Proper
Usage of Solarmeter ® Ultraviolet Radiometer
for Lamp Aging Tests
- Wear eye protection when checking UV lamps
(UV-block wrap around glasses).
- Allow lamps to warm-up prior to taking
readings (at least 5 min).
- When checking aging of lamps, keep measuring
distance and locations constant.
Note: Model 5.0 (UVA + B) is best for lamp
aging tests.
- Lamps should be replaced when output drops
30% to about 70% of their original (new) readings.
Take overall reading center of tanning bed
bench pointing up with canopy closed, or check
individual lamps at acrylic with canopy up.
Keep track of hours vs. readings on a chart.
- If unsure of what original new values were,
replace two adjacent lamps with new ones of
the same kind and compare to old ones.
- To determine percent UVB divide Model 6.0
reading by Model 5.0 total UV (UVA + B) reading.
(See FAQ page).
- When checking acrylic transmission, take
reading through acrylic; then remove acrylic
and hold meter sensor at approximately the
same distance from lamp as the acrylic shield
was located. If acrylic blocks much UVB it
should be replaced.
- When using this meter to compare different
type lamps, due to their different spectral
power distributions, the readings should be
considered relative rather than absolute.
Although higher output lamps of similar SPD's
will generally read higher than lower output
lamps, ones that peak near 290-300 nm (as
does the meter response) will read higher
than ones peaking near 313 nm even if the
total UVB output of both is the same.
- Do not subject the meter to extremes in
temperature, humidity, shock or dust.
- Use a dry, soft cloth to clean the intrument.
Keep sensor free of oil, dirt, etc.
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