UV lamp

[loop1]

I have a 5 gallon per minute ultraviolet sterilizer in my well system, and replace the UV lamp every year. The manufacturer-supplied replacement lamp costs about $75, while a generic "exact replacement lamp" costs about $20 less. Any reason why I shouldn't go with the generic?

 

[ditttohead]

Generic lamps can be a nightmare without a UV intensity meter. We have tested several of these really cheap UV lamps and so far none of the ultra low cost ones have been able to pass our testing. UV mJ/cm2 rates have dropped below 50% within as little as 6 months on some of the worst offenders. Consider almost any tool you can buy for 1/4th the cost of a good tool, how well do you think it will perform. If you need the UV due to a known bacterial issue then I would not recommend risking it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

One way to make a lamp of this type last longer is to use a thicker coating on the insides. It's hard to say. It may have the same lumens when new, it may have a different degradation curve. It's possible it was made in the same factory and is identical.

 

[loop1]

Generic lamps can be a nightmare without a UV intensity meter. We have tested several of these really cheap UV lamps and so far none of the ultra low cost ones have been able to pass our testing. UV mJ/cm2 rates have dropped below 50% within as little as 6 months on some of the worst offenders. Consider almost any tool you can buy for 1/4th the cost of a good tool, how well do you think it will perform. If you need the UV due to a known bacterial issue then I would not recommend risking it.

 

[loop1]

Many thanks for the information. I will order a replacement lamp from the unit's manufacturer today.