How to use a germicidal lamp
One of the most interesting lighting devices is a bactericidal lamp. This device is not intended to illuminate the room, but to disinfect and clean it from unwanted microorganisms. The equipment is used in many areas, providing comfortable conditions.
What is a germicidal lamp
A germicidal lamp is an electrical device that emits waves in the UV spectrum. These waves affect the chemical structure of the air, the state of living organisms and plants.
The elements emit UV rays with a wavelength of 180-250 nm. Radiation effectively destroys bacteria (staphylococcus, salmonella, enterococcus, etc.), viruses, yeast fungi, mold.
The emitted light acts as a disinfectant and completely destroys microorganisms in the air and on surfaces. At the same time, the short range of radiation is completely safe for people and animals.
Devices are used for medicinal purposes to destroy microbes that cause inflammation of the skin, ear canals, throat, nose. Dosed exposure helps to improve the functioning of the immune system, relieve pain after injuries, and reduce fatigue.
Types of germicidal lamps for the home
Bactericidal elements are used in houses to disinfect water and premises. The first category of partings is most often found in private homes. The emitters are built into the water supply units, purifying the water passing through the pipes from the microorganisms contained in it.
Lamps for rooms can be stationary or mobile. Stationary usually have a solid base and are mounted in a specific place in the house. The range of such a germicidal lamp is somewhat limited, which affects the result.
Mobile devices can be installed in different places and are perfect for any room. Due to mobility, the range increases significantly.
By design, devices are distinguished:
- open type;
- closed type (recirculators).
Radiation from open-type lamps diverges throughout the room, while closed designs require step-by-step processing.
The process of clearing space in closed type elements can be described as follows:
- due to the fan, air from the external environment enters the cleaning area;
- it is exposed to ultraviolet light and cleaned;
- purified air is fed back into the room.
This method is convenient because it can be implemented in the presence of people.
By design, the elements are of the following types:
- floor;
- hinged;
- desktop.
Floor structures are suitable for disinfection of spacious rooms. Most often they are mobile and move on the platform.
Mounted are stationary bactericidal devices built into the ceiling or walls.
A variety of mobile bactericidal devices are table lamps. The main advantage is the possibility of local disinfection with local irradiation of surfaces. Models have different characteristics and performance indicators. You need to select in strict accordance with specific goals.
What are used for
Bactericidal elements are usually used to solve the following problems:
- deep purification and disinfection of drinking water;
- pool water treatment;
- disinfection of air and surfaces in the room;
- sterilization of medical instruments.
The effectiveness of the destruction of microorganisms is the reason for the use of germicidal lamps during epidemics.
In everyday life, small power devices are used that do not require protective measures. During an epidemic, it is desirable to turn on the device daily, while in the usual period, a weekly treatment of the premises is enough.
Devices of this type can be found in the following industries:
- hospitals and medical institutions;
- pools;
- public buildings in which a large number of people gather;
- in food production;
- in schools, kindergartens and similar institutions.
How a germicidal lamp works
The principle of operation of a germicidal lamp is the effect of electricity on mercury vapor in a flask. The process includes the following steps:
- The voltage of the set value is applied to the contacts from the control device.
- Mercury vapor breaks through the charge and begins to glow.
- UV radiation is generated.
- Uviolet glass blocks high frequency waves.
The sources operate from a network with a voltage of 220 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. The device of a bactericidal lamp provides for its installation in irradiators or in standard household lamps with a classic cartridge.
Operating rules
When using germicidal lamps, it is important to take into account their features. Actions must be carried out in strict accordance with the instructions; for safety, it is important to study the recommendations from the manufacturer.
Instructions for use
Before using germicidal lamps with directional flow, it is important to remove people and animals from the premises.
Recirculators are installed on the walls of rooms, taking into account the main air flows. The optimal location would be a height of about 2 m from the floor next to the heating appliances.
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For short-term treatment of the premises, it is advisable to use mixed-type irradiators. While there are people, closed bactericidal lamps work, when the room is vacated, the main emitters are launched for a while. 5 minutes of work is enough for complete disinfection. Between procedures, 3 hours should pass, this period is set as the base for the emergence of new bacteria and microorganisms.
If there are no people in the room, open emitters are used that can work up to 25 minutes. During this time, the optimal level of exposure is reached. A minimum of 2 hours must elapse before the next cleaning.
The power supply to the devices is supplied by a switch, which must be placed in an adjacent room. It is advisable to immediately place a sign of a dangerous area above the entrance with a recommendation not to enter.
People who are in the room during processing must have personal protective equipment: a mask, goggles and gloves.
Service
Maintenance of a germicidal lamp includes a thorough cleaning of the bulb and screens from dust and contaminants using disinfectants. Cleaning must be on schedule. You can wipe the device only when it is disconnected from the mains.
If the lamp has expired the period of use indicated in the passport, it must immediately be replaced with a new one. Sensors can be used to track equipment life. They show the total operating time in hours and allow you to assess the condition of the appliance.
Separately, the readings of radiometers that record a decrease in radiation power are taken into account.
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Safety requirements
Compared to a quartz lamp, bactericidal sources have a milder effect on the human body. In addition, it is not necessary to ventilate the room after using the device.
To ensure that the operation of the bactericidal lamp does not cause problems, follow the rules:
- it is desirable to use the device indoors without people and animals;
- before entering a room with a working bactericidal equipment, wear protective goggles;
- the switch is better to bring out;
- if the lamp has been at low temperatures for a long time, let it stay at room temperature for a while before turning it on;
- disinfection is carried out in strict accordance with the schedule;
- you can turn on the lamp a second time only after it has completely cooled down;
- prevent the appearance of dust and dirt on the flask;
- clean the device with a soft cloth moistened with a disinfectant;
- for some diseases, it is forbidden to use a lamp that kills bacteria (it is better to consult a specialist in advance).
Advantages and disadvantages of the lamp
The advantages of bactericidal lamps include:
- destruction of pathogenic microorganisms;
- air purification from dust, allergens and unwanted impurities;
- prevention of rickets and viral diseases in children;
- radiation helps to quickly cope with skin, joint and respiratory diseases;
- effective in cosmetology.
There are contraindications associated with the possibility of complications in diseases and conditions:
- hypertension;
- tuberculosis;
- stomach ulcer;
- individual intolerance to ultraviolet;
- elevated temperature.
The use of UV radiation in these cases can cause serious harm. Otherwise, the benefits of the device are obvious.
