Ultraviolet-C (UVC) LEDs are rapidly proving themselves as a superior alternative to low-pressure mercury vapor lamps for disinfection. By emitting at 260 nm – 270 nm—closer to the peak germicidal sensitivity of pathogenic microbes—UVC LEDs can be up to 30% more effective than mercury lamps. This means fewer photons are needed for the same disinfection effect, reframing the way efficiency should be measured.

Unlike mercury lamps, which are restricted to fixed emission peaks at 254 nm and 185 nm, UV LEDs can be manufactured across the 220–405 nm range. This tunability not only optimizes germicidal performance but also opens the door to new sensing and industrial applications.

Far from being “early stage,” UVC LEDs are already commercialized. More than 1.1 billion units have been deployed worldwide, driving a market that has grown from €18M in 2015 to nearly €1B in 2024, with projections of 20–40% CAGR through 2030. Established UV leaders like Trojan Technologies and Wedeco are actively developing LED-based products, underscoring market readiness.

Operationally, UVC LEDs bring clear advantages. Mercury lamps require warm-up and degrade quickly with cycling, forcing 24/7 operation that wastes energy and shortens lamp life. In contrast, LEDs deliver instant full power, can be cycled without penalty, and operate on demand. This shift from “wall plug efficiency” to true operational efficiency means significant energy savings and reduced waste.

With mature manufacturing, scalable production capacity, and rapidly advancing performance, UVC LEDs are no longer just a future technology—they are already transforming water, air, and surface disinfection across residential, commercial, and industrial markets.