How UV-C works

Ultraviolet light is invisible to the naked eye, and has several varieties. UV-C is the kind that we use in our products. Germicidal UV has a specific wavelength of 253.7 nanometers.

UV-C lamps

Ultraviolet germicidal lamps provide a much more powerful and concentrated source of ultraviolet energy than can be found naturally. Such lamps sanitize air that is passed directly in their path, and surfaces that they fall on, to destroy pathogens that come into contact with the UV rays.

Modern compact UV-C lamps (ours are made by Philips) are designed to be efficient and reliable generators of exactly the right wavelength of ultraviolet germicidal radiation (UVGI) to disinfect gases, liquids and solid surfaces. They have a glass envelope to filter out harmful ozone-forming radiation (UV-V). To protect people, they must be used in closed containers, or with some other kind of protection (for example, louvred shielding or mounted high in a room away from the inhabitants).

illuminated UV lamps

Germicidal action

UV-C disrupts the DNA and RNA of micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi, making it impossible for them to reproduce, and killing a large number in the process. Whilst this action cannot be called sterilisation because some deactivated cells are still present in the environment, the percentage of viable organisms is vastly reduced. Air disinfection units constantly 'chip away' at the population or airborne organisms, keeping levels low. The more aggressive action of the surface decontamination units and cabinets removes up to 99.9% of contaminants when used correctly.