How Does a UVC Germicidal Lamps Work?

A UVC germicidal lamp is simply a device which converts electricity into ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Microorganisms are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation emitted at 260 nanometers (nm), which instantly alters the DNA of harmful bacteria and viruses rendering them unable to replicate and harmless. Low-pressure Mercury rare gas UVC lamps convert up to 40% of electrical power into UVC radiation at 254 nm. 

This conversion of electricity is up to 40%, with the quality of the UVC lamp components and construction determining the effectiveness of this conversion of electricity. Low-pressure, mercury rare gas UVC germicidal lamps are very similar to fluorescent lamps. They are similar in construction and operation although UVC germicidal lamps do not have a phosphor coating on the inner lamp wall. This is to allow the most effective wavelength of UVC radiation to flow through the lamp.

UVC Germicidal Lamp Body

The UVC germicidal lamp body may be constructed with pure fused quartz, quartz with titanium, or a soft glass design. Pure fused quartz lamp bodies will transmit both 185 nm and 254 nm of UV radiation with VH glass. A lamp body designed with quartz and titanium blocks out most of the 185 nm radiation in a L glass design. Another L glass design is soft glass also formulated to transmit an effective 254 nm of UVC radiation.

There are electrodes at each end of the lamp which connect the gas discharge device to the external current source. Each electrode serves alternately as either cathode or anode when the lamp is operated on alternating current (AC) as is the typical case. The germicidal lamp body may be filled with a mix of rare gasses including Argon and Neon, or with pure Argon gas depending on the application. A small amount of mercury is required to produce UV radiation. 

To learn more about the most effective UVC germicidal lamps, contact the leading global supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions, the LightSources Group. We provide a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamp products proven in applications worldwide. Contact us to learn more and for custom designed UV lamp solutions to fit your needs.