Why would you need a UV light?

09 Apr.,2024

 

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.

LAMP PRODUCT DATA:
UV Germicidal Lamps
LAMP Applications:
UV Germicidal Applications

LightSources and our strategic partner LightTech, along with our affiliated companies, represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. No matter your need or application for UV lamps, LightSources is a supplier that can meet your needs with custom designed prototypes, small lots or high-volume production to meet the needs of OEMs large and small worldwide. Contact us to learn how LightSources provides solutions with high tech, high-quality UV lamps designed for hundreds of uses of UV light.

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UV flashlights are a great piece of technology. UV lighting was first created in the mid-1800s when scientists discovered that sunlight reflected off certain minerals could be used to create light. 

Perhaps you've heard of it and are considering buying a UV flashlight, or perhaps you're just interested in the concept and want to know what they can be used for? 

Either way, we've compiled a short guide that will aim to explain everything you'll need to know about UV Flashlights. We've also included a short FAQ section at the end of this article to help you understand some extra issues regarding this topic! 

Let's shine some light into the world of UV flashlights!

What Is A UV Flashlight?

A UV flashlight is simply a flashlight with an added UV component. This means that it has been modified so that it emits ultraviolet (UV) light instead of regular visible light. It is important to note that UV lights do not emit any heat, which makes them ideal for use during winter months as well as other times when there may be a risk of frostbite. 

UV flashlights have been around since the early 1900s but were only really popularized by the 1990s. They are now widely available and many people enjoy using them for various reasons.

How Does UV Light Work?

The main reason why UV flashlights exist is because of their ability to penetrate through clothing and skin. This is useful for those who like to take part in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, etc. 

The reason why these flashlights are so effective is that they allow you to see objects under your clothes without having to remove them. This is especially helpful if you're wearing thick layers of clothing. You can even use a UV flashlight while swimming or snorkeling.

What Are UV Flashlights Used For?

In this section, we are going to answer our original question of what UV flashlights are used for. We're going to be taking you through each use and explaining them in detail.

In The Home

First up, let's talk about how they can be used in the home. If you live alone and don't have anyone else to share your space with then you might find yourself wanting to keep things tidy and organized. UV flashlights can be used to illuminate dark areas within the house. These include cupboards, behind pictures on walls, in the corners of rooms, etc. By shining the light directly onto these areas you can make sure that they stay neat and clean.

If you have pets then UV flashlights can be very useful too. Pet owners often struggle to get the right amount of light out of their regular household bulbs. UV flashlights allow you to easily adjust the brightness level to suit your needs. This means that you can ensure that you give your pet enough light to play with toys and interact with you, whilst still being able to see them clearly when needed.

Another thing that UV flashlights can be useful for is cleaning. Whether you're trying to clean a window, a mirror, a sink, or anything else that requires you to shine a bright light on it, UV flashlights can be extremely handy. Many people find that they can use them to quickly spot leaks from pipes or water damage on windows.

In The Garden

Another common place that UV flashlights can come in handy is in the garden. When you're gardening you often have to move around a lot and it can sometimes be difficult to see all the plants that you're working with. By using a UV flashlight you can easily identify weeds and pests that you may otherwise miss. You can also use it to check whether your flowers need watering or fertilizing.

When it comes to gardening, UV flashlights can also be used to protect plants against insects. Insects can cause a lot of damage to your plants and will usually leave signs of their presence. By using UV light you can easily detect the presence of bugs and prevent them from spreading further.

In The Office

Finally, we'll finish off talking about how UV flashlights can be put to good use in the office. As mentioned above, one of the most common uses for UV flashlights is illuminating dark areas within the house or office. However, they can also be used to help you read documents more comfortably. Documents such as receipts, contracts, bank statements, etc., tend to look much better when illuminated by UV light.

You can also use them to read maps or road signs at night. This is particularly useful if you're driving at night because you won't be blinded by the headlights of other cars.

Medical Uses Of UV Light 

UV radiation has been proven to kill viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even cancer cells. It's no wonder why so many hospitals now use UV lights to sterilize medical equipment.

There are two types of UV lights: germicidal (or germ-killing) lamps and germicidal irradiation units. Germicidal lamps emit ultraviolet rays which destroy germs, while germicidal irradiation units emit both visible and UV rays.

Germicidal lamps are typically used to disinfect surgical instruments, bandages, and hospital beds. They must be placed close to the patient to effectively sterilize the area.

Germicidal irradiation units are generally used to disinfect air, food, surfaces, and objects. They work best when used in conjunction with an ozone generator. Ozone generators produce oxygen molecules that combine with harmful microorganisms and neutralize them.

It is worth noting that a UV flashlight won't do any of this, though they are sometimes used to detect things that other light may not. 

Final Thoughts

So there we go! Those were some of the most common uses of UV flashlights, both within the home and in a more clinical setting. If you're looking at getting your UV flashlight, what is written above is some of what you can expect. 

We hope that you now know why people buy UV flashlights and how they can be useful at home, in the garden, or in the office. If you're looking for some extra information around this issue, check out our FAQ section below. 

Frequently Asked Questions 


Get your last-minute queries answered here! 

Why Should I Get A UV Flashlight?

There are several reasons why you might want to consider buying a UV flashlight. First of all, they are very cheap. Most models available today cost less than $20. 

Second, they provide a lot of benefits over regular LED flashlights. 

Third, they're easy to use. Finally, they offer a wide range of features depending on the model you choose.

What Are The Different Types Of UV Flashlights?

There are three main categories of UV flashlights: handheld, wall mount, and tabletop. Each type offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Handheld flashlights are great for moving around and finding small items. 

Wall-mounted flashlights are perfect for illuminating large areas. Tabletop flashlights are usually designed to illuminate specific areas like tables, desks, counters, etc. The following sections will discuss each type in greater detail.

Handheld UV Flashlights

These are probably the most popular type of UV flashlights. They're small enough to carry around and have long battery life. You can find these flashlights anywhere from $10 - $40 depending on the brand.

Advantages

  • Very portable

  • Long battery life

Disadvantages

  • Not suitable for larger tasks

Wall Mounted UV Flashlights

Wall-mounted UV flashlights are ideal for illuminating large areas. These flashlights come in two varieties: fixed and adjustable. Fixed wall-mounted flashlights are designed to fit into a standard outlet. Adjustable wall-mounted flashlights allow you to adjust the angle of the lamp head. This allows you to direct the beam where it's needed. Some flashlights have a built-in switch so you don't need to worry about plugging them in. Others require a separate power source.

Advantages

  • Perfect for illuminating large spaces

  • Great for outdoor use

  • Easy to install

Disadvantages

  • Maybe too big for smaller rooms

Table Top UV Flashlights

Tabletop flashlights are designed to illuminate specific areas such as tables, counters, and desktops. They are also commonly used for examining documents, books, and other materials. Tabletop flashlights can either be powered by batteries or plugged into an electrical outlet.

Advantages

  • They are great for examining objects

  • They are good for reading and writing

  • They are great when working with documents

Disadvantages

  • They aren't suitable for general lighting

  • They may not be powerful enough

Why would you need a UV light?

What Can a UV Flashlight Be Used For?