As we finish up this crazy 2020 year, it is strange to think of how things were when the year started. Covid-19 changed everything including lighting and how facilities operate. Up until then, UV-C lighting was a small yet still growing sector in the business. Now that UV-C lighting has been proven effective in killing/deactivating 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and more (including Covid-19), UV-C has become a burgeoning niche in lighting with myriad products being vetted and released in hopes of keeping facilities clean, safe and open for business.
With that in mind, we take a look at five of the top ways to utilize UVC lighting in your building. Each business has their own considerations and needs within their buildings for deploying UVC, but all UVC units require knowledge to operate safely so it’s important to choose the right one.
#1 – Mobile UVC Carts
Far and away the most popular way to deploy UV-C lighting so far has been with mobile carts. They are easy to control and garner value from thanks to the fact they can be wheeled around from room-to-room to disinfect. Most can be controlled by remote or phone app making them a safe yet easy option to utilize disinfection technology at schools, hotels, churches and any business. When the lamps burn out on these units they can be replaced.
Mobile UVC options to consider:
Cello Lighting UVCART300 – the original Portable UVC Cart
Cello Lighting UVCARTCOMBO – 4-in-1 Portable UVC + Air Sanitization Cart
Puro Sentry Mobile Disinfecting Light w/ Tripod
Puro Sentry M4 Mobile Disinfectant Light Dual UV Power
#2 – Wall-Mount UVC Disinfection
Just as wall-mount lights are useful and easy to install, the same can be said for UVC wall-mount fixtures. Slim, low-profile design and mounts within seconds at the desired location. Some deliver LED light while others strictly utilize Xenon technology. Units like the Aleddra Circadian UV Sanitizing Overbed Light above have become popular in hospitals and nursing homes as they offer a combination of modes; color-choice for a warm or white light during standard lighting operations as well as UV-C mode (265nm) or UV-A mode for effective reduction of bacteria/viruses within 10 minutes. Built-in safety mechanisms with UV start-time delay, flashing warning light and a timer to safeguard from UV exposure.
Wall-Mount UVC options to consider:
Aleddra Overbed Classic UV Sanitizing Circadian Overbed Light
Olympia Lighting 2′ UVC LED Wall Unit
Puro Helo UV Disinfection Light Engine
#3 UVC Lay-In Troffers
For applications with a drop ceiling, it makes sense to consider UV-C capable lay-in troffers. Some units are specialized for UVC-output only while others are similar to typical LED troffer fixtures but they have a UVC mode that can be enabled. The Olympia Lighting UVC Disinfection Lay-In LED Troffer operates with a fan to draw in air and release with concealed, eye-safe hidden UVC light for continuous 24/7 use. Also features standard functionality seen in modern LED fixtures which includes color + power select technology for changing between 3000K, 3500K, 4000K or 5000K as well as multiple wattage/lumen options for both 2×2 and 2×4 troffer sizes.
UVC Lay-In Troffers to consider:
Olympia Lighting UVT-2X2FT-80W-UVC-120V – 80W 2×2 LED/UVC Troffer
Olympia Lighting UVT-2X4FT-90W-UVC-120V – 90W 2×4 LED/UVC Troffer
Puro H-F2-6-P-COM-110 – Puro Helo F2 Dual UV Light Engine (wall or recessed install)
#4 – UVC LED Strips for HVAC/Ductwork
Catch viruses/bacteria before they enter rooms with high UVC intensity LED strips that are installed in HVAC & ductwork. Combined UV irradiation and disinfecting air convection to break down ad inactivate infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.
HVAC UVC options to consider:
Olympia Lighting UVS-1FT-30W-UVC-120V – 1′ LED UVC Strip for HVAC
Olympia Lighting UVS-2FT-60W-UVC-120V – 2′ LED UVC Strip for HVAC
Olympia Lighting UVS-4FT-120W-UVC-120V – 4′ LED UVC Strip for HVAC
#5 – UVC Screw-in Lamps & Wands
UVC lamps are a simple yet effective way to harness UVC technology in a given space. Versatile in that they can be moved around and in general can be considered a lower-powered option (500 Square Foot or less) compared to the mobile units. The Olympia Lighting UVC Germicidal Lamp above utilizes Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Technology to provide air and surface disinfection with high intensity 254nm wavelengths. Turn on safety time delay of 10 seconds with on/off & timer remote control. Can be set to 15 minute, 30 minute, 45 minute or 60 minute intervals and has HFD motion sensor protection for shut-off.
UVC Lamps to consider:
Olympia Lighting UVL-55W-UVC-120V – UVC Germicidal Wand Lamp
Olympia Lighting CL-30W8-UVG-E26 – UVC Germicidal 30W LED Disinfection Lamp
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There you have it; five ways to get set up with UVC Disinfection technology at your facility today. Always remember, despite the built-in safety mechanisms of all the lamps and fixtures above, it is important to have anyone who is implementing or in charge of operating UV-C lights be mindful of the dangers of UV exposure and consequently the best practices of use. If you have questions about what would work best at your facility you can contact Premier Lighting for a free consultation.
Have used the mobile carts with great success at our school – easy to assemble and use for the janitors.