The effectiveness of UV-C light and UV-C technologies for disinfection has now been proven. Whether it is to sterilize surfaces, clean water, or to help purify the air in homes with HVAC systems, ultraviolet light is now widely adopted. Indeed, countless businesses and organizations, including the Department of Environmental Technologies, have utilized UV-C disinfection to great effect. With the use of UVC lamps comes the demand for performance UV light ballasts.
When choosing a suitable UVC light ballast for your application, there are some important factors to take into consideration. Here are 3 key suggestions to help you to choose the most appropriate ballast for your application.
1. First choose a UVC lamp that offers the performance you need
You must first decide on the UVC lamp you'll be utilizing, before you can choose a UVC ballast to match it. There’s more to this process than just connecting a fluorescent light to a fluorescent ballast and hoping for the best. A sophisticated, tailored ballast is required for UVC lamps that are powered by mercury or amalgam. Much more power is required to disinfect with a UV-C germicidal light than is, needed to cure resin with a low-pressure UV bulb, for example, and different ultraviolet germicidal lights have varying capacities, UVC output, forms, and pin configurations. The voltage, current, and power of the lamp are the three most critical specifications of a UVC lamp.
2. Ensure the Start type of your UVC Light Ballast matches the Lamps duty cycle
The starting type of ballasts are either: Instant Start, Rapid Start, or Programmed Start. You must first determine the lamp's on/off duty cycle in order to appropriately choose the start type that is best for your application. The ballast's starting mechanism regulates the voltage, current, and power delivered to the application. The service life of a given lamp reduces if it must be powered frequently, furthermore, the lamp might fail significantly sooner than expected if the correct ballast start type is not chosen.
3. Match the appropriate size
Manufacturer’s define their own case sizes and configurations, therefore UVC ballasts are not currently subject to any specific industry standards. As a result, two manufacturers' ballasts with comparable functionality may be housed in two very different form factors. Select the form and size that matches your application best. If in doubt, contact a specialist ballast provider for expert advice.
If you are unable to find an electronic ballast that perfectly pairs with your germicidal lamp, reach out to an industry expert and ask them to help develop a customized solution.
ISL Products have been designing and producing UCV light ballasts for germicidal applications across the world, for over fifteen years. They offer their clients the ability to fully customize UVC ballasts that perfectly match the needs of their application.
Whether it’s an off-the-shelf UVC light ballast you need, or a fully bespoke solution - ISL Products are the experts to turn to for high-quality UVC light ballasts.