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Germicidal Lamp Specifications

Germicidal lamps are used in applications to purify water and air. A number of brands produce these lamps in a number of configurations. Lamps are available that use bulbs that are U-shaped, have a bi-pin, single pin, four-pin, screw in or several other bulb base configurations. Some lamps are designed to also generate ozone. These lamps are used in water purification or to help eliminate odor from the air. All lamps should produce 254 nanometers of ultraviolet radiation to be effective in germicidal applications. Ozone generating lamps should be able to produce an additional 185 nanometers. All lamps and bulbs must be of similar specifications.

  1. Watts

    • The wattage accounts for the total watt output of the lamp. When purchasing a replacement bulb, the watts on the bulb will need to match the watt output of the lamp.

    UV Output

    • The output of ultraviolet light is measured in watts. This measurement reflects the watt output needed to reach the 254 nanometer threshold necessary for germicidal applications. The measurement is reflective of an approximate 100-hour time period at 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Ozone Output

    • Ozone output is in reference to ozone producing lamps only. The ozone output is measured in grams per hour a lamp is able to generate under favorable conditions. Lamps may produce only a fraction of its measured output depending on use conditions.

    Length

    • Length measures the distance in a lamp from one base face to the other base face. It can be measured in millimeters or inches. The length of a replacement bulb will need to match the length of a lamps from one base face to the other.

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