We often get people call us and say they want a UV tube – which isnt strange as that is one of our specialities! However, it is easy to get confused by the types of ‘UV’ tubes available.

Some people call Blacklight Blue Tubes UV tubes and although they are in a way they are not harmful to look at and have no germicidal action. Blacklight blue tubes are the ones that make white things look really bright white and they are usually used in nightclubs, bars or anywhere you want to make it look a bit funky! You can easily tell if you have a blacklight blue tube as the tube is a deep blue/purple colour – its pretty unmistakable.

The other confusion is with what is commonly called a Fly Killer lamp. These lamps dont actually kill the flies they just attract them becasue they emit a particular frequency of light that the flies like. They look like ordinary fluorescent tubes but when they are lit they generally give off a blueish or greenish light. Again as with the black light blue bulbs they are harmless to look at and do not emit germicidal radiation. It has been known for unknowledgable sellers to sell a UVC germicidal lamp as a fly killer lamp and it caused eye and skin problems with staff working nearby (nothing perminent I might add!) so it is important to be sure you get the right bulb.

If someone asks us for a UV lamp we assume they mean a germicidal or UVC lamp. It is pretty easy to tell if you have a UVC lamp because it will be completely clear (see through)and not white. It should also have some markings on it saying that you must not look at it without eye protection or expose your skin to it, sometimes the writing fades over time so dont rely on this alone. If it is made by philips then it will probably have a product code with the letters TUV in it. UVC lamps come in many shapes and sizes but most common are normal fluorescent tube shaped and are either Double or Single ended. It is important to replace a germicidal lamp with an identical one as they use control gear to run and this is usually specific to a particular lamp. We only list a few Germicidal lamps on our website because there are many different types and it is very important to get the correct one.

Lastly, please NEVER look at a germicidal tube when it is running, it may look like it isnt putting out much light (which is blue in colour) but what it does put out alot of is UVC light and that can give you conjuctivitus.

We are always happy to speak to our customers so if you are confused about the type of tube you have or need then please get in touch with us and we will try and get you the correct product

Blacklight Blue Tubes

Fly Killer Tubes

UVC Germicidal Tubes