What is a UVC Light Intensity Meter?

A UVC light intensity meter is a specialist light meter designed to measure a specific portion of the ultraviolet light spectrum. This article briefly introduces UVC light, lists common sources of UVC light and details some examples of UVC light intensity meters.

An Introduction to Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 10 nm to 400 nm, shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays.

There are three ranges of UV light – UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB and UVC rays with the shortest wavelengths. 

UV radiation is present in sunlight, and while UVA and UVB rays pass through the Earth’s atmosphere, the ozone layer absorbs all UVC and a portion of UVB rays. So, most UV rays we encounter are UVA with a small amount of UVB.

Sources of UVC

Unless you're in outer space, the only way to contact UVC radiation is through artificial sources. Some typical examples include:

1. Arc welding torches
2. Ultraviolet light analysis used in forensic investigations
3. UV sanitising lamps for disinfectant of air, water, and other nonporous surfaces; and
4. Laboratories in a range of equipment and procedures, e.g.:
   • Transilluminators
   • Chromatography
   • Electrophoresis
   • Germicidal lamps; and
   • UV Lasers.

Why Measure UVC?

There are two crucial reasons to deploy a UVC measuring device:

1. Validation and Process Control: UVC light measurements can indicate the need to address sanitisation. A UVC light intensity meter can verify the intensity of the light or determine if the dose is adequate to ensure proper decontamination.
2. Safety: UVC light meters can be employed to check for UVC leakage from UVC light-emitting devices, to ensure adequate steps and controls are in place to limit the duration of exposure. 

Meters that Measure UVC

UV Light Meter UVC Product code: IC-850010 The IC-850010 measures short wave UVC light and displays recorded information on the large backlit display in either microwatts (uW) or milliwatt/square centimetre (mW/cm2). At the same time, the small lower display shows minimum, maximum, average and recorded data values.  This UVC light intensity meter can save up to 20 data points at various intervals for later recall—making this unit ideal for measuring a large area or obtaining an average measurement.   Specifications UV Range: 1 µW/cm² to 40 mW/cm2 Resolution: 1 µW and 0.01 mW/cm² Accuracy: ±4% ±1 digit (@23 ±5°

UVC Light Meter Product code: UVC254 The UVC254 is a professional and high-quality UVC measuring meter with an exceptional UVC sensor with a correction filter to ensure accurate measurements. The extra-large display provides an easy readout of results while the unit can record minimum and maximum measurements and hold data on the screen to record results.   Specifications UV Range and resolution: 199.9 uW/cm^2 x 0.1 uW/cm^2 1.999 mW/cm^2 x 0.001 mW/cm^2 P 19.99 mW/cm^2 x 0.01 mW/cm^2 Accuracy: ± ( 2 % FS + 2 dgt)

Conclusion

UVC Light Intensity meters measure the UVC portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, most commonly where UV light is used for sterilisation or experimental purposes in a laboratory or hospital setting.

Browse all UV light meters here 

Are you unsure what UVC light intensity meter best suits your application? An Instrument Choice Scientist can help! Call 1300 737 871 or email [email protected].