UV light bulbs are fluorescent tubes with a dark blue or purple filter to remove other parts of the spectrum and leave just UVA light. UV (ultraviolet) light bulbs are often referred to as black light bulbs, or BLB (blacklight blue) bulbs. UV lights feature small wavelengths that are measured in nanometers (nm). Nanometers often affect the UV light bulb, with the bulb emitting either UVA, UVB or UVC UV radiation. None of these bulbs can penetrate human skin and safe to use.

What are the types of UV light bulbs?

The violet light produced by UV light bulbs illuminates objects that normally can’t be seen by the human eye. What do the different bulbs mean:

Blacklight Blue (BLB)

These can be associated with glowing in the dark, with the use of visible UV light. They give off a purple-coloured light, they can be used in:

• Detecting forged back notes
• Anti-theft protection
• Cleaning to detect stains

Blacklight UV Bulb

These fall into the same bracket as black light blue light bulbs. The only difference is the slight difference is the shorter wavelengths that result in different effects. These types of bulbs are used in:

• Sun tanning salons
• Bug zappers (Bugs are attracted to the UV light)
• Germicidal

These UV lamps have the shortest UV wavelengths, meaning they could be potentially harmful to human skin. Germicidal UV light bulbs are available as tubes, with the tube colour usually being transparent. They should be used by professionals and in industrial environments for:

• Water treatment
• Disinfection
• Sterilisation

Can a UV bulb be placed into a normal lamp?

As long as the lamp fitting matches the bulbs and the wattage is the same or lower. Check the manufacturer’s specification of the bulb and lamp fitting for a correct match up to avoid any safety reasons.