What is better, 365nm or 395nm UV tubes?

The choice between 365 nm and 395 nm UV tubes depends on your application. 365 nm tubes emit "pure" UV-A radiation with minimal visible light, making them ideal when you want the UV source to remain inconspicuous and focus entirely on exciting fluorescent materials. 395 nm tubes emit a slightly higher wavelength that includes a faint visible violet glow, which can add atmospheric colour to the environment. For pure blacklight effects in theatre and exhibitions, 365 nm is preferred. For club and entertainment settings where a purple ambiance is desirable, 395 nm works well. Both wavelengths are safe for short-term exposure and effectively excite UV-reactive materials.

How often should UV tubes be replaced in professional installations?

Professional UV tubes are typically rated for 8,000–10,000 hours of operation, but UV output degrades over time. For applications where consistent intensity is critical, such as stage productions or trade show displays, replace tubes after approximately 6,000–7,000 hours to maintain optimal performance. In less demanding applications, tubes can be used until they reach their rated lifespan or exhibit visible signs of failure such as flickering, dimming or blackening at the ends. Keep a log of operating hours and perform regular visual inspections to determine replacement intervals. Budget for replacement costs when planning long-term installations or touring productions.

Which UV tube fits my fixture?

To determine which UV tube fits your fixture, check three key specifications: socket type (e.g. G5, G13, 2G11), tube length (e.g. 288 mm, 590 mm, 1,200 mm) and power rating (e.g. 8 W, 18 W, 36 W). These details are usually printed on the existing tube or listed in the fixture's documentation. Additionally, verify whether your fixture uses a conventional ballast (KVG) or electronic ballast (EVG), as tubes designed for one type will not work properly with the other. If you're unsure, contact LTT's technical team with your fixture model number or a photo of the existing tube, and we'll help you identify the correct replacement.

Do fluorescent UV tubes contain hazardous materials?

Yes, traditional fluorescent UV tubes contain small amounts of mercury vapour, which is hazardous to health and the environment. This is why spent UV tubes must be disposed of as hazardous waste and never thrown into regular rubbish bins. If a tube breaks, ventilate the area immediately, avoid direct contact with fragments, and clean up carefully using gloves and damp paper towels. Many municipalities offer collection points for fluorescent lamps. The EU's RoHS directive and Ecodesign regulations are gradually phasing out mercury-containing lamps in favour of LED alternatives, but fluorescent UV tubes remain widely used in professional event technology due to their proven performance and lower initial cost.

Can I use UV tubes with a dimmer or DMX controller?

Traditional fluorescent UV tubes are generally not dimmable using standard phase-cut dimmers or DMX controllers. Fluorescent discharge lamps require a stable voltage and current to maintain the gas discharge; reducing voltage typically causes the tube to flicker or extinguish rather than dim smoothly. However, some specialised electronic ballasts designed for fluorescent tubes offer 0–10 V or DALI dimming interfaces, which can be integrated into lighting control systems. For applications requiring precise intensity control and DMX integration, consider upgrading to LED UV fixtures, which offer full dimming and control capabilities. If you need controllable UV effects with traditional tubes, use mechanical dimmers (shutters) or switch fixtures on/off in sequences.

What is the difference between UV-A, UV-B and UV-C tubes?

UV radiation is divided into three bands: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm) and UV-C (100–280 nm). UV-A tubes (blacklight) are used in event technology for fluorescence effects and are safe for short-term exposure. UV-B tubes emit radiation that causes sunburn and skin damage; they are used in medical phototherapy and tanning beds, not in general event applications. UV-C tubes emit germicidal radiation at 254 nm, used for disinfection and sterilisation of air, water and surfaces. UV-C is extremely hazardous to skin and eyes and must never be used in occupied spaces without strict safety protocols. The UV tubes sold by LTT for event technology are exclusively UV-A blacklight tubes, which are safe for use in entertainment and stage environments.

What does a professional UV tube cost?

Professional UV tubes range in price depending on power rating, wavelength and brand. Compact 4–11 W tubes typically cost €8–€15, mid-range 15–36 W tubes cost €15–€30, and high-output 58–160 W tubes cost €30–€60. Premium brands such as Philips, Osram and Omnilux command higher prices but offer longer lifespans, more consistent spectral output and better reliability compared to budget alternatives. When calculating total cost of ownership, factor in replacement frequency, energy consumption and the cost of downtime if a tube fails during a critical event. Investing in quality tubes from trusted manufacturers delivers better long-term value for professional installations.

Can I retrofit my existing UV tube fixtures with LED UV lamps?

Retrofitting existing fluorescent UV tube fixtures with LED UV lamps is possible in some cases, but it requires careful consideration. Some manufacturers offer LED retrofit tubes designed to fit standard G5 or G13 sockets, but these often require ballast bypass — the existing ballast must be removed or bypassed, and the fixture rewired for direct mains connection. This modification should only be performed by a qualified electrician and may void the fixture's safety certification. Additionally, LED retrofit tubes may not deliver the same light distribution or UV intensity as the original fluorescent tubes. For professional applications, it's often more reliable to invest in purpose-built LED UV fixtures rather than attempting retrofits. Contact LTT's technical team to discuss your specific retrofit requirements and explore suitable solutions.

UV lamps/tubes

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OMNILUX UV Tube 36W G13 1200x26mm T8

€10.50 *

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EUROLITE UV-Röhre Komplettset 120cm 36W slim

EUROLITE UV-Tube Complete Fixture 120cm 36W slim

€35.90 *

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OMNILUX UV Tube 58W G13 1500x26mm T8

€19.90 *

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OMNILUX C35 230V/40W E-14 UV Kerzenlampe

OMNILUX C35 230V/40W E-14 UV Candle Bulb

€3.90 *

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OMNILUX UV Tube 18W G13 590x26mm T8

€6.90 *

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Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

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OMNILUX UV A19 lamp 75W E-27

€5.50 *

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OMNILUX UV Lamp 125W E-27

€15.90 *

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OMNILUX UV Lamp 400W E-40

€26.81 *

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PHILIPS UV Tube Slim Line 36W 120cm

An indispensable means of decoration Countless numbers of application possibilities • Already existing a good number of years, the "black light effect" is still fascinating: white...

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€38.90 *

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PHILIPS PL-S 9W BLB/2P 1CT/6X10CC

PHILIPS PL-S 9W BLB/2P 1CT/6X10CC PL-S Blacklight Blue is a special low-wattage compact fluorescent lamp emitting long wave UV radiation for detection and analysis purposes in archaeology, money...

€23.44 *

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Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

PHILIPS TL 6W BLB 1FM/10X25CC

PHILIPS TL 6W BLB 1FM/10X25CC This TL Miniature lamp (tube diameter 16 mm) is made of blacklight blue (dark blue) glass, which transmits UV-A radiation, but gives only a minimum of visible light....

€13.84 *

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Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

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OMNILUX LED E-27 230V 10W LEDs A60 UV

Voltage (lamps): 230 V, AC • Nominal wattage: 10 W • Base: E27 • Lamp type: LED lamp • Beam angle: 120° • Color of light: UV-reflecting • Lead time: 0,1 s...

€4.90 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days