UV lamp for home use: types and how to choose

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Existence for humans, plants and animals is closely related to sunlight. It emits radiation with special properties. Ultraviolet light is considered indispensable and vital. With its lack, extremely undesirable processes in the body begin, and a strictly dosed amount can cure serious illnesses.

Therefore, many people need an ultraviolet lamp for home use. In this article, we’ll talk about how to choose the right one. Why consider the features of UV rays and their need for the human body.

Let’s get acquainted with the types of UV lamps, their characteristics, we will give recommendations on choosing a suitable option for domestic use.

Why is UV light needed?

Ultraviolet radiation is called invisible to humans, occupying the area between the X-ray and visible spectrum. The wavelengths of its constituent waves are in the range from 10 to 400 nanometers.

Physicists conventionally divide the ultraviolet spectrum into near and far, and also distinguish three types of its constituent rays. Radiation C is referred to as harsh; with a relatively long exposure, it is capable of killing living cells.

In nature, it practically does not occur, except high in the mountains. But it can be obtained in artificial conditions. Radiation B is considered average in terms of hardness.

It is this that affects people in the middle of a hot summer day. Can cause harm if used excessively. And, finally, the softest and most useful – rays of type A. They are even capable of curing a person from certain diseases.

Ultraviolet light is widely used in medicine and other fields. First of all, because in its presence, the body produces vitamin D, which is necessary for the normal development of the child and the health of adults. This element makes bones stronger, enhances immunity and enables the body to properly assimilate a number of essential trace elements.

In addition, doctors have proven that under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, serotonin, the hormone of happiness, is synthesized in the brain. That is why we love sunny days so much and fall into a kind of depression when the sky is overcast. In addition, ultraviolet light is used in medicine as a bactericidal, anti-miotic and mutagenic agent. The therapeutic effect of radiation is also known.

 

Ultraviolet Spectrum Radiation
The radiation of the ultraviolet spectrum is inhomogeneous. Physicists distinguish three groups of its constituent rays. The most dangerous for living rays of group C, the most severe radiation

 

Strictly dosed beams directed to a certain area give a good therapeutic effect in a number of diseases. A new industry has emerged – laser biomedicine, which uses ultraviolet light. It is used to diagnose ailments and to monitor the state of organs after operations.

UV radiation is also widely used in cosmetology, where it is most often used to obtain tanning and to combat certain skin problems.

room treatment with ultraviolet lamp
Irradiation with hard ultraviolet light for disinfection of premises has been successfully used in medicine for decades. Similar events can be carried out at home.

Do not underestimate the UV deficiency. When it appears, a person suffers from vitamin deficiency, immunity decreases and disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system are diagnosed.

A tendency to depression and mental instability are formed. Considering all these factors, household versions of ultraviolet lamps for various purposes have been developed and produced for those who wish. Let’s get to know them better.

The main types of UV lamps

Practice shows that most often ultraviolet emitters are purchased for the home for disinfection purposes. It has been proven that hard beams in the range from 100 to 320 nm effectively kill microorganisms.

They kill bacteria and mold spores, even those that are dormant. The radiation kills the eggs of exoparasites, dust mites, and insects.

UV plant lamps
Special UV lamps are produced for the normal growth of plants suffering from lack of sunlight

It should be understood that destruction occurs only in the reach of the rays, which, unfortunately, are not able to penetrate very deeply into the wall or upholstered furniture. To combat microorganisms, an effect of varying duration is required. Sticks and cocci tolerate it worst of all. The simplest microorganisms, spore bacteria and fungi are maximally resistant to ultraviolet light.

However, if you choose the right exposure time, you can completely disinfect the room. This will take an average of 20 minutes. During this time, you can get rid of pathogens, mold and fungal spores, etc.

 

UV lamp gel polish manicure process in a beauty salon
For quick and effective drying of various types of manicure gel varnish, special ultraviolet lamps are used.

 

The principle of operation of a standard UV lamp is extremely simple. It is a flask filled with gaseous mercury. Electrodes are fixed at its ends.

When voltage is applied, an electric arc is formed between them, which evaporates the mercury, which becomes a source of powerful light energy. We have provided more information on mercury-containing lamps here .

Depending on the design of the device, its main characteristics differ.

View # 1 – quartz emitting devices

The bulb for these lamps is made of quartz, which has a direct impact on the quality of their radiation. They emit rays in the “hard” UV range of 205-315 nm. For this reason, quartz devices have an effective disinfecting effect.

They do very well with all known bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, unicellular algae, spores of various types of mold and fungi.

 

UV Light Sanitizer
Open-type UV lamps can be compact. Such devices disinfect clothes, shoes and other items very well.

 

You need to know that UV waves with a length of less than 257 nm activate the process of ozone formation, which is considered to be the strongest oxidizing agent. Due to this, in the process of disinfection, ultraviolet light acts together with ozone, which makes it possible to destroy microorganisms quickly and efficiently.

However, such lamps have a significant disadvantage. Their effect is dangerous not only for pathogenic microflora, but also for all living cells. This means that during the disinfection process, animals, people and plants must be removed from the area of ​​the lamp. Given the name of the device, they call the disinfection procedure quantization.

It is used to disinfect hospital wards, operating rooms, catering establishments, industrial premises, etc. The simultaneous use of ozonation allows you to prevent the development of pathogenic microflora and decay, to keep the freshness of products in warehouses or shops longer. Such lamps can be used for therapeutic purposes.

Type # 2 – germicidal ultraviolet emitters

The main difference from the device described above is the bulb material. For germicidal lamps, it is made of uviol glass. This material retains well the waves of the “hard” range, so that ozone is not generated during the operation of the equipment. Thus, disinfection is carried out only by exposure to safer soft radiation.

flask for germicidal device
flask for germicidal device

Such devices do not pose a great threat to humans and animals, but the time and impact on pathogenic microflora should be significantly increased. Such devices are recommended for use at home.

In medical institutions and institutions equated to them, they can function constantly. In this case, it is necessary to close the lamps with a special casing, which will direct the glow upwards.

This is necessary to protect the eyes of visitors and workers. Germicidal lamps are absolutely safe for the respiratory system, since they do not emit ozone, but they are potentially harmful to the cornea of ​​the eye.

Prolonged exposure to it can lead to burns, which over time will deteriorate vision. For this reason, it is advisable to use special goggles to protect the eyes during device operation.

View # 3 – amalgam type devices

Improved, and therefore safer to use, ultraviolet lamps. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that mercury inside the flask is not present in a liquid, but in a bound state. It is part of the solid amalgam that covers the inside of the lamp.

Amalgam is an alloy of indium and bismuth with the addition of mercury. During the heating process, the latter begins to evaporate and emit ultraviolet light.

amalgam type uv lamp
amalgam type uv lamp

During the operation of amalgam-type devices, the release of ozone is excluded, which makes them safe. The bactericidal effect is very high. The design features of these lamps make them safe even in the event of rough handling.

If the cold flask breaks for any reason, you can simply throw it into the nearest waste container.

In the event of damage to the integrity of a burning lamp, everything is a little more complicated. Mercury vapor will come out of it, as they are hot amalgam. However, their number is minimal and they will not cause harm.

By comparison, if a germicidal or quartz device breaks, there is a real health hazard. Each of them contains about 3 g of liquid mercury, which can be dangerous if spilled. For this reason, whole lamps containing mercury must be disposed of in a special way. If the light bulb is damaged, then the place where the mercury is spilled is processed by specialists.

Another advantage of amalgam appliances is their durability. In comparison with analogs, their service life is at least twice as long. This is due to the fact that the amalgam-coated flasks do not lose their transparency. Whereas lamps with liquid mercury gradually become covered with a dense, slightly transparent coating, which significantly reduces their service life.

What to look for when choosing a device?

Before deciding to buy a device, you should decide exactly whether it is really so necessary. The purchase will be perfectly justified if there is some indication. The lamp can be used for disinfection of premises, water, public goods, etc.

You need to understand that you should not get too carried away with this, since life in sterile conditions has a very adverse effect on immunity, especially in children.

Before buying an ultraviolet lamp, you need to decide for what purpose it will be used. You need to understand that you need to use it very carefully and only after consulting your doctor

Therefore, doctors recommend wisely using the device in families with frequently ill children during the period of seasonal illness. The device will be useful in the process of caring for bedridden patients, since it allows not only disinfecting the room, but also helps to fight pressure sores, eliminates unpleasant odors, etc.

The UV lamp can cure some diseases, but in this case it is used only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Ultraviolet light helps with inflammation of the ENT organs, dermatitis of various origins, psoriasis, neuritis, rickets, flu and colds, in the treatment of ulcers and hard-healing wounds, gynecological problems.

Home use of uv emitters for cosmetic purposes is possible. In this way, you can get a beautiful tan and get rid of skin problems, dry your nails covered with a special varnish.

In addition, special lamps for water disinfection and devices that stimulate the growth of domestic plants are produced. All of them have specific features that prevent them from being used for other purposes. Thus, the range of household UV lamps is very large.

There are quite a few universal options among them, so before buying you need to know exactly for what purposes and how often the device will be used.

A closed-type UV lamp is the safest option for those in the room. The scheme of its action is shown in the figure. The air is disinfected inside the protective housing

In addition, there are a number of factors that must be taken into account when choosing.

UV lamp For Home type

For work at home, manufacturers produce three types of equipment:

  • Open lamps. Ultraviolet light from the source spreads unhindered. The use of such devices is limited by the characteristics of the lamp. Most often they are turned on for a strictly defined time, animals and people are removed from the premises.
  • Closed devices or recirculators. Air is supplied inside the protected housing of the device, where it is disinfected, and then enters the room. Such lamps are not dangerous to others, therefore they can work in the presence of people.
  • Specialized equipment designed to perform specific tasks. Most often it is completed with a set of tube nozzles.

Experts recommend choosing specialized or closed devices, since they are the safest. Open equipment requires constant monitoring and strict adherence to the rules for its use.

Device mounting method

The manufacturer offers to choose the appropriate model from two main options: stationary and mobile. In the first case, it is envisaged to fix the device in a place chosen for this. No relocations are planned.

Such devices can be fixed to the ceiling or to the wall. The latter option is more in demand. A distinctive feature of stationary devices is high power, which allows you to process a room of a large area.

 

UV lamp for home use: types and how to choose
UV lamp for home use: types and how to choose

More powerful, as a rule, devices with a fixed mount. They are mounted on the wall or on the ceiling so that during operation they cover the entire area of ​​the room

Most often, closed recirculating lamps are produced in this design. Mobile devices are less powerful but can be easily moved to another location.

These can be both closed and open lamps. The latter are especially convenient for disinfecting small spaces: wardrobes, bathrooms and toilets, etc. Mobile devices are usually placed on the floor or on tables, which is quite convenient.

Moreover, floor models have great power and are quite capable of processing a room of impressive size. Most of the specialized equipment is mobile. Interesting models of UV emitters have appeared relatively recently. These are original hybrids of a lamp and a germicidal lamp with two two operating modes. They work like lighting fixtures or decontaminate a room.

UV emitter power

For proper use of the UV lamp, it is important that its wattage matches the size of the room in which it will be used.

The manufacturer usually indicates in the technical data sheet of the product the so-called “room coverage”. This is the area affected by the device. If there is no such information, the power of the device will be indicated.

The coverage area of ​​the equipment and the time of its exposure depend on the power. When choosing a UV lamp, this must be taken into account.

On average, for rooms with a volume of up to 65 cubic meters. m, a 15 W device will be enough. This means that such a lamp can be safely purchased if the area of ​​the treated rooms is from 15 to 35 square meters. m with a height of no more than 3 m. More powerful specimens, issuing 36 W, must be purchased for rooms with an area of ​​100-125 cubic meters. m with a standard ceiling height.

The most popular models of UV lamps for home

The range of ultraviolet emitters intended for home use is quite wide. Domestic manufacturers produce high-quality, efficient and quite affordable equipment. Let’s consider several such devices.

No. 1 – various modifications of the Solnyshko brand

Open type quartz emitters of various powers are produced under this brand. Most of the models are intended for disinfection of surfaces and spaces, the area of ​​which is not more than 15 square meters. m.

In addition, the device can be used for therapeutic irradiation of adults and children over three years of age. The device is multifunctional, therefore it is considered universal.

The Sun ultraviolet emitter is especially popular. This universal device is capable of disinfecting space and performing therapeutic procedures for which it is equipped with a set of special attachments

The body is equipped with a special protective screen, which is used during medical procedures and is removed during disinfection of the room. Depending on the model, the equipment is equipped with a set of special attachments or tubes for various therapeutic procedures.

Since the device can be considered an open-type emitter, it must be completed with protective goggles and a biodosimetry, which helps to ensure that the radiation dose is not exceeded.

Getting to know the Sun UV lamps:

No. 2 – compact emitters Crystal

Another sample of domestic production. It is a small mobile device. It is intended exclusively for disinfection of spaces, the volume of which does not exceed 60 cubic meters. m.

These parameters correspond to a room of standard height with an area of ​​no more than 20 sq. m. The device is an open type lamp, therefore it requires proper handling.

UV lamp for home use
UV lamp for home use

Compact mobile UV-emitter Crystal is very convenient to use. It is important not to forget to remove plants, animals and people from the zone of its action.

During the operation of the equipment, it is imperative to remove plants, animals and people from its coverage area. The device is very simple in design. There is no timer and automatic shutdown system. For this reason, the user must independently monitor the operating time of the device.

If necessary, the UV lamp can be replaced with a standard fluorescent lamp and then the equipment will work like a regular lamp.

No. 3 – bactericidal recirculators RZT and ORBB series

These are powerful closed-type devices. Designed for disinfection and air purification. The devices are equipped with a UV lamp, which is located inside a closed protective case.

This powerful device can effectively purify indoor air without affecting the health of nearby people.

Air is sucked into the inside of the device under the action of a fan, after processing it is supplied outside. Thanks to this, the device can function in the presence of people, plants or animals that are not negatively affected.

Depending on the model, the devices can be additionally equipped with filters that trap dirt particles and dust. The equipment is mainly produced in the form of stationary devices with wall mounting, there are also ceiling options. In some cases, the device can be removed from the wall and placed on a table.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Choosing the right UV lamp for home :

Ultraviolet is necessary for every living being. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to get enough of it. In addition, UV rays are a powerful weapon against a wide variety of microorganisms and pathogenic microflora. Therefore, many are thinking about buying a household ultraviolet emitter.

When making a choice, you should not forget that you need to use the device very carefully. It is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of doctors and not overdo it. Large doses of ultraviolet radiation are very dangerous for all living things.

Would you like to share your experience of using a UV lamp at home? Write your opinion about the device – are you satisfied with this manufacturer and the quality of disinfection?

Or are you just planning a purchase and you have questions or doubts about the advisability of purchasing an ultraviolet disinfectant? Ask our experts for advice in the block below this article – we will try to help you