications. 

LightSources offers both 185nm and 254nm UV lamps for germicidal applications worldwide as a leading global supplier of UVC sterilization lamp solutions.

LightSources is an industry-leading provider of quality UV lamps for surface, water, and air purification systems.  We offer UVC lamps for UV robots and a wide range of applications that require 254nm UVC technology.  Contact us to learn more about our standard and custom-designed options for 254 nm UV lamps. 

UVC Lamps for Disinfection Robots

UV disinfection robots have become quite a bit more popular in recent years as they are highly effective at eliminating germs and there is an increased need for sterilization in many environments. Autonomous roaming robots with germicidal UV lamps are used in the United States, Europe, Asia, and many other countries worldwide to help provide a safer environment for people. UVC robots are proven effective when used in addition to manual cleaning procedures to eradicate harmful viruses and bacteria with up to 99.99% efficacy.

UVC disinfection robots equipped with high-quality sterilization lamps emit UV wavelengths at precisely the right nanometer of 254 nm which is the most powerful germ-killing wavelength of UV radiation. These UVC robots are being utilized in many hospitals across the country. They can roam around a room and emit powerful UVC radiation which can eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria on surfaces such as countertops, hospital beds, bathrooms, and high-touch surface areas to quickly and effectively protect patients and staff.

UVC disinfection robots can be programmed to follow a particular path to operate in rooms when humans are not present, without human intervention. They can even go back to their charging station when they need to recharge, automatically helping to provide a cleaner and safer environment.

UVC Lamps for Disinfection Robots

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps produced for a wide range of sterilization and disinfection applications. We offer a wide variety of sterilization lamps including fluorescent, low-pressure mercury, and compact CFL bulbs for many germicidal applications. Our germicidal lamps can be found in air purification systems, surface sterilization products and water disinfection applications worldwide.

We offer UVC germicidal lamps for UV disinfection robots, proven to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses and even antibiotic-resistant viruses such as MRSA and C.Diff. UVC germicidal lamps are also proven effective on many types of coronaviruses including the SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. 

The LightSources group designs, engineers, and manufactures high-tech, high-quality UVC germicidal lamps with custom design options available. We offer prototype development and proprietary technology that provides longer-lasting germicidal effectiveness up to the end of lamp life. Contact us to learn more about UVC sterilization lamps for UV disinfection robots. 

UV Food Irradiation Proven to Improve Food Safety

Ultraviolet (UV) light produces electromagnetic UV radiation which has known germicidal and sterilization effects. UV irradiation has many purposes and preventing foodborne illnesses is one important sterilization process that UV light provides to food processors with many health benefits to end-users. UV lamps which emit radiation in the UVC wavelength help to protect against harmful pathogens which can infest food products and keep food fresher longer. 

How Does UV Radiation Protect Food?

When food and beverage products are exposed to UV radiation, powerful germ-killing UVC energy improves the safety and condition of these items. Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed through chemical bonds which protects food without altering food quality and is completely harmless, proven to improve the safety of food and beverage items. Food processing with UV irradiation protects meat processing plants, juices, and beverage pasteurization, and extends the shelf life of produce.

UV irradiation also disinfects surfaces where food is prepared in food processing plants and restaurants around the world. UV radiation for food is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, and is also approved by the US Department of Agriculture, USDA. UV radiation improves food safety, prevents many foodborne illnesses, and preserves foods to last longer, extending the shelf life of various products without risk of disease.

What Types of Foods Are Protected with UV Radiation?

UVC germicidal lamps produce UV irradiation to protect a wide range of food and beverage products by providing the following benefits:

• Prevents infestation of insects in grains, vegetables, nuts, and fruits

• Prevents mold and mildew from accumulating on liquid sugar tanks

• Prevents onions, garlic, and potatoes from sprouting early

• Reduces risk of foodborne illnesses in poultry, meat, and seafood

• Prevents harmful bacteria and viruses such as listeria from developing on conveyor belts which is a serious issue for ready to eat food processors

UVC germicidal lamps are proven effective in food processing applications as well as many other types of sterilization and disinfection processes. UV sterilization lamps improve indoor air quality in public, commercial, industrial, and residential settings with UVC air purification systems. UVC lamps also remove harmful microorganisms and many water sterilization applications such as water treatment plants, pools and spas, Aqua sciences and many other water applications. Surface sterilization is important in many settings such as hospitals, restaurants, laboratories, and many others and is achieved with UVC germicidal lamps.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamp solutions in a wide range of fluorescent, and low-pressure mercury sterilization lamps. We offer custom design and engineering, prototype development, and meet production requirements for OEMs worldwide. Contact us to learn more about high-tech, high quality UVC lamps for food irradiation.

Custom Bases and Sockets for Germicidal Lamps

Customizing lamp bases and sockets allows lamp manufacturers like LightSources greater flexibility to design and engineer lighting solutions with added value. Customizing bases can include matching specific colors for your brand or logo, with endless possibilities to conform all your UV lamps to your corporate identity guidelines. Customized base configurations improve your brand identity and/or sales potential with exclusive, proprietary lamp solutions just for you.

UVC germicidal lamps are typically supplied with ceramic bases as this is the best material to withstand the intense ultraviolet radiation or ozone produced by germicidal lamps. Ceramic bases provide additional resistance to moisture and heat and give germicidal lamps long-lasting, high-quality performance. 

Custom Compact Lamps Meet Your System Needs

Other materials are also available for custom lamp bases such as a metal/ceramic hybrid or even plastic. LightSources can customize lead wire configurations, pin locations, steps and contours. We offer complete design assistance with 3D model CAD capability and partner with you to design, engineer, and prototype germicidal lamps that meet your unique specifications. We help OEMs to design lamps that fit their system, rather than designing a system around existing lamp types.

Our lighting engineers possess in-depth, deep technical knowledge of lamp design, fluorescent and UVC radiation expertise. We offer proprietary technology developed from our innovative drive to continue to offer first to market lighting solutions that outlast and outperform existing options.  

The electrical output and mechanical characteristics can vary widely with different lamp design requirements. Our engineers are skilled in meeting your requirements with high-performance, long-lasting, and cost-efficient customized lamp design and engineering requirements. Our valued partner Cerlux offers a wide range of custom lamp base solutions including high-quality ceramic bases in the color of your choice.

LightSources leads the industry in designing and engineering custom UV lamps including fluorescent, low-pressure mercury, and amalgam germicidal lamps to meet demanding industry applications. UVC germicidal lamps are proven in water, surface and air sterilization systems worldwide. Contact us to learn more about improving your lighting needs with customized lamps, bases and sockets.

Compact, CFL Bulbs with Plug-In Versatility

Compact fluorescent bulbs, also known as CFL bulbs, are becoming more popular in many applications.  CFL lamps come in a wide variety of sizes to meet different needs such as for commercial, industrial, and residential uses.  CFL lamps can also be designed to emit UVC radiation for germicidal applications, which is also increasing in demand as technology allows for customizing lamp sizes and shapes to accommodate many different styles of disinfection and sterilization systems. 

PLL and PLS Compact Lights

Compact lamps are often in one of two categories, either PLL (plug-in long) version or PLS (plug-in short) version. PLS lights are common in accentuating architecture or fine pieces of art.  CFL bulbs like PLS lamps are also used for security measures, in offices, homes, or for illuminating exterior signs.  PLS fluorescent lamps are found in many places and provide long-lasting, pleasing light with very cost-efficient performance. 

UVC PLS Lamps

PLS germicidal lamps are common in sterilization systems that demand powerful UV sterilization but in a limited space. UVC radiation emitted at precisely 254 nm is proven effective at killing many types of germs and harmful microorganisms. UVC germicidal lamps are used in water sterilization systems and can even kill bacteria that chlorine cannot. UV sterilization lamps in hospitals can even eliminate bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics, considered superbugs. 

UVC sterilization lamps are common in many air purification systems and can be installed in upper room UVGI air sterilization systems and are also installed in HVAC systems. UVC lamps in furnaces and air conditioning systems require powerful sterilization lamps in tight spaces. UVC PLS lamps provide effective sterilization when space is an issue.

LightSources Offers PLL and PLS Lamps with Endless Options

LightSources offers high-quality CFL bulbs in PLL and PLS lamp types with endless possibilities for custom configurations. Most PLL lamps are either 2-pin or 4-pin, although LightSources offers custom configurations with various sizes and customized sockets and bases.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of high quality UV lamps found in a wide range of lighting applications. We meet the needs of OEMs of all sizes with prototype solutions and high quality, on-time production.  Contact us to learn more about designing and engineering custom CFL lamps to meet your needs with PL and PLS light solutions.