Norman Lamps, Inc.

Blacklight and UV (ultraviolet) bulbs produce light in the ultraviolet spectrum rather than visible light, serving specialized applications in insect control, fluorescent displays, material inspection, curing processes, and various scientific and commercial uses. While these bulbs may look similar to standard fluorescent tubes, they use different phosphor coatings designed to emit UV radiation rather than visible light. The two main categories – BL (blacklight) for general UV effects and BLB (blacklight blue) for insect attraction – serve distinct purposes.

Insect control applications use UV bulbs specifically tuned to wavelengths (typically 350-370 nanometers) that attract flying insects, particularly flies, mosquitoes, and moths. These "bug zapper" bulbs are installed in electronic insect traps where the UV light draws insects to an electrified grid or sticky trap. The bulbs need periodic replacement – typically annually – because UV output degrades over time even though the bulb continues producing visible light. Using expired UV bulbs in insect traps dramatically reduces effectiveness since insects are attracted by the UV spectrum that has faded.

The effectiveness of UV insect traps depends heavily on proper placement and bulb maintenance. Locate traps away from competing light sources, position them at appropriate heights (typically 4-6 feet) for target insects, and replace bulbs on schedule even if they appear to be working. Many commercial operations in food service, food processing, and hospitality industries use UV insect traps as part of integrated pest management programs, where documenting bulb replacement dates helps maintain compliance with health codes and quality standards.

Blacklight bulbs for decorative and entertainment applications make fluorescent materials glow in darkened environments – think nightclubs, Halloween attractions, theatrical effects, art installations, and anywhere you want that distinctive fluorescent glow effect. These bulbs typically use BLB (blacklight blue) designation indicating the dark blue filter glass that blocks most visible light while passing UV. The result is the characteristic dark purple glow with fluorescent materials appearing to glow brightly against dark backgrounds.

Industrial and commercial applications for UV bulbs include currency and document verification (security features visible only under UV), fluorescent dye penetrant inspection for detecting cracks and defects in materials, forensic investigation, gemstone examination, and various quality control processes. Scientific applications include fluorescence microscopy, mineral and specimen examination, and research applications requiring specific UV wavelengths. Medical applications include UV sanitization systems, though these typically use specialized germicidal UV-C bulbs rather than standard blacklight bulbs.

Common formats include T8 and T12 fluorescent tubes in 2-foot, 4-foot, and various lengths for insect traps and larger installations, compact fluorescent UV bulbs for smaller fixtures, and incandescent/LED blacklight bulbs for decorative applications and small spaces. The fluorescent tube formats provide the most efficient UV output for insect control and professional applications. Incandescent blacklight bulbs (often called "party bulbs") produce less UV intensity but work in standard sockets without requiring ballasts.

Safety considerations include avoiding prolonged direct exposure to UV radiation, which can affect eyes and skin. While blacklight bulbs emit relatively low-intensity UV compared to tanning beds or germicidal lamps, extended close-range exposure isn't recommended. The UV output also degrades some materials over time – plastics, fabrics, and artwork exposed to continuous UV can fade or become brittle. For most applications using UV bulbs properly (insect traps at reasonable distances, decorative blacklights used intermittently), the risks are minimal with normal precautions.

Common Types: F15T8/BL or F15T8/350BL (insect control tubes), F40T12/BL (insect control tubes), compact fluorescent UV bulbs, incandescent blacklight bulbs, various specialty UV lamps

Primary Applications: Insect control traps, decorative/entertainment blacklight effects, document verification, fluorescent dye inspection, forensics, scientific applications, various UV-dependent processes

Key Considerations: UV output degrades over time (replace annually for insect traps), different wavelengths for different applications, avoid prolonged direct exposure, proper disposal required (contains mercury in fluorescent types)