Twelve Common Problems with UV Lamps

Many customers have likely encountered various problems while using UV lamps. Here, we list some common problems and answers for your reference. (Before you proceed, you may refer to my previous knowledge regarding the structural composition of UV lamp)

I. What causes fogging in UV lamps?

If the fog is inside the tube:

Issue with the quartz tube material, i.e., poor dehydroxylation.

Or poor exhaust during the production process.

Furthermore, the purity of the filled gas is insufficient.

If the fog is on the outside of the tube: It is caused by gas volatiles from inks and varnishes adhering to the tube wall. It can be wiped off regularly with solvents such as alcohol.

II. What is the main reason for UV lamp deformation, and what are the adverse effects after deformation?

The main reason for UV lamp deformation is excessively high temperature. Slight deformation does not affect normal use, but the lifespan will be significantly shortened. Severe deformation will cause the tube wall on one side to thin and rupture. Check whether the fan is damaged or if the exhaust duct is too long, causing poor ventilation.

III. Why are there chunks of crystals adsorbed inside the UV lamp?

During the manufacturing process of the UV lamp, the quartz tube material was not cleaned properly and contains impurities.

IV. Why does the UV lamp deform into a bubble shape or burst?

Caused by excessively high localized temperature, or because the quartz tube wall is locally too thin. Check if the exhaust system is unobstructed.

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V. What is the reason the metal ends of the UV lamp always melt and burn out?

a) Over time, the copper bracket of the metal lamp holder oxidizes, and poor localized contact causes excessive current, leading to arcing and melting. b) Melting in a new lamp is caused by poor contact between the UV lamp's metal end and the lamp holder; a loose connection causes arcing and melting. Check whether the copper contacts of the lamp holder are oxidized and whether the springs still have tension.

VI. Why does a UV lamp fail to light up after only a few hours of use (when the lamp is completely intact)?

If it is a metal halide lamp, it is because the halide ratio is inappropriate, the transformer output is too low, or the lamp's tube voltage is too high. If it is a mercury lamp, it might be an electrode issue, an inherent quality problem of the lamp, or the lamp has leaked gas.

VII. Why do the two ends of the UV lamp turn black?

It is the electrode powder peeling off and adhering to the tube wall. This is normal if the lamp has reached the end of its lifespan, but it is abnormal if this occurs after only one to two hundred hours of use.

VIII. What causes a UV lamp to suddenly burst during use?

Excessive current (such as a short circuit in the capacitor wiring). b) Dirt particles striking the tube wall during exhaust/suction. c) Poor sealing of the molybdenum-platinum electrodes.

IX. Why does the UV lamp constantly experience voltage drops and fail to recover during use?

a) Exhaust is too strong. b) The temperature of the cold end electrode cannot rise. c) The electrical parameters of the transformer, capacitor, and lamp do not match. d) The grid voltage is too low, causing the transformer output voltage to be too low.

X. Why do fingerprint-like patterns appear on the tube wall after 300-500 hours of UV lamp use?

a) Touching the lamp tube wall with bare hands during installation will cause this phenomenon. b) If they are on the inside of the wall, it means the quartz tube was not cleaned sufficiently during lamp manufacturing.

XI. What is the reason a UV lamp has normal current and voltage, but emits abnormal, dim, yellow-green light?

Incorrect lamp power parameters.

The lamp has a slow leak.

Incomplete exhaust during lamp manufacturing.

The paired transformer is too small.

XII. Why can a UV lamp light up normally the first time and be turned off, but never light up again afterward?

If the capacitor and transformer are both in good condition, the wiring is clear, and there is no poor contact (there is voltage at both ends of the lamp), then it is a problem with the lamp itself. Generally, it is an electrode issue, or the lamp has leaked gas.