คู่มือสำหรับไฟแถบ LED UV

Compared to traditional mercury lamps and fluorescent tubes, UV LED strip lights are increasingly becoming the preferred solution for next-generation UV applications due to their compact size, low energy consumption, and long lifespan. Flexible UV LED strip lights offer various wavelength, power, and light density options.

Especially in the UV-A band (315–400nm), the wavelengths of 365nm and 395nm are widely used in UV printing, UV curing, UV exposure, UV nail lamps, UV mosquito lamps, industrial curing, fluorescent display and verification, air purification, medical and biomedical applications, currency verification, dental treatment and teeth whitening, whitening and disinfection, and medical applications, among others. They not only provide stable and controllable UV irradiation output but can also be adapted to complex and varied industrial or commercial systems through different packaging structures and installation methods.

This article will delve into the principles of UV LED light strips and the differences between UVA, UVB, UVC, and the two main wavelength bands (365nm and 395nm), helping both newcomers and professionals quickly grasp the selection logic and choose the most suitable UV LED light strip products.

What is a UV LED strip light?

A UV LED strip light is a flexible LED strip light that emits ultraviolet (UV) light, with a wavelength range typically between 100nm and 400nm. Its core advantages lie in combining the compact size, low power consumption, long lifespan, and high precision characteristics of traditional UV light sources (such as mercury lamps and fluorescent lamps) into a single device. Unlike ordinary visible light LEDs, UV LED strip lights are specifically designed for certain industrial or research tasks, rather than general lighting.

The light-emitting core of UV LED strip lights uses UV LED chips. Depending on the wavelength, ultraviolet light is divided into three categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

• UV-A: 315-400nm, long-wavelength/near-ultraviolet light, completely absorbed by the atmosphere. Applications include industrial curing (ink, paint, or adhesive), currency detection, bloodstain identification, imaging, and sensing. It poses the least harm.

• UV-B: 280-315nm, medium wavelength, primarily absorbed by the atmosphere, used in medical biology, lithography, sensing, and antimicrobial applications, with a risk of skin cancer.

• UV-C: 100-280nm, short wavelength, not absorbed by the atmosphere, capable of destroying the DNA of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, used in air purification, deodorization, water disinfection, purification, and filtration.

By integrating UV LED technology with flexible light strips, these products have been widely adopted in specialized markets such as automated manufacturing, laboratory equipment, exhibition displays, security systems, beauty industry instruments, and agricultural control, becoming an important solution in the functional lighting field. Compared to traditional UV light sources (such as high-pressure mercury lamps and fluorescent UV lamps), UV LED strip lights offer the following significant advantages:

Advantages and Features	รูปพรรณ
Ready to use immediately, no preheating required	Reaches full brightness immediately upon powering on, no waiting required, suitable for assembly lines and rapid testing scenarios
High energy efficiency, low power consumption	High energy utilization efficiency, significant energy savings, reduces operating costs
Highly customizable	Can be customized according to requirements for length, power, voltage, waterproof rating, and other parameters
Low heat output	Generates less heat compared to traditional UV lamps, suitable for use with temperature-sensitive materials and in enclosed spaces
Environmentally friendly, mercury-free, and longer lifespan	Free from harmful substances, low maintenance costs, suitable for retrofitting projects to replace mercury lamps

What is the difference between UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C?

UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C are all types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, classified based on their wavelength. Wavelength is measured in nanometers (nm) and determines the type of UV energy. As we mentioned earlier, UV-A has a wavelength between 315 and 400 nanometers, UV-B has a wavelength between 280 and 315 nanometers, and UV-C has a wavelength between 100 and 280 nanometers.

UV-A

UV-A has the longest wavelength and lowest energy. It has greater penetrating power than UV-B and can indirectly damage microbial DNA. Additionally, it can generate reactive oxygen species within cells, thereby killing viruses and bacteria. However, UV-A light is part of the visible spectrum and is generally safe for humans.

Most UV-A LED applications can be categorized into fluorescent or curing applications. Fluorescence applications are not limited to scientific fields such as forensic science, molecular biology, and geology; they can also be used to create various stunning visual effects and are applicable in fluorescence photography and blacklight art installations. UV-A used in curing applications can induce chemical and structural changes in various materials, such as the curing of latex paint in screen printing and the curing of epoxy resins and nail polish in industrial applications. Typically, curing requires significantly higher UV intensity, but the same UV-A wavelength can be used. Like fluorescence, 365nm is a commonly used curing wavelength.

UV-B

UV-B has the second-longest wavelength among UV rays, with an energy level higher than UV-A. It can directly damage microbial DNA, and overexposure may cause delayed sunburn. In fact, most naturally occurring UV-B light is absorbed by the ozone layer, so only a small amount reaches the Earth. However, UV-B light is associated with a high risk of skin cancer and is therefore considered unsafe for humans.

UV-B LED lights can be used for medical treatments, plant cultivation, and material testing. In the medical field, they are increasingly being applied to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and vitiligo, as well as for synthesizing vitamin D. Additionally, excimer lamps or lasers with a wavelength of 308nm have been used in dermatology for many years. UV-B LED lights can also be used in plant breeding, as UV-B light affects plant growth, flowering time, and secondary metabolites. UVB light exposure can increase the yield of certain plant components, such as vitamins, aromas, and pigments.

UV-C

UV-C has the shortest wavelength and highest energy. However, due to its short wavelength, most naturally occurring UV-C rays are completely absorbed by the ozone layer. Additionally, UV-C light is the most potent germicidal light in nature. It can break down chemical bonds in microorganisms and pathogens and destroy them. Therefore, it is an ideal method for surface disinfection.

UV-C is an effective method for inactivating pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and fungi. As a result, UV-C LED lights are widely used in medical facility disinfection, water purification system disinfection, UV disinfection, and surface disinfection. Its powerful microorganism-killing capability plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards. One of the most prominent applications of UV-C is the disinfection of water, surfaces, and air, as it can destroy their DNA or RNA, thereby preventing them from reproducing.

Understanding the main differences between UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C LEDs can help you choose the appropriate LED strip type based on your needs.

UV Light Type	ความยาวคลื่น	แอปพลิเคชัน	Potential Danger
UV-A	315-400nm	Industrial curing (inks, coatings, or adhesives), banknote detection, bloodstain identification, imaging, and sensing	Least harmful
UV-B	280-315nm	Medical biology, lithography, sensing, antibacterial effect	Skin cancer risk, skin aging, damaged eyesight
UV-C	100-280nm	Destroy the DNA of microorganisms, air purification, deodorization, water sterilization, purification, and filtration	Skin cancer risk, skin aging, damaged eyesight

Are UV LED strip lights harmful?

UV-A is the safest of the three different types of UV LED strip lights, but prolonged exposure to high-intensity UV-A light can also lead to potential health issues such as skin cancer, skin aging, a weakened immune system, and vision damage.

UV-B and most UV-C are primarily used for disinfection and sterilization. These wavelengths of light are not only harmful to microorganisms but also to humans and other life forms that may come into contact with them. UV-B can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. While UV-C is effective at killing pathogens, it can also cause severe skin burns and eye damage if proper safety measures are not taken.

Therefore, when using UV LED light strips, strictly follow the correct operating procedures. For example, do not look directly at the light with your eyes while the UV LED light strip is in operation. The amount of UV light detected by the eyes is actually less than the UV light emitted by the LED. If inspection is necessary, wear UV-filtering glasses or goggles and wear protective clothing while limiting exposure time to avoid harm to the eyes or human skin.

For more information on UV radiation from LED lights, please read the blog: ไฟ LED ผลิตรังสียูวีหรือไม่?

365nm vs. 395nm in UV-A LED strips

Generally speaking, UV-A LED strips can be used to produce and observe fluorescent effects, as well as for curing plastics and paints. Compared to the stronger UV-B and UV-C rays, UV-A wavelengths are safer. Among all UV-A wavelengths, 365nm and 395nm are the two most widely used wavelengths. Although they both belong to the UV-A ultraviolet spectrum, there is only a 30nm difference between them. What does this 30nm difference mean?

The main difference lies in the fact that the 395nm LED emits significantly more visible light than the 365nm LED. The 395nm LED emits a distinct purple light, while the 365nm LED emits a dim blue-white light (this is the result of residual light energy extending into the visible spectrum). Both types of LEDs emit light within the UV-A wavelength range, typically capable of producing black light or curing effects.

You can refer to the following comparison table for 365nm and 395nm:

เรื่อง	365nm	395nm
Wavelength Band	Lower end of the UVA band	Upper-middle segment of the UVA band
Excitation Energy Intensity	High (closer to the deep UV region)	มัชฌ
Visibility to the Naked Eye	Dull blue-white light	Distinct purple light
Fluorescence Excitation Capability	Extremely strong (suitable for precise detection and special materials)	Good (suitable for conventional fluorescence applications)
Chip and packaging cost	High (high purity requirements for the chip)	Relatively low cost, suitable for large-scale deployment
Main applications	Inspection, anti-counterfeiting, research, industrial curing	Nail art, display, insect attraction, commercial inspection

You may have noticed that 365nm and 395nm are already visible light. Generally speaking, light with wavelengths below 400nm is considered invisible light, i.e., ultraviolet light. Light with wavelengths between 400nm and 800nm is visible light. So, why is there this difference? Please take a look at the figure below.

As shown in the figure above, have you noticed that both 365nm and 395nm LEDs emit light across a range of wavelengths both above and below their respective wavelengths? In other words, the 395nm LED does not emit light exclusively at 395nm. The 395nm LED emits the strongest light at 395nm (defined by the peak wavelength), but it also emits a significant amount of energy at 400nm and even 410nm. These wavelengths fall within the visible violet portion of the spectrum, which is why you can observe a noticeable violet light when the 395nm LED strip is illuminated.

Similarly, when the 365nm LED strip is illuminated, you may notice a dim blue-white light. This is caused by visible light “leakage,” as the 365nm LED also emits a small but visible amount of visible wavelength energy (i.e., white light).

Although both 365nm and 395nm LED light strips fall within the UV-A wavelength range and can be used for fluorescence or curing, the wavelength and energy values remain critically important. Wavelength and energy determine the type of ultraviolet light, which is a significant distinction in terms of application and even necessary safety precautions.

365nm UV LED light strip application scenarios:

• Industrial UV adhesive and ink curing: In processes such as electronic assembly and optical lens manufacturing, the 365nm wavelength can quickly penetrate the surface layer of adhesives, triggering a photoreactive initiator reaction to achieve rapid and efficient curing, making it suitable for UV dispensing and curing equipment in production lines.

• Anti-counterfeiting detection and forensic analysis: It can excite various invisible inks, watermarks, security layers, and fiber fluorescence reactions applied in security systems for passports, ID cards, tickets, currency, etc., and commonly used in police forensic laboratories for trace detection.

• Fluorescent powder/reagent excitation: Used in scientific experiments, molecular detection, chemical fluorescence analysis, and other research environments. The 365nm wavelength is preferred for exciting various special materials due to its more precise excitation peak.

• Jewelry and mineral identification: Certain natural gemstones and minerals exhibit specific fluorescent reactions at 365nm, such as diamonds, rubies, and calcite, aiding in rapid authentication.

395nm UV LED strip light application scenarios:

• Nail and ข.eauty ฉันndustry: Commonly used in nail machines and hand care devices for curing UV gel. 395nm emits a certain amount of visible violet light, allowing users to visually monitor the process, with a comfortable light sensation and higher safety.

• Commercial displays and stage lighting effects: Utilizes fluorescent reactions to create fluorescent effects for stage props, graphic backdrops, and display cabinet decorations. For example, when combined with fluorescent paint, it can produce vivid patterns and outlines in the dark, creating a futuristic and visually striking effect.

• Insect ทททrapping and ใดgricultural ใดpplications: 395nm is a sensitive wavelength for many nocturnal insects, performing well in insect-attracting lights and pest control systems, commonly used in orchards, warehouses, and livestock farming areas.

• Basic ใดnti-ซีounterfeiting ฉันการสังเกต scenarios: For inspecting fluorescent inks in tickets, water tickets, cosmetics packaging, and logistics labels, 395nm can balance inspection functionality with visual cues.

Although 365nm and 395nm are both within the UV-A band, they are not interchangeable in certain professional applications. For example, UV adhesives/coatings are highly sensitive to excitation wavelengths, and using the wrong wavelength may result in curing failure. Therefore, when purchasing UV LED strips, it is essential to clearly define the application objective and confirm the required wavelength to ensure optimal performance.

How to choose the right UV LED strip light?

When selecting a suitable UV LED strip light, wavelength alone is not the only factor to consider. It is essential to comprehensively evaluate key technical parameters such as electrical performance, structural design, packaging type, and protection rating to ensure stable, safe, and efficient operation in specific applications. The following are the six key factors to consider during selection:

1. Determine wavelength requirements.

Determine the required wavelength band based on the excitation material or detection target. For example, 365nm is suitable for curing, 395nm for insect attraction, and 385–395nm for general-purpose basic detection.

2. Confirm Power Density and Irradiation Area

UV light strips are primarily used for functional irradiation. Estimate the energy intensity required per unit area and leave a 30% margin to avoid premature lifespan degradation caused by prolonged full-load operation.

3. Determine if the protection rating matches the environment.

• Indoor research environments: IP20 is sufficient;
• Nail art/display scenarios: IP65 silicone tubing is recommended for waterproofing and dustproofing;
• Industrial and humid environments: Use IP68 potted lamp strips, which are water- and oil-resistant, and use them with aluminum channels.

4. Check the voltage and control method.

• 12V is suitable for local decoration and small-area lighting;
• 24V is suitable for long-distance installation or high-power applications;
• If intensity adjustment or timing control is required, use a PWM dimmer, infrared/touch switch, etc.

5. Ensure adequate heat dissipation structure.

UV LED light strips have high power and concentrated heat, so it is recommended to install them with LED aluminum profiles or add fans for heat dissipation to extend their lifespan and prevent wavelength drift.

6. Check the brand and certifications.

• High-quality UV light strips should have environmental and safety certifications such as RoHS, CE, and REACH;
• For chips, we recommend using established brands such as Sanan, Nichia, or Epistar.

In summary, various UV LED strips have their unique characteristics and applications. Understanding their differences in energy, wavelength, penetration, and health impacts is crucial for safe and effective use. Below are two UV LED strips from SignliteLED; please select the appropriate UV LED strip based on your application project.

UV LED Strip Light Usage and Installation Guidelines

UV LED strip lights are specialized functional LED lighting devices that require special attention to safety and performance during installation and use. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (US HHS), all wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light, including UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, are presumed to be carcinogenic. Therefore, important preventive measures must be taken for all forms of UV light.

Thus, proper operating procedures and detailed management not only extend product lifespan but also maximize the safety of the usage environment and personnel health.

1. Safety Precautions

• Avoid direct exposure to UV light sources: Although UV-A has a longer wavelength and is visible to the human eye, prolonged direct exposure can still cause eye damage. Users should avoid direct contact with the light-emitting surface of the strip, especially in the 365nm wavelength range.

• Wear specialized protective gear: It is recommended to wear UV-protective goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when using the lights, especially in high-power or uncovered light strip environments.

• Limit UV light leakage areas: Design installation locations and optical shielding appropriately to prevent UV light leakage from adversely affecting surrounding personnel and items. UV light diffusion can be restricted using LED aluminum channels, light shields, frosted covers, etc.

2. Heat Dissipation Management

• Select appropriate heat dissipation materials: UV LED light strips have high power, and poor heat dissipation can cause the LED chip temperature to rise excessively, thereby reducing light efficiency and accelerating degradation. It is recommended to use LED aluminum profiles as the installation base to enhance heat conduction.

• Avoid prolonged operation in enclosed spaces: The installation environment should maintain good air circulation, and fans or forced air cooling systems should be used when necessary to prevent heat buildup.

• Reasonably design current and power: Adhere to the manufacturer’s rated parameters to avoid overloading; use constant voltage and constant current drivers to ensure stable LED voltage and current, reducing LED overheating and lifespan reduction caused by voltage or current fluctuations.

3. UV Leakage Prevention and Environmental Protection

• Select appropriate protection ratings: Choose LED strips with IP65 protection or higher based on the usage environment to prevent dust and moisture intrusion, which can cause short circuits and performance degradation.

• Prevent UV light from damaging surrounding materials: UV light can accelerate the aging of certain plastics and coatings. During installation, avoid direct exposure to sensitive items or use UV filters to reduce UV intensity.

• Properly dispose of discarded UV LED strips: UV LEDs contain semiconductor materials. When disposing of them, follow local electronic waste recycling regulations to prevent environmental pollution.

4. Other Practical Installation Recommendations

• Leave sufficient space for connection cables and connectors: Ensure easy installation and removal to avoid cable damage from pulling at connection points.

• Plan cutting segments and connections reasonably: UV LED strips typically support cutting at specific intervals. During installation, arrange them according to the design plan to avoid uneven brightness or excessive voltage drops.

• Ensure clear labeling for future maintenance: During installation, clearly mark power polarity and wiring connections to facilitate future troubleshooting and replacements.

บทสรุป

UV LED strips are fascinating and crucial in many fields. Their unique characteristics make them highly versatile in both daily life and professional industries. Understanding the differences between UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C is essential for making informed choices.

However, since UV light is invisible, it does not trigger the natural squinting or averting of gaze that visible light does, making it particularly dangerous. Therefore, when using UV LED light strips, it is essential to be aware of potential health risks. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, take protective measures, and ensure the equipment has safety features to prevent accidental exposure.

SignliteLED specializes in high-consistency, high-stability LED strip light solutions, offering OEM/ODM customization to meet industrial customers’ specific wavelength, size, and control system integration requirements.