Known as “Nature’s Disinfectant” UV-C is one of many electromagnetic frequencies emanating from the sun. Like other of these waveforms, its properties are unique to its wavelength. 

Ultraviolet light in the C spectrum (UV-C) is energy-rich light with a wavelength of 200 – 400 nanometres (nm).

UV-C light is very versatile and can be used for disinfecting water, destroying harmful micro-organisms in other liquids, on surfaces, on food products and in ‘air’.

With UV-C technology it is possible to destroy more than 99.99% of all pathogens within seconds, without addition of chemicals, without harmful side effects, inexpensively, highly efficiently and absolutely reliably.

The three types of UV radiation are classified according to their wavelength. They differ in their biological activity and the extent to which they can penetrate the skin. The shorter the wavelength, the more harmful the UV radiation. However, shorter wavelength UV radiation is less able to penetrate the skin.

Short-wavelength UVC is the most damaging type of UV radiation. However, it is completely filtered by the atmosphere and does not reach the earth’s surface.

Medium-wavelength UVB is very biologically active but cannot penetrate beyond the superficial skin layers. It is responsible for delayed tanning and burning; in addition to these short-term effects it enhances skin ageing and significantly promotes the development of skin cancer. Most solar UVB is filtered by the atmosphere.

The relatively long-wavelength UVA accounts for approximately 95 per cent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. It can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and is responsible for the immediate tanning effect. Furthermore, it also contributes to skin ageing and wrinkling. For a long time it was thought that UVA could not cause any lasting damage. Recent studies strongly suggest that it may also enhance the development of skin cancers.

All radiation is a form of energy, most of which is invisible to the human eye. UV radiation is only one form of radiation and it is measured on a scientific scale called the electromagnetic spectrum (EM).

UV radiation is only one type of EM energy you may be familiar with. Radio waves that transmit sound from a radio station’s tower to your stereo, or between cell phones; microwaves, like those that heat your food in a microwave oven; visible light that is emitted from the lights in your home; and X-rays like those used in hospital X-ray machines to capture images of the bones inside your body, are all forms of EM energy.

UV radiation is the portion of the EM spectrum between X-rays and visible light.

Electromagnetic radiation is all around us, though we can only see some of it. All EM radiation (also called EM energy) is made up of minute packets of energy or ‘particles,’ called photons, which travel in a wave-like pattern and move at the speed of light. The EM spectrum is divided into categories defined by a range of numbers. These ranges describe the activity level, or how energetic the photons are, and the size of the wavelength in each category.

For example, at the bottom of the spectrum radio waves have photons with low energies, so their wavelengths are long with peaks that are far apart. The photons of microwaves have higher energies, followed by infrared waves, UV rays, and X-rays. At the top of the spectrum, gamma rays have photons with very high energies and short wavelengths with peaks that are close together.

We’re exposed to parts of the UV spectrum while outdoors. Generally, excessive UV exposure can produce adverse effects depending on wavelength, type and duration, and UV response differences between individuals. The three basic wavelengths:

o UV-C – includes the germicidal wavelength of 253.7nm and is used for air and water disinfection. Human overexposure causes temporary skin redness and harsh eye irritation, but no permanent damage, skin cancer, or cataracts.

o UV-B – is a narrower but more dangerous band of UV. Prolonged exposure has been associated with skin cancer, skin aging, and cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye).

o UV-A – is more predominant outdoors than the other two. It helps to tan our skin and is used in medicine to treat certain skin disorders. It is generally a harmless wavelength. UVA, B and C will damage collagen fibers and accelerate skin aging. Generally, UVA is least harmful; UVB contributes to DNA damage and cancer. It penetrates deeply but does not cause sunburn. Because of no reddening (erythema) it cannot be measured in SPF testing. There’s no good clinical measurement of UVB blocking, but it is important that sunscreens block both UVA and B. UVC however, penetrates superficially and has not been associated with long term tissue effects.

The shorter-wavelength, higher-energy UV radiation associated with the UVC category is very strongly absorbed by most organic materials. This is why the common 254 nm sources have become so popular for germicidal/disinfectant applications. The strong absorption by organic molecules, including DNA, leads to severe damage to the molecule and to the organism’s reproductive processes, leading to the death of the microbes.

Microorganisms are simple organic structures that readily absorb the UV-C wavelength, causing photo-disassociation (destruction). A microbes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, is first to be adversely effected due to its weaker molecular bonds. In hundredths of a second it suffers irreparable damage. The subsequent loss of genetic instructions causes cell death and/or the inability to replicate, rendering them harmless. Continuous exposure causes uninterrupted degradation, such as the sun does, only significantly faster.

Yes, scientific and anecdotal references abound for UV-C’s efficacy both in literature and in reports of field applications. Of the government reports, NIOSH, OSHA, CDC, GSA, EPA are the most notable. Science in the public forum comes from the University of Cincinnati, Tulsa University, University of Colorado and McGill University (Canada) to name a few. The two labs conducting independent testing and showing very favorable results are ARTI and Battelle. The list of prestigious field studies are too numerous to mention. UVC is used worldwide, more in other countries per capita than in the US. Much of this broader use is for the disinfection of drinking water and treatment of sewage in waste water treatment.

The letters “UV” relates to the magnetic wavelength spectrum known as UltraViolet light. This spectrum is more often broken down into four categories: Vacuum, Short Wave, Middle Wave and Long Wave’ or VUV, UVC, UVB & UVA. UVC is the frequency that is the most germicidal and the term UVGI refers to “Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation” as used by Federal Agencies such OSHA, NIOSH, GSA, EPA and the CDC when referring directly to UVC.

No, but UVC does provide exceptionable conditioning of the air much like the sun does outdoors.

In the fight againt germ and harmful pathogens the more weapons you have at your disposal the better. We recommend using proven disinfectents and chemicals along with UVC LED lights to combat the spread of Viruses.

There are several ways to demonstrate, sample or measure the many things taking place. One is to use a contact plate containing malt agar. Before UV-C is installed, the surface is lightly touched with the plate. Then it’s allowed to incubate for roughly 96 hours. After UV-C is installed, the procedure is performed again in the same place. What often are seen are a 98%+ reduction in organism growth.

Not at all. Our professional team of installers will insure correct installaton procedures are in place.

Yes. For complete safety, UVGI fixtures must have been tested and listed as UL/C-UL under Category Code ABQK (Accessories, Air Duct Mounted), UL Standards: 153, 1598 & 1995 respectively.

An average life span of 20,000 + hours with normal useage.

UVC LEDS are solid state lights with very few moving parts. Areas around the light need to be kept clean and dry for proper use.

Very minimal. As with any type of LED fixture there is a very small amount of heat dissapation from the fixture.

Switch the light by attivating power either by a switch or plug in. Start the 10 second alarm. Its very important that you exit the area before the light comes on.

The purification light will start working and automatically turn off after a set time.

For mould and bacteria, doses of UVC energy may not cause immediate cell death but the microbe could be “inactivated”. What’s meant by this is that while some biological activity may still exist, cell replication is impossible; the microbe is no longer viable. Simply, the subject microbe cannot multiply, rendering it harmless! What’s more, small doses of UV-C over time have been shown to hasten cell death. As viral particles are not a life form, we depend solely on inactivation to rid ourselves of their impending harm.

Around 90% of the energy generated by a UV-C lamp is in fact UVC energy. The remainder is visible light (blue hue) and a small amount of infrared (heat). Given the brightness from UV-C lamps, that 3-4% of visible light gives one an idea of the amount of UVC energy a lamp produces.

Not necessarily, the blue colour comes from an inert gas within the lamp that doesn’t produce UVC. The lamp can be lit (blue) yet not produce much, if any UV-C energy. This would be a poor indicator.

Usually not, though more important are the very large number reductions from the use of UV-C. The CDC is a good example of how UV-C is the most perfect and sometimes the only choice to get the job done. Just as important, UV-C leaves nothing behind like other methods!

All of our lights come with a full 2 year warranty.