UV lamp for home use: types, how to choose which manufacturer is better
The life of people, plants and animals is in close connection with the Sun. It emits radiation having special properties. Ultraviolet light is considered indispensable and vital. With its deficiency, extremely undesirable processes in the body begin, and a strictly dosed amount can cure serious diseases.
Therefore, many people need an ultraviolet lamp for home use. In this article, we’ll talk about how to choose it correctly. Why consider the features of UV rays and their need for the human body.
We will get acquainted with the varieties of UV lamps, their characteristics, give recommendations on choosing the suitable option for domestic use.
The content of the article:
Why is UV needed?
Ultraviolet is called radiation invisible to humans, occupying the area between the X-ray and visible spectrum. The lengths of its constituent waves are in the range from 10 to 400 nanometers.
Physicists conditionally divide the ultraviolet spectrum into near and far, and also distinguish three types of rays making up it. Radiation C is classified as hard, with a relatively long exposure it can kill living cells.
In nature, it practically does not occur, except perhaps high in the mountains. But can be obtained in artificial conditions. Radiation B is considered to be medium in stiffness.
It affects people in the middle of a hot summer day. If used excessively, it can cause harm. And, finally, the softest and most useful are rays of type A. They can even cure a person of certain diseases.
Ultraviolet is widely used in medicine and other fields.First of all, because in his presence, the body produces vitamin D, which is necessary for the normal development of the child and the health of adults. This element makes the bones stronger, strengthens the immune system and enables the body to properly absorb a number of essential trace elements.
In addition, doctors have proved that under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, serotonin, the hormone of happiness, is synthesized in the brain. That is why we love sunny days and fall into a semblance of depression when the sky is cloudy. In addition, ultraviolet is used in medicine as a bactericidal, antimiotic and mutagenic agent. The therapeutic effect of radiation is also known.
Strictly dosed rays directed to a specific 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 condition of organs after operations.
UV radiation has also found widespread use in cosmetology, where it is most often used to obtain a tan and to combat some skin problems.
Do not underestimate the deficit of ultraviolet radiation. When it appears, a person suffers from vitamin deficiency, immunity decreases, and failures in the functioning of the nervous system are diagnosed.
A tendency to depression and mental instability are forming. Given all these factors, for those who wish, household versions of ultraviolet lamps for various purposes have been developed and are being produced. Get to know them better.
The main varieties of UV lamps
Practice shows that most often, ultraviolet emitters are purchased for the home for disinfection purposes. It is proved that hard rays in the range from 100 to 320 nm effectively kill microorganisms.
They destroy bacteria and mold spores, even those that are not in an active sleeping state. Radiation kills exoparasite eggs, dust mites, insects.
It should be understood that destruction takes place only in the reach of the rays, which, unfortunately, are not able to penetrate very deep into the wall or upholstery of upholstered furniture. For the fight against microorganisms, a different duration of exposure is required. Worst of all, sticks and cocci carry it. The simplest microorganisms, spore bacteria and fungi are most resistant to ultraviolet light.
Nevertheless, if you correctly select the 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.
The principle of operation of a standard UV lamp is extremely simple. It is a flask filled with gaseous mercury. At its ends, electrodes are fixed.
When voltage is applied between them, an electric arc forms, which evaporates the mercury, which becomes a source of powerful light energy. More information on mercury-containing lamps we brought 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 cope very well with all known bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, unicellular algae, spores of different types of mold and fungi.
You need to know that UV waves having a length of less than 257 nm activate the process of ozone formation, which is considered the strongest oxidizing agent. Due to this, in the disinfection process, ultraviolet acts together with ozone, which makes it possible to destroy microorganisms quickly and effectively.
However, such lamps have a significant minus. 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 scope of the lamp. Given the name of the device, they call the disinfection procedure quartzization.
It is used for the disinfection of hospital wards, operating rooms, catering, industrial premises, etc. The simultaneous use of ozonation can prevent the development of pathogenic microflora and rot, preserve the freshness of products longer in warehouses or in stores. Such lamps can be used for therapeutic purposes.
View # 2 - bactericidal ultraviolet emitters
The main difference from the device described above is the material of the flask. In bactericidal lamps, it is made of uviole glass. This material well retains the waves of the "hard" range, so that ozone is not formed during operation of the equipment. Thus, disinfection is only possible due to the effect of safer soft radiation.
Such devices do not pose a great threat to humans and animals, but the time and impact on the pathogenic microflora should be significantly increased. Such devices are recommended for use at home.
In medical institutions and equivalent institutions, they can function continuously. In this case, it is necessary to close the lamps with a special casing, which will direct the glow up.
This is necessary to protect the eyes of visitors and workers. Bactericidal lamps are absolutely safe for the respiratory system because they do not emit ozone, but are potentially harmful to the cornea of the eye.
Long-term exposure to it can lead to burns, which over time will lead to visual impairment. For this reason, it is advisable to use special glasses that protect the eyes while the device is in operation.
View # 3 - amalgam type appliances
Advanced and therefore safer to use ultraviolet lamps. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that mercury inside the flask is not present in the liquid, but in the bound state. It is part of a solid amalgam covering the inner surface of the lamp.
Amalgam is an alloy of indium and bismuth with the addition of mercury. During heating, the latter begins to evaporate and emit ultraviolet radiation.
During the operation of amalgam type devices, ozone generation is excluded, which makes them safe. The bactericidal effect is very high. The design features of such lamps make them safe even in the case of rough handling.
If the cold flask is broken for any reason, you can simply throw it into the nearest garbage container.
In case of damage to the integrity of the burning lamp, everything is a little more complicated.Mercury vapors will come out of it, because they are hot amalgam. However, their number is minimal and they will not cause harm.
For comparison, if a bactericidal or quartz device breaks, there is a real threat to health. Each of them contains about 3 g of liquid mercury, which can be dangerous when spilled. For this reason, whole mercury-containing lamps should bedisposed of in a special way. If the bulb is damaged, then the place where the mercury is spilled is treated by specialists.
Another advantage of amalgam devices is their durability. Compared with their analogues, their service life is at least twice as high. This is due to the fact that flasks coated with an amalgam inside do not lose transparency. Whereas lamps with liquid mercury are gradually covered with a dense, slightly transparent coating, which significantly reduces their service life.
What to look at when choosing a device?
Before making a decision on the purchase of the device, it is necessary to determine exactly whether it is really necessary. The purchase will be completely justified if there is some evidence. The lamp can be used to disinfect rooms, water, public objects, etc.
You need to understand that you should not get too carried away with this, since life in sterile conditions adversely affects immunity, especially children’s.
Therefore, doctors recommend that the device is used wisely in families with frequently ill children during seasonal illnesses. The device will be useful in the process of caring for bed patients, because it allows not only to disinfect the room, but also helps to fight bedsores, eliminates unpleasant odors, etc.
A UV lamp can cure some diseases, but in this case it is used only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Ultraviolet 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.
Perhaps home use of UV emitters for cosmetic purposes. In this way, you can get a beautiful tan and get rid of skin problems, dry nails coated with special varnish.
In addition, special lamps for disinfecting water and devices that stimulate the growth of domestic plants are produced. All of them have specific features that do not allow their use for other purposes. Thus, the range of household UV lamps is very large.
There are few universal options among them, so before buying you need to know exactly for what purposes and how often the device will be used.
In addition, there are a number of factors that must be taken into account when choosing.
Type of household UV lamp
To work at home, manufacturers produce three types of equipment:
- Open lamp. Ultraviolet from the source spreads unhindered. The use of such devices is limited by the characteristics of the lamp. Most often they are included for a strictly defined time, animals and people are removed from the premises.
- Closed devices or recirculators. Air is fed into the protected case of the device, where it is disinfected, after which it enters the room. Such lamps are not dangerous to others, so they can work in the presence of people.
- Specialized equipmentdesigned to perform certain tasks. Most often equipped with a set of nozzles-tubes.
Experts recommend choosing specialized or closed devices, since they are the safest. Open equipment requires constant monitoring and strict observance of the rules for its use.
Device mounting method
The manufacturer suggests choosing the right model from two main options: stationary and mobile. In the first case, it is envisaged to fix the device at the selected location. Moving is not 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 appliances is their high power, which allows them to process a room of a considerable area.
Most often, in this design they produce closed recirculating lamps. Mobile devices are less powerful, but they can be easily moved to another location.
It can be both closed and open lamps. The latter are especially suitable for the disinfection of small spaces: wardrobes, bathrooms and toilets, etc. Mobile devices are usually installed 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. Relatively recently, interesting models of UV emitters have appeared. These are original hybrids of the lamp and bactericidal lamp with two two working modes. They work like lighting fixtures or disinfect a room.
UV power
For the proper use of the UV lamp, it is important that its power corresponds to the size of the room in which it will be used.
The manufacturer usually indicates in the technical passport of the product the so-called "room coverage". This is the area that is affected by the device. If there is no such information, the power of the device will be indicated.
On average for rooms up to 65 cubic meters. m will be enough device power of 15 watts. This means that such a lamp can be safely purchased if the area of the processed rooms is from 15 to 35 square meters. m at a height of not more than 3 m. More powerful copies issuing 36 watts must be purchased for premises with an area of 100-125 cubic meters. m with standard ceiling heights.
The most popular models of UV lamps
The range of ultraviolet emitters designed for home use is quite wide. Domestic manufacturers produce high-quality, effective and quite affordable equipment. Consider several such devices.
No. 1 - various modifications of the brand Sun
Under this brand, open-type quartz emitters of various capacities are produced. Most models are designed to disinfect 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 the age of three. The device is multifunctional, therefore it is considered universal.
The case is equipped with a special protective screen, which is used during medical procedures and is removed when the room is disinfected. Depending on the model, the equipment is equipped with a set of special nozzles or tubes for various therapeutic procedures.
Since the device can be considered an open type emitter, it must be equipped with goggles and a biodosimeter that helps to ensure that the radiation dose is not exceeded.
We get acquainted with the UV lamps Sun:
No. 2 - Crystal compact emitters
Another sample of domestic production. It is a small mobile device. Designed exclusively for the disinfection of space, the volume of which does not exceed 60 cubic meters. m
These parameters correspond to a room of standard height with an area of not more than 20 square meters. m. The device is an open type lamp, therefore, requires proper handling.
During the operation of the equipment, plants, animals and people should be removed from the zone of its operation. Structurally, the device is very simple. 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 luminescent and then the equipment will work like a regular lamp.
How does the Crystal bactericidal lamp work:
No. 3 - bactericidal recirculators of the RZT and ORBB series
These are powerful gated devices. Designed for disinfection and air purification. The devices are equipped with a UV lamp, which is located inside a closed protective case.
Air is sucked into the device by a fan, after treatment it is pumped out. Due to this, the device can function in the presence of people, plants or animals that do not receive negative effects.
Depending on the model, the devices can be additionally equipped with filters that trap particles of dirt and dust. The equipment is mainly available 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
We choose the right UV emitter for the home:
Ultraviolet is necessary for every living creature. Unfortunately, it can not always be obtained in sufficient quantities. In addition, UV rays are a powerful weapon against a 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 extremely carefully. It is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of doctors and not to overdo it. Large doses of ultraviolet radiation are very dangerous for all living things..
Want to share your experiences with 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 acquiring an ultraviolet disinfectant? Ask our experts for advice in the block under this article - we will try to help you.
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Standard bactericidal lamps belong to the category of discharge devices. They are distinguished from quartz by the material used to make the flask — instead of quartz glass, they use uviole glass. It delays the aggressive radiation that forms ozone. From amalgam lamps they are distinguished by the presence of mercury in a free state. This type of device is absolutely safe for processing apartments, but less effective than quartz lamps.
In moderate doses, the human body needs ultraviolet radiation, which contributes to the production of vitamin D. In normal conditions, it is enough to take sun baths to make up for the deficiency of this vitamin in the body. But in winter there is not much sun. However, it is enough to buy a UV lamp for home use to solve this problem.
Excess vitamin D is just as harmful as a deficiency. As soon as a tan began to appear, it means that the body began to produce a pigment that protects against UV radiation. So, there was an excess of vitamin D ...