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

Scientists have known about the disinfection capabilities of ultraviolet (UV) light for decades. Now, it's considered an important tool in the fight against COVID-19.

A scientist at Columbia University found UV-C is effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in laboratory settings.

Linear LED tubes have become more competitive over the years, and with that comes more options than ever. So, if you’re operating with discontinued T12 fluorescent tubes, you’re probably beginning to weigh the options for a retrofit.

T12 fluorescent tubes are hard to come by these days, but that's not to say they've disappeared entirely. 

The tubes began to be phased out in mid-2012, which we wrote about at length in our post, "The phase out of T12s: Everything you need to know about discontinued tubes."

But if you still have T12s in your sockets and you're looking to save money on lighting in the next year, there are a number of ways to go about retrofitting to LED or a more efficient fluorescent option.

Businesses are searching for new ways to protect their building during and after COVID-19. Requiring temperature checks is one of the more popular options and will likely become part of our normal routine.

You will probably start to notice UV-C products in places you never though about before. Airplanes, subways, buses, restaurants, banks, and healthcare facilities are all using the powers of germicidal UV to try to get rid of as many pathogens as possible during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can you actually retrofit T12 to LED without changing out the ballast?

Actually, yes. But before you make a decision, there are other LED solutions to consider for a high-efficiency lighting option for existing T12s.

Air disinfection is critical to protecting your employees during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

One option to consider to keep your air clean: installing UV systems on HVAC equipment.

Reopening has started around the country. People are starting to fill restaurants, retails stores, grocery stores, and other buildings again.

At the same time, cases of COVID-19 are still rising in many states.
As we look at ways to reduce the spread of the virus, one of the main challenges is reducing transmission and keeping occupied spaces clean.

It may seem impossible to keep high-traffic areas free of germs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with social distancing, areas like waiting rooms, lobbies, or retail stores can easily become crowded.

But this is where one type of ultraviolet lighting product really shines. It's called upper-room germicidal UV, and it's so effective because it can run constantly (even while people are in the room).

COVID-19 has brought a new spotlight to a tool relatively unused in many industries: UV energy.

Scientists have known about the disinfection powers of UV-C for decades. Hospitals and healthcare settings have used UV products for years. A scientist from Columbia University recently proved that UV-C wavelengths can inactive COVID-19 in laboratory settings. There is solid evidence behind the UV technology.

But what products should you trust? Which ones really work? And are they all safe?