Every UV-C disinfection system consists of one or more high-intensity ultraviolet lamps, integrated into a structure designed to ensure correct installation for each specific application.
These systems do not require complex maintenance: routine surface cleaning and, most importantly, the periodic replacement of UV-C lamps are generally sufficient.
Why UV-C lamps need to be replaced
The amount of germicidal radiation emitted by a UV-C lamp gradually decreases during use, eventually reaching exhaustion after a certain number of operating hours.
Under ideal conditions, a UV-C lamp reaches the end of its useful life after approximately 18,000 hours of continuous operation.
Beyond this limit, the emission decay exceeds 30% compared to its initial value, dropping below the minimum threshold required to ensure the effectiveness of any UV-C system.
Factors that influence lamp lifespan
It is important to note that the useful life of a UV-C lamp can be further reduced by several environmental or technical factors, such as:
-
non-optimal operating temperature
-
general environmental conditions at the installation site
-
electrical peaks or transient currents
switching stress, which causes an additional reduction of approximately one hour of life for each ON/OFF cycle
Minimum UV-C emission levels required
The recommended minimum emission level needed to guarantee the effectiveness of a UV-C system varies depending on the application:
-
Less critical applications
(coil treatment, cold rooms, systems with lamps operating continuously, etc.):
minimum recommended emission ≥ 70% of the initial value. -
Critical applications
(on-the-fly air treatment, medical environments, food production, pharmaceutical processes, water treatment, livestock facilities, etc.):
minimum recommended emission ≥ 85% of the initial value.
Integrated hour counter
Some UV-C systems are equipped with an hour counter that records total operating hours and also considers additional decay factors.
When the lamp reaches the estimated end of its useful life, the system automatically generates an alert indicating that replacement is required.
When to replace UV-C lamps
To simplify maintenance planning, even without an hour counter or a detailed assessment of additional decay factors, it is recommended to:
-
replace lamps every 24 months in systems operating continuously
-
replace them every 12–15 months in systems that are switched on and off daily
The importance of original Light Progress spare lamps
To maintain the certified performance and effectiveness of Light Progress UV-C systems, it is essential to use original lamps. Using non-original replacements:
-
may damage the UV-C system
-
may not guarantee the expected disinfection level
-
may significantly reduce the lamp’s lifespan
Original Light Progress lamps can also be equipped with the special UVLON protective coating, which enhances safety in the event of accidental breakage.
Where to purchase replacement lamps
Detailed instructions for correct lamp replacement are provided in the user and maintenance manual supplied with each Light Progress UV-C system.
Replacement lamps are available through our network of authorized distributors, or can be purchased directly from our website for deliveries within the EU: https://lightprogress-shop.com