Practical advice on commercial lighting from LED retrofits to lighting design.

2020 is a big year for the lighting industry. There is a big shift towards more energy efficient products, and in the middle is a big debate that centers around incandescent and halogen light bulbs.

If you're responsible for maintaining a business or commercial building, this can be a very uncertain time. COVID-19 has changed the way all of us operate. Your building may either be closed, reopening, or overrun with people. Regardless, there is one thing that's top of mind: the health of everyone who uses your building.

Recently, a lot of customers have asked us questions like, "How long does it take for UV products to disinfect an area?" or "How do I know if UV products are working?" Even more frequently, we're asked, "Do these products actually kill COVID-19?" (More on that below.)

Germicidal UV lamps and products are not a new concept. Healthcare applications have used them for decades. But they may be a relatively new option for other businesses and industries looking to protect employees and customers against COVID-19.

For decades, scientists have known about the disinfection ability of ultraviolet wavelengths, specifically germicidal UV (also known as UV-C).

In recent years, germicidal UV helped stop the spread of numerous pathogens like the flu and the superbug. Can germicidal UV also fight the novel coronavirus (or COVID-19)?

For the first time, a scientist from Columbia University says germicidal UV can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19, there has also been a lot of confusion over protection. Should you wear a mask in public? Which type of masks are required for healthcare workers? What's the difference between types of masks?

Restrictions are starting to soften across the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some businesses are back to normal. Others are easing in to a new routine. But how are you going to let people know your building is safe for return?

Germicidal UV fixtures for HVAC equipment is one of the most effective ways to eliminate pathogens in your building, including viruses.

As we begin to adjust to a "new normal," businesses across every industry are trying to find the best way to operate.

Cleaning checklists are changing, and sanitizing and disinfecting are at the top of the priority list. But how do you make sure you're cleaning properly during and after COVID-19?

One solution: Germicidal UV.

As our country fights the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of attention is shifting toward a tool utilized only in small pockets before: germicidal ultraviolet.

Germicidal UV can be very effective and beneficial when it's used correctly. UV-C can kill up to 99.9% of pathogens. But since this is a relatively new solution for many businesses like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, we're going to explain a few ways that germicidal UV is used.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is getting a lot of attention in relation to COVID-19 because of its ability to kill pathogens like viruses and bacteria.

Killing germs is a priority right now as we are fighting the novel coronavirus and it will continue to be in the future as we look towards repairing the economy.

But not all types of UV are the same.