If you’re a medical worker or you work at a water treatment facility you probably are very familiar with germicidal lamps. Also called UV lamps. However, if you’re not familiar with these types of lamps, its time to learn about them and how they can help your family and your business. Especially during the unfortunate times, we’re currently living.
What Are Germicidal Lamps?
These lamps produce UVC and ultraviolet light in short wavelengths. These types of lamps eradicate harmful bacteria and viruses, disrupting their DNA structure. Their main goal is disinfection. In addition, germicidal lamps can also purify water and air, as well as create ozone. There are two types of germicidal lamps you can use: low pressure and high pressure.
Low-Pressure Germicidal Lamps
These lamps are very like fluorescent lamps, except for two features. Their bulbs don’t have fluorescent phosphor in them. And, they’re made of fused quartz glass. Normally fluorescent lamps are made of borosilicate glass. Low-pressure lamps produce a very small amount of light.
High-Pressure Germicidal Lamps
These are most similar to high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. They are most commonly used at water waste treatment facilities. They actually produce radiation and they emit a bright blue-white light.
Common Uses of Germicidal Lamps
- To sterilize instruments, medical facilities, and laboratories as well as workspaces
- Killing microorganisms at water treatment facilities
- Sanitizing systems in pools, aquariums, and hot tubs by creating ozone
- Helping geologists identify mineral samples with fluorescence
- Purification of air and water
Common Places of Use
- Medical Facilities
- Science Labs
- Water Treatment Facilities
- Food Processing Facilities
- Commercial Kitchens
- Pools, Spas, and Aquariums
- Farms
Safety Precautions
Germicidal lamps need to be used with proper safety precautions. These are eye and skin protection. Getting exposed to these UV lights without the appropriate protective gear can cause sunburn, cornea inflammation, and retina damage. However, being exposed to it over time can also lead to skin cancer or vision impairment.
Above all, these particular types of lamps must be cleaned often and replaced every year to ensure their best performance.
Germicidal Lamps during Covid-19
On the other hand, it is important to know that you shouldn’t utilize these lamps to try and sterilize hands or other areas of skin like UV radiation. can cause skin irritation. You can use germicidal lamps to sterilize objects you use every day. For instance, your phone, your keys, your credit cards, etc. In other words, it’s best to try and keep every surface clean and wash your hands several times a day.
Contact an Experienced Electrician in Clearwater, FL
In conclusion, these products require specific handling and can result in serious issues if not used appropriately. Therefore, if you have any questions or concerns, make sure you contact us at (727) 771-9403. You can also find our contact information here.