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

You bought a new UV product or series of products and you're ready to disinfect your building. But how do you know if the products you spent thousands of dollars on really work?

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.

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.

Cleaning and disinfecting are more important during the coronavirus pandemic than ever before.

But which method should you use: cleaning products or ultraviolet disinfectant lighting like UV-C products?

The short answer: both.

As we create our "new normal," businesses across every industry are trying to find the best way to operate.

Cleaning checklists are changing. Disinfecting is 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 (also called UV-C).

Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection is getting a lot of attention during the coronavirus pandemic. The main benefit: its ability to kill pathogens like viruses and bacteria.

Some scientists say UV products could help our economy recover and help keep public places clean and safe.

But not all types of UV light are the same.

If you've looked into UV products, you might have noticed two different options: UV-C and far-UVC technology.

Both types of products use wavelengths within the UV spectrum to disinfect air and surfaces, so what's the difference between them? Can they both be used in the fight against COVID-19?

UV products are much different than your standard lighting products. You can't just plug them in and turn them on.

There are safety guidelines that need to be followed during installation and operation to make sure the products are effective and safe.

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

Germicidal UV, also called UV-C, can be very effective and beneficial when it's used correctly. UV-C light can kill up to 99.9% of pathogens. Preliminary tests show it can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Germicidal UV fixtures are gaining popularity in industries that never used them before. Now schools, hotels, office buildings, restaurants, and retail stores are considering them as a way to protect employees, customers, and tenants.

With an efficacy rate of 99.9% or higher, it's no surprise these products are considered as an option to disinfect spaces.

But choosing the right germicidal UV fixture at the right price can be complicated.