How to choose a suitable UV light meter?

Different wavelength ultraviolet light sources have different functions. For example, UVC wavelength ultraviolet light is generally used in the sterilization industry and UVA wavelength ultraviolet light is used in the curing industry. When choosing an UV light meter, please firstly confirm the ultraviolet light source you need to measure -type or band. This information can be obtained from the specifications of the light source being tested, or you can directly query the UV light source manufacturer.

I. Choose UV meter according to the type of UV light source

II. Choose UV light meter according to the UV wavelength

III. Choose UV intensity meter according to the measurement range and test hole diameter

IV. FAQ for UV light meters

1. Why there is no traceable calibration certificate for UV LED light meters?

There are no testing standards for LED light source,  so we can't provide any traceable reports for the probes or UV intensity meters special for LED light souce (UVCLED-X0 probe, UVALED-X0 probe, UVALED-X1 probe, UVALED-X3 probe, LS126A, LS129-UVA). The data of these probes or UV meters are calibrated based on the manufacturer's standards of Linshang. 

We provide factory calibration report for all the UV light intensity meters.

2. Is there a traceable calibration certificate included？

The calibration certificate is not a standard configuration. You need to pay additional calibration costs and wait patiently for the inspection duration of the device.

All the UV light meters, except the probes or UV meters special for LED light source, conform the relevant regulations and standards in China. The UV light intensity meter can pass the inspection of authoritative measurement agency (which has been approved by CNAS and ilac-MRA) and obtain a calibration certificate.  

3. What's the value of UV germicidal lamp used in hospitals to be qualified?

The "Chinese Technical Disinfection Technical Specifications" stipulates that the UV light meter is to be placed at a distance of 1 m vertically under a 253.7 nm germicidal lamp. 

The UV light intensity of the new ordinary 30W straight tube must be no less than 100 μW/ cm². 

The UV light intensity of the 30W straight tube in use must be no less than 70 μW/ cm². 

The UV germicidal lamps with different wattages have various standards, while 30W straight tube is the most commonly used.

The UV light intensity of the germicidal lamp is also related to the ballast. If the ballast of poor quality is used, the qualified UV-C lamp may also be be judged as failing, we recommend that users choose ballasts with good quality, such as Philips.

4. Can these UV meters measure UV wavelength?

Sorry, Linshang UV meters can just measure UV light intensity or UV dose (also UV dosage or energy). Only spectrometers can measure the UV wavelength.

5. Two ways to figure out whether it is a 253.7nm germicidal lamp (low-pressure mercury lamp)

Option 1:The spectral response range of LS126C or other UV-C probes is 230-280nm, the measured peak wavelength is 253.7nm, while the UV light meters' response at other wavelengths is very weak. The low-pressure mercury lamp currently known only has a peak wavelength at 253.7nm. Therefore, if the test data is very low, then the germicidal lamp peak wavelength may not be 253.7nm or it's unqualified.

Option 2: A spectrometer is needed to measure the spectrum or wavelength of the germicidal lamp.(Unfortuantely this equipment is not provided by Linshang.）

6. UV light meter calibration period and cost

UV meters are generally recommended to be calibrated once a year, however, if they are not used frequently and the UV meters are kept in a dry and clean environment, you can also choose to send them back to the factory for calibration every two years or longer.

The first calibration is free, but the freight cost and VAT/taxes by customs is borne by the client. The cost of subsequent calibration for UV light meter is US$32.