Germicidal lamps, or UVGI lamps, are used in air and water purification applications. Low pressure mercury arc germicidal lamps are available in non-ozone producing types (with a peak wavelength of 253.7nm) and ozone producing (with peak wavelengths of 253.7nm and 185nm). For more information on how these lamps work, scroll down this page. If your germicidal lamp is not shown here, call toll free 800-867-2852 to speak with a specialist.

T8, T10 Medium BiPin G13 Base
Germicidal Lamps

T5 Miniature BiPin G5 Base
Germicidal Lamps

T5 Single Pin (Slimline)
Germicidal Lamps

T5 4 - Pin Base
Germicidal Lamps

2G11 Base
Germicidal Lamps

G23, GX23 Base
Germicidal Lamps

Screw Base
Germicidal Lamps

What is a Germicidal or UVGI Lamp?

Germicidal or Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) lamps are used to: disinfect air and water; cure inks and coatings, disinfect foods and destroy pollutants in water and air through UV-based "advanced oxidation". UV energy can be effective in killing biological contaminants such as mold/fungi, bacteria and viruses. For air disinfection, lamps are typically placed inside air handling ducts, mobile room air cleaning units and in special fixtures mounted toward the ceiling in rooms. The most common applications are in hospital / health care facilities, food processing plants, shelters, prisons, and other commercial uses where it is important to eliminate biological contaminants. The target wavelength for most ozone-free air purification applications is 254 nanometers. For water purification, ozone producing wavelengths are included and the target wavelength is 185 nanometers.

How does a Germicidal or UVGI Lamp Work?

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is produced by low-pressure mercury lamps similar to fluorescent lamps without a phosphor and with a quartz bulb. These lamps emit UV in the 200nm to 300nm range or that portion of the UV spectrum called UV-C. Also known as "shortwave" UV, it includes the target germicidal wavelength of 254nm. 95% of the relative intensity occurs at the mercury discharge line of 254 nanometers - proven to be the most effective in germicidal applications.

More on UVGI.

Ultraviolet rays have shorter wavelengths than visible light. A wavelength, the distance between the crests of two waves, is often measured in units called nanometers. A nanometer (nm) is a billionth of a meter, or about 1/25,000,000 inch. Wavelengths of visible light range from about 400 to 700 nm. Ultraviolet wavelengths range from about 1 to 400 nm and are beyond the range of visible light.

Ultraviolet technology is a non-chemical approach to disinfection. In this method of disinfection, nothing is added which makes this process simple, inexpensive and requires very low maintenance. Ultraviolet purifiers utilize germicidal lamps that are designed and calculated to produce a certain dosage of ultraviolet (usually at least 16,000 microwatt seconds per square centimeter but many units actually have a much higher dosage.) The principle of design is based on a product of time and intensity - you must have a certain amount of both for a successful design.

Ultra Violet irradiation is an effective method of killing a broad range of microbes. In essence, the UV radiation breaks the molecular bonds in the organism's DNA. The most effective wavelength for accomplishing this is 263nm; however, the very intense 254nm output from low pressure Hg lamps is also very effective, as well as broader spectral output from medium pressure UV lamps.

UV disinfects through a photochemical process. The contaminants that pollute the indoor environment are almost entirely based upon organic or carbon-based compounds. These compounds breakdown when exposed to high intensity UV at 240 to 280 nm. Short-wave ultraviolet light can destroy DNA in living microorganisms and breakdown organic material found in indoor air. UVC effectiveness is directly related to intensity and exposure time.

Also see ultraviolet light definition.

CAUTION:

Germicidal lamps emit UV which can be harmful. Caution notices are provided in accordance with ANSI / IESNA RP-27.3-96 Recommended Practice for Photobiological Safety for Lamps - Risk Group Classification & Labeling. Germicidal lamps are in Risk Group 3 (High Risk). Avoid exposure to eyes and skin to unshielded lamp. Skin or eye injury will result. Proper fixturing and operation is essential for safe and effective application of this product.