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 first understand 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 placed at a position of 1 m vertically under a 253.7 nm germicidal lamp. 

The UV light intensity of the new ordinary 30W straight tube must be greater than 100 μW/ cm². 

The UV light intensity of the 30W straight tube in use must be greater than 70 μW/ cm². 

The UV germicidal lamps with different wattages have various standards, 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 regular ballasts, 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 spectrometer can measure the UV wavelength.

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

Although the spectral response range of LS126C or other UV-C probes is 230-280nm, the measured peak wavelength is 253.7nm, but the response at other wavelengths is very weak. The low-pressure mercury lamp currently known only has a peak wavelength at 253.7nm. If the test data is very low, the germicidal lamp peak wavelength may not be 253.7nm or it's unqualified.

Use a spectrometer to measure the spectrum or wavelength of the germicidal lamp.(Linshang does not supply this equipment）

6. UV light meter calibration period and calibration fee

UV meters are generally recommended to be calibrated once a year, but 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 customs is needed. The cost of each subsequent calibration UV light meter is US$30.