I want to buy a U.V light..... which one?

I really only need it to check for a leak in my AC on my car, but figure its a good tool to have anyway,

i did search but 2007 threads were found?

anyone know which of the 'off the shelf' uv lights is a good one?

$30-$50 ?

waddup said:

I really only need it to check for a leak in my AC on my car, but figure its a good tool to have anyway,

i did search but 2007 threads were found?

anyone know which of the 'off the shelf' uv lights is a good one?

$30-$50 ?

Click to expand...

Sunlite has some good UV lights: http://www.powerledlighting.com/SlimUV.html

I have and use both the inova x5 uv and the arc uv. The inova puts out much more light, making it easier to spot ac leaks, or any other uv dyes for automotive use.

I think most inexpensive UV lights will meet your needs but +1 on the X5 UV from INOVA.http://www.batteryjunction.com/inx5ulviliti.html is a good source for the X5 UV and they have some inexpensive lower quality lights as well.

Get a photon freedom micro with UV led for <$20.

That should be sufficient for finding a leak under the hood.

Put this search string in eBay "uv LED Flashlight 375" - I have one of these and I like it. Most UV flashlights use higher wavelengths which are more purplish. If you want to save some money, substitute "385nm" for 375.

remember to get yourself a uv google to avoid the uv ray burning your eyes accidentally, just few seconds and permanently damage will take place, take it seriously

TranceAddict said:

remember to get yourself a uv google to avoid the uv ray burning your eyes accidentally, just few seconds and permanently damage will take place, take it seriously

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These UV lights are not that dangerous.

HKJ said:

These UV lights are not that dangerous.

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it all depends on the wavelength of the LED

TranceAddict said:

it all depends on the wavelength of the LED

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Exactly and these UV leds are usual from 395nm and down to 365nm, this is in the UVA range.

I found a cheapy at ACE/DG hardware.

It's labeled NEBO (should read, NEOB; not equal or better than anything)


It's got 3 'modes'

First is a few (I think 5-7) UV LED.
The second is those LED with 8-12 white LED (this is 'regular' mode)
And the third is a red lazer diode.


There's even a dinky little compass on the tail end.
Almost forgot, it's a mid-body forward clicky.



I wouldn't want to EDC it, but if I only needed to occasionally check a few things (A/C leaks, hotel sheets, etc.)...

I Think it was ~$14.

If your a maglite kind of person, you could always go with a drop-in for a 3D.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/maglite-32-uv-led.html

HKJ said:

Exactly and these UV leds are usual from 395nm and down to 365nm, this is in the UVA range.

Click to expand...

What range will easily cause eye damage?

Edit: removed double post

flatline said:

What range will easily cause eye damage?

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UVA is defined as 400-320nm
UVB is defined as 320-280nm
UVC is defined as 280-100nm

Damage depend both on wavelength, power and time you are exposed. High intensity of UVB is damaging.

flatline said:

What range will easily cause eye damage?

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Pretty much any wavelength of sufficient strength and duration can harm your eyes. You wouldn't look into an ordinary bright flashlight, so don't do it with a UV one.

Shorter wavelength UV can be very dangerous, such as those in the 250-320 range. They are energetic enough to be ionizing radiation. The UV A LEDs are not as dangerous, but a long dose of the proper amount could be harmful. As long as you don't stare into the beam, you should be safe.

The UVA's are dangerous if you stare directly into them. But no more dangerous than watching the setting sun I think. The issue is surface brightness, even UVA and deep blue light can cause eye damage with enough intensity and prolonged exposure. An incidental glance or whatnot isn't a big deal. The 385-395 led's work well for leak spotting, they're the highest output UV leds and tend to fluoresce automotive fluids and trace fluids better because of sheer intensity. The 375's I think are better in terms of wavelength and reactivity, but right now they're expensive and lack the power of the higher wavelength leds.

I bought the Streamlight Stylus UV (~$25)to search for scorpions when I was in Iraq...nice light, and the same size as a pen, so it'll fit in any pen pouches you have on your shirt, etc.

I just ordered this Inova in hopes of curing Norland.
Built like a tank, great runtime, not too expensive!

http://www.batteryjunction.com/inx1uvx1.html