A wide variety of UV lamp offerings are available on the market today. This allows customers to focus on the relatively low cost of such products. Despite the availability, it is always necessary to be interested in power indicators and additional features of purchased devices. An ultraviolet lamp for home use can be assembled on its own if there is no desire to part with money.
Ultraviolet
Segments of the electromagnetic spectrum of high energy power are called ultraviolet. There are different types of radiation. The ultraviolet spectrum is divided into three main groups according to wavelength. UVC rays are dangerous for living things, the wavelength range of 180-290 nm. UVB - are vital for reptiles, the average range is 290-320 nm. UVA - long wavelength, 320-400 nm.
Varieties of UV Lamps
Elements of ultraviolet lighting differ in length, spectrum, power and shape. They are available in the form of tubes, incandescent lamps or metal-vapor lighting devices. Due to the variety of characteristics, the list of possibilities for using ultraviolet sources is expanding. All devices have different working distances. The length of the product always corresponds to its power.
Indoor UV lamps can be used for various purposes. Samples from 15 to 80 watts are available on the modern market. Various shades of lighting are imitated due to color and spectral characteristics. High power of a light stream is provided with mercury lamps. They are characterized by long-term preservation of the working property. The use of an ultraviolet lamp is always relevant in the design of reptile terrariums.
How long will a UV lamp last?
Feedback on operating dates is always only positive. An ordinary ultraviolet light bulb can work quietly throughout the year. In some cases, it is recommended to change them more often. It depends on the application. The fact is that the fluorescent composition burns out during operation. The spectrum of lighting is changing. Excessive burnout should not be allowed if, for example, it is necessary to provide a source of ultraviolet radiation to maintain the life of a reptile.
Quality of light
Indoor ultraviolet lamps can vary in quality and light intensity for the better or for the worse. The color of visible light and color temperature are determined by the Kelvin scale. The color rendering index affects the intensity distribution and wave quality. For developers, the concepts of “warm” and “cold” light are important.
The ratio of qualitative and quantitative indicators should be considered when an ultraviolet lamp is created. With their own hands, masses of people assemble simple appliances. If you take into account all the parameters indicated above, the product will perform the necessary functions for a very long time.
UV lamps in a reptile terrarium
The quantitative characteristics of ultraviolet radiation in this situation require attention because this type of lighting is important for the life of reptiles. The duration of lighting should correspond to their photoperiod in real conditions. High intensity is needed. Fluctuations in biological processes in the body of turtles change throughout the year. Each ultraviolet lamp should simulate a circadian period. With your own hands it is necessary to create natural conditions for development. To support reptile life, visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation are needed. Each terrarium should be equipped with the necessary equipment.
How to assemble an ultraviolet lamp with your own hands to illuminate the system unit?
There is a simple way to design a backlight from several resistors and an ordinary window thermometer, in the scale of which you can make several holes for ultraviolet diodes. Still need foil. The diodes are soldered in parallel by 3. The thermometer is assembled back, and as a result, an ultraviolet lamp is ready for use.
Bactericidal lighting device
Do-it-yourself bactericidal ultraviolet lamp can still be created. To do this, you need an ordinary mercury gas-discharge lamp DRL 250. Such a lamp can be used to disinfect storages, cellars, workshops, etc. The device allows you to save on the purchase of expensive chemicals that require appropriate precautions.
To make such a device, you need a DRL 250 lamp , a cartridge, wires and a choke. To fix the structure, you can use a wooden stand. First of all, a throttle is installed, then a cartridge and a plug are attached to it .
Creating an ultraviolet lamp
DRL 250 consists of several shells. The outer protective layer does not pass ultraviolet. This shell must be carefully broken so that the inside is not damaged. For example, you can wrap a light bulb in a wet rag and clamp it in a vice. The outer shell will burst, unable to withstand the pressure. What is found inside is treated with an alcohol-based solution.
A 30W bactericidal lamp in the store costs from 300 rubles, and a DRL-250 for 250W - only 100. A larger volume is being processed. Such an ultraviolet lamp for home use is cheaper and more efficient.
Another cleaning lamp
To achieve the same goals, you can resort to another solution. A non-polar high voltage capacitor can be used as a current limiter. You must also enable it sequentially. As a protective coating, you can use a cropped bottle. An ultraviolet home lamp is fixed in its upper part. The gap between the walls and the base is filled with electrical tape. Wonderful ultraviolet emitter is ready for high-quality sanitary treatment of premises.
In addition to cleaning basements, such lamps can be used to create artificial lighting for cultivated plants. Only before use is it necessary to learn about all the conditions and possible consequences of using this type of device for such purposes. You need to feed the plants in compliance with the correct proportions formed by optimal indicators of light intensity and duration.
From the history of DRL-250
DRL-250 burners were used in the processing of memory microchips to erase them. A Soviet-made electric kettle was used as ballast. The process of boiling water in a filled container was used as a reference to determine the completion of the process of erasing microcircuits. The kettle was used as a timer while the washing device was an ordinary UV lamp. Reviews of experts agree that when a capacitor is used as a ballast, electrodes are destroyed. For this reason, inductance is characteristic of industrial designs. Among them, capacitive devices are not found.
Conclusion
Ease of use, efficiency and, of course, affordability are characteristic today for modern ultraviolet lamps. They can be used at home, as well as in various fields of medical practice. Discoveries of the properties of the polymerization of varnish even led to the fact that today an ultraviolet lamp is used everywhere for drying nails in beauty salons. Such a device is easy to assemble yourself.
The use of ultraviolet emitters must be authorized with doctors. These items are still medical equipment. Many people may have contraindications to the effects of ultraviolet rays. Follow the operating instructions and the permissible operating mode always. Ultraviolet lamps are recommended to be bought only in special stores, because the characteristics of this type of product define them in the category of medical equipment. The safety and reliability of lighting products can only be guaranteed when purchased in specialized stores.