Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Question:
Is this technology effective against airborne pathogens?
Answer:
Yes. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recently stated that UV-C, especially between the wavelengths of 250-280nm, is the only effective technology for eliminating airborne pathogens, like pneumonia, influenza, strep, legionella, and COVID.
Question:
Who’s using this technology today?
Answer:
Many school systems (private and public) and school administrative offices, hospitals, medical outpatient buildings, waiting rooms, exam rooms, and medical offices use this technology. In addition to offices and waiting rooms, building lobbies and elevators, municipal facilities, fire and police departments, DMVs, and Emergency Operations Centers are also utilizing it. As well, these fixtures are appropriate for airports, supermarkets, shelters, restaurants, processing facilities, churches, fitness centers, and other highly trafficked public spaces.
Question:
Is this technology effective against the Covid-19 virus?
Answer:
Yes. The use of UV-C in eradicating pathogens is highly effective but requires that a proper UV-C dosage be delivered with the following combination: 1) the wavelength of the UV-C must be in the germicidal effective range (approximately 268nm peak), 2) the intensity must be high enough to irradiate the space, 3) the duration must be long enough to affect the organism. (Wavelength Intensity * Duration) = dosage delivered. The Active Airflow UV-C Fixture delivers all three of these required parts to deliver a high level of UV-C dosage.
Question:
What is the maximum room size/area that the unit covers? Is it possible to install in locker rooms, weight rooms, band rooms, nurse’s offices, etc.?
Answer:
Yes, but it depends on the individual dynamics of the room (type of room, number of people, duration of stay, etc.). Generally, the fixture will circulate the air in a 15ft x 15ft room with 9-foot ceiling several times an hour. in addition, multiple fixtures can be used in the same room. The fixture can be placed into a standard commercial ceiling grid. For higher ceilings, it can be pendant mounted and lowered to the proper height. It can also be wall-mounted or surface mounted on solid ceilings.
Question:
Do you have any case studies of where this technology has been applied?
Answer:
Yes, studies on the germicidal effect of ultraviolet light and its effects on microorganisms have been published as far back as 1877 and include the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1903. The technology has continued to improve over time and UV-C sterilization has become a standard protocol for hospitals and laboratories.
There have been hundreds of studies on the effectiveness of ultraviolet light against many different pathogens. Our recent aerosol testing at Intertek Testing Laboratories (ETL) against many of these known pathogens has shown to be 99.9% effective.
Recently, Philips Lighting, now known as Signify, was commissioned in a study at Boston University that showed UV-C is 99.99% effective against SARS-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. We are presently conducting similar tests with our fixture directly on SARS-2. We fully expect to have results similar to the Boston University studies.
Question:
What factors determine the effectiveness of UV-C?
Answer:
There are essentially four major factors- Dosage– the amount of power of the ultraviolet wave, Distance- how far away the pathogen is from the ultraviolet light source, Duration- how long the pathogen is exposed to the UV source and Wavelength- what is the actual nanometer range of the UV light.
Question:
Are certifications for this type of product important?
Answer:
Absolutely! Due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic, there are dozens of UV products entering the market every month, the majority of them have no testing or certification, whatsoever. Independent, third-party verification and certification is the best way to make sure the product you are considering is safe to operate, valid in its claims, and effective in its performance. As improperly produced fixtures can be a significant safety risk, extreme caution should be taken to verify both safety and efficacy.
Question:
Does the product maintenance have to be performed by a qualified electrician?
Answer:
No. Periodic maintenance to clean or change the air filter varies and depends on the overall quality of air in the room. This can be performed by any maintenance personnel. Periodic LED module maintenance (depending upon hours/day used) can be performed by an Energy Harness technician, site maintenance staff, or by any trained personnel. Although both maintenance tasks are “plug-and-play”, this work is normally performed on a ladder if the fixture is ceiling mounted and should be performed by qualified personnel only.
Question:
What certifications do you have for this product?
Answer:
The product has ETL certification for UL507(USA) and CSA113(Canada) for all operational safety aspects. The product has passed FCC Title 47 and ICES-005 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing for commercial and industrial use. The fixture is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under FIFRA Section 25(c) as a pesticide device and our facility is registered with the EPA as a certified manufacturing establishment.
The fixture is IESNA LM 58 certified for non-ozone production and is awaiting California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification. The product and technology are Patent Pending with the US Patent Office and the fixture is made in the USA and ARRA compliant.
The product has been tested by Intertek (ETL) for airborne pathogen effectiveness. In standard protocol, triple-blind scientific testing, the Active Airflow fixture has been found to be 99.9% effective in eliminating airborne bacteria and virus’. We are presently conducting direct certified laboratory testing on SARS-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Results should be available in late March 2021.
As part of our ongoing testing protocol, we are partnering with several universities and certified testing labs to provide ongoing LED and UVC technology studies.
Question:
Has the use of LED chips had an impact on the effectiveness of UV-C?
Answer:
Yes. Two of the main factors that determine UV-C effectiveness are dosage and wavelength. The LED solid-state device has advanced the UV-C by providing a stable LED chip that can deliver precise high dosages of UVC with a specific nanometer range.
Question:
Where is the Active Airflow fixture produced?
Answer:
The vast majority of recently introduced UV-C products are imported from other countries, mostly from the far east. We are very pleased that our Energy Harness Active Airflow fixture is designed, developed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA!
Question:
What is the warranty and maintenance plan?
Answer:
The fixture is covered by a three-year warranty on the chassis, electronics, and fans. The LED modules have a 3000-hour warranty (8.2 hrs./day/1 year).
The LED modules, which are fully “plug and play” replaceable, are designed to last two years at 8-hrs use per day.
Question:
Is the fixture noisy?
Answer:
The current fixture design utilizes a single 36dB low noise fan module. As the fixture is designed to be used in occupied spaces, this is equivalent to a whispering in the library. Other than the fan, there are no other parts of the fixture that create sound.
Question:
Does the fixture produce ozone?
Answer:
No. The fixture has been tested by ETL and certified to be ozone-free.
Question:
Is exposure to UV-C light dangerous to humans?
Answer:
Yes, direct exposure to UV-C light is dangerous to humans and can cause damage to the skin and eyes.
Question:
Is there a risk of danger for UV exposure with the Active Airflow fixture?
Answer:
No, the UV-C light source is located inside sealed chambers within the fixture. As part of our safety testing procedures, the fixture has been certified by Intertek (ETL) to comply with safety standard IEC 62471 which requires that no UV radiation may escape the fixture.
Question:
Is there a risk of danger for UV exposure if the fixture is opened while in use?
Answer:
No, the fixture has a safety cut-off switch that automatically turns off the UV light source and fan if the access door is opened.
Question:
Where do you install these fixtures inside the room to get the best results?
Answer:
Every room or area will have different airflow characteristics, and it is important to use the rising or circulating airstreams to feed the fixture input. The output side of the fixture can be directed towards people normally located in the room or toward calm spots that the HVAC system does not move or stir. Wall-mounted fixtures can be used to further circulate or clean the air in areas of high human traffic or constant human interaction.