Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on any of the questions below for answers to frequently asked questions about UVC sterilization. Of course we also welcome phone calls and e-mails regarding these, and any other questions you may have.
- Can Ultraviolet Light Kill Coronavirus?
- How often do the lamps need to be replaced?
- Should UVC lamps be cleaned?
- How much intensity do I need to kill certain organisms?
- How do germicidal lamps kill?
- How hot do the lamps get?
- To be effective, how close to the surface do the lamps need to be?
- What damage will the lamps do to me?
- What effects does UV-C light have on surrounding materials?
- Can germicidal UVC penetrate surfaces or substances?
- How are UVC lamps used to disinfect the air?
- What safety precautions should be taken when using germicidal UV-C?
- Does an operator have to worry about UV-C light reflected from mirrors, and the likes?
Q: Can UV-C Light Kill The COVID-19 Virus?
Yes. Science proofing that UV-C kills Corona viruses has existed for a long time, and more recent research has firmly established that UV-C also kills the COVID-19 virus.
Q: How often do the lamps need to be replaced?
Germicidal UVC lamps from Ninja UV-C Lights are good for approximately 17,000 hours (two years) of continuous use, with only 20% decrease in output over the two years.
Q: Should UVC lamps be cleaned?
Yes – depending on the surrounding environment, UV-C lamps should be checked periodically (approximately every three months), and can be cleaned with a dry cotton cloth or paper towel. Wear rubber gloves and clean with alcohol only. This will also help maximize lamp life.
Q: How much intensity do I need to kill certain organisms?
The exposure of germicidal ultraviolet is the product of time and intensity. High intensities for a short period and low intensities for a long period are fundamentally equal in lethal action on bacteria. The inverse square law applies to germicidal ultraviolet as it does to light: the killing power decreases as the distance from the lamps increases. The average bacterium will be killed in ten seconds at a distance of six inches from the lamp in an Ninja UV-C Lights Germicidal Fixture.
Q: How do germicidal lamps kill?
Ultraviolet light in the germicidal wavelength – 185-254 nanometers – renders the organisms sterile. When organisms can no longer reproduce, they die.
Q: How hot do the lamps get?
Germicidal UVC lamps do not produce much heat – about the same as fluorescent lamps.
Q: To be effective, how close to the surface do the lamps need to be?
The exposure of germicidal ultraviolet is the product of time and intensity. High intensities for a short period and low intensities for a long period are fundamentally equal in lethal action on bacteria. The inverse square law applies to germicidal ultraviolet as it does to light: the killing power decreases as the distance from the lamps increases. The average bacterium will be killed in ten seconds at a distance of six inches from the lamp in an Ninja UV-C Lights Germicidal Fixture.
Q: What damage will the lamps do to me?
Prolonged, direct exposure to UVC light can cause skin damage and eye irritation. Ninja UV-C Lights systems are designed with safety in mind and, when properly used by a professional operator, do not cause exposure to ultraviolet irradiation and allow for safe operation and maintenance. If you are exposed to direct germicidal light, it can burn the top surface of your skin. If your eyes are exposed, it would be similar to a “welder’s flash”, and your eyes can feel dry or gritty.
Q: What effects does UV light have on surrounding materials?
Long-term exposure of germicidal UVC light to plastics will shorten the shelf life of the plastic by approximately 10%. Example: If the plastic would normally last about ten years, and it’s exposed to germicidal UVC light the entire time, it would probably need to be replaced in 9 years. Plant life may be damaged by direct, or reflected, germicidal ultraviolet rays. Transient dyes and colors may be faded from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Q: Can germicidal UVC penetrate surfaces or substances?
No – germicidal UVC sterilizes only what it comes in contact with.
Q: How are UVC lamps used to disinfect the air?
Germicidal UVC lamps can be used in ceiling fixtures suspended above the people in a room, or within air ducts of re-circulating systems. The first method is called Upper Air Irradiation. The fixtures are shielded on the bottom so that the radiation is directed only up toward the ceiling and out the sides. These upper-air germicidal fixtures are mounted at least 7ft. above the floor so that people will not bump into them or look directly at the lamps.
The second method of air disinfection uses UVC lamps placed inside the ventilation system ducts. If a ceiling is too low for an upper-air irradiation fixture, this type of an in-duct germicidal fixture can be used. Also, because people are not exposed to the UVC radiation, very high levels can be used inside the ducts.
Q: What safety precautions should be taken when using germicidal UV-C?
When using Surface Disinfection products, personnel should be protected by wearing either Safety goggles or face shields designed for ultraviolet exposure, and by covering as much skin as possible with clothing.
Q: Does an operator have to worry about UV-C light reflected from mirrors, and the likes?
UV-C light does not reflect from mirrors (it can not penetrate the glass). The only materials that somewhat reflects UV-C is polished aluminium.
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COST-EFFECTIVE UV-C DISINFECTION LAMPS
NINJALIGHTS 2020
Ninja UV-C Disinfection Lights 