What Is the UV Lamp Price in China?
China UV lamp quotations often range from about US$20 to US$180 for standard low-pressure UV-C units. The gap reflects power, quartz quality, ballast design, and testing documents. Comparing price per watt is more useful than comparing lamp price alone.
For example, a US$60, 60-watt lamp costs US$1 per watt. A US$90, 100-watt lamp costs only US$0.90 per watt. The cheaper unit may still deliver less usable UV-C output.
Operating hours reveal another cost. Industry specifications commonly estimate 8,000 to 12,000 hours for low-pressure lamps, while output gradually decreases during service. The ASHRAE Handbook notes that temperature, airflow, and aging can reduce ultraviolet performance.
A lamp running 8,000 hours at 100 watts consumes roughly 800 kWh. At US$0.10 per kWh, electricity adds about US$80. That can exceed the initial purchase price.
Dose matters most.
The EPA UV Disinfection Guidance Manual explains that performance depends on delivered dose, measured in mJ/cm², not electrical wattage alone. A practical quote should show irradiance at a stated distance, exposure time, and tested dose.
For instance, 10 mW/cm² for 10 seconds equals 100 mJ/cm². Ask for test conditions, sensor calibration, and end-of-life output.
My comparison remains imperfect because suppliers may report peak output rather than verified dose. That small difference can distort the real cost per mJ/cm².
Safety documentation should also align with ISO 15858 and local electrical requirements.