A Buyer’s Guide for a Portable Car UV Sterilizer

A portable UV sterilizer is the most essential component used in water purification systems and sanitization of various surfaces by the use of ultraviolet spectrum effective in killing infectious bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms. It was discovered in 1879, has been used to disinfect water and surfaces such as in cars, buses, aircraft, hospitals, factories and so on.

i) The scale of disinfection

It is crucial to identify the purpose of the UV sterilizer whether it will be used in large or small scale. This will guide the buyer on choosing the best size/type that meets his/her need. Depending on the type of project one is working on and effectiveness of the de-contaminator will determine the best UV sterilizer.

ii) The UV band

The type of ultraviolet light used in the sanitizer determines the harm it may cause to humans, because most sterilizers use UV-C light which is hazardous if not used carefully. A more efficient light solution is Far-UV sterilray, uses a different wavelengths of the UV spectrum. It gives an equivalent disinfecting strength as UV-C, but omitting the hazardous side effects such as skin damage and eye cataracts. Far-UV guarantees safety to people in workplaces, in the car garage, yard or gas station, at home and so on.

iii) Disposal

Check whether it is hazardous to dispose, like UV-C has mercury in the bulbs making it not safe to dispose compared to Far-UV which does not use mercury hence safe to use and safe to the environment when disposed. Car UV light should have a wavelength of at around 253.7 nm to be effective in killing disease-causing viruses, microbes, micro-organisms and bacteria.

Moreover, the UV disinfector should have control box and UV chamber which consist of UV lamp with a transparent quartz sleeve, an inlet and an outlet to allow water to pass through it.

iv) Lifespan 

Check on the life span of the UV lamp because they should be kept on 24 hours a day. In addition, the water should be filtered first to expose any micro-organisms to UV light. Therefore, a 5 micron sediment pre-filter is recommended and should be mounted upstream of every UV steriliser installation.