What is a Handheld UV Inspection Light?
A UV inspection light is a small lamp, which is portable lamp that produces UV-A radiation (approximately 365 nm wavelength). This wavelength is important as it activates fluorescent material employed in the NDT (non-destructive testing) and makes the material glow. The main characteristics are:
- Wavelength spectrum: 365395 nm.
- Light source: UV LEDs (long life, instant on).
- Intensity: 1,000-7,000 ug/cm 2 at 38 cm (ASTM standard).
- Design: Light, rechargeable, and enduring when in the field.
The handheld UV inspection light based on LEDs is much colder and safer as compared to older mercury-based lamps and meets the environmental standards.
Extensive Area with soaring UV
The most remarkable aspect of the PGS150A handheld UV inspection light is that it has a 7-inch (17 cm) field of view at 15 inches (38 cm) working distance. This guarantees extensive light coverage, thus applicable in scanning surfaces of a large area and also in minute inspection. The lamp provides the minimum intensity of UV of 2,000 µW/cm 2, which is correct in accordance with the ASTM and ISO standards regarding UV inspection.
- Superior Optical Glass Lens
The PGS150A has an optical glass lens as opposed to the plastic lenses that are contained in lamps. This guarantees equal distribution of the UV beam and eliminates damage to light transfer with time. What follows is a uniform performance, after inspection, without diminution in accuracy or intensity.
- Two Operating Modes: Portable or Stationary.

The PGS150A is highly flexible with two operation modes:
- Handheld Mode – Excellent for on-the-go, portable inspections.
- Fixed Mode - it can be fixed with screw holes on the handle to ensure it can be used in a fixed position and does not require the use of hands.
This is appropriate in a variety of environments, including field inspections and laboratory installations.
- Silent Fanless Cooling System.
Inspections are distracting due to noise. This is why the PGS150A will have a mechanical fanless cooling system. This allows good heat dissipation without any extra noise and keeps the working environment quiet, and the lamp is not overheated.
What is the Reason to Buy the PGS150A UV LED Inspection Light?
The PGS150A portable UV inspection light integrates high power, a broad range, and universal use in one product. It has a long-life span optical glass lens, silent fanless cooling, and variable power capabilities that make it a better option in NDT, quality control, and industrial inspection. It can be used in the aerospace or automobile, and general manufacturing industries, where this UV LED inspection light will give good results at all times.
Reasons to Use a Handheld UV Inspection Light?
1. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
The application of UV lamps in industries is in FPI and MPI, where the defects are seen under UV light. This is safe yet does not cause harm to the parts.
2. Compact and Portable
The device does not require bulky equipment since the technicians can take it wherever they wish to go, such as factory floors to plane hangars.
3. High Performance
- Instant-on with no warm-up.
- Regular distribution of beams.
- Conforms to the ASTM E3022 and ISO 3059.
Technical Facts of Handheld UV Inspection Lights.
The current handheld UV lights are made durable and accurate. The following are some of the most critical technical specifications:
UV Wavelength
UV-A (365nm) is the best in FPI and MPI.
Some lamps also offer 395 nm to carry out general inspection.
UV Intensity
• Standard requirement: 1,000 uW/cm 2 at 38 cm.
High-end models: as low as 7,000 µW/cm 2 in critical applications.
Filtered Light
- Optical filters are used to ensure the leaks of visible light remain less than 20 lux (according to ASTM E3022).
Power Source
• Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
• Run time: 4 -12 hours based on lamp power.
Build Quality
• Rugged aluminum housing.
• Waterproof and shockproof designs.
• Long inspection ergonomic handle.
The Uses of the Handheld UV Inspection Lights.
- Aerospace Industry
Parts of aircraft are inspected strictly. UV lamps are used to detect cracks, leakages, and fatigue failures.
- Automotive Sector
Applied in finding cracks and leaks in welding and material variation.

- Oil & Gas
UV-A lamps are used to ensure the safety of pipeline welds and offshore structures.
- Forensics
Investigators of crime scenes are equipped with handheld UV blacklights to help them identify the presence of biological fluids, fingerprints, and forgery.
- Electronics and Semiconductors.
PCBs and chips have micro-cracks that are detectable with accuracy during a UV examination. To a complete detail, see our applications of UV LED modules page.
The benefits of Handheld UV LED Lights.
1. Energy Efficiency - consumes as little as 70 percent less than mercury lamps.
2. Long Lifespan 20,000+ hrs of LED life.
3. Cool Operation - No heat of surfaces checked.
4. Environmentally Friendly -No toxic mercury.
5. Low Maintenance, Low downtime, replacement.
6. Instant Start- No warming, as in conventional UV lamps.
ASTM International recommends that now, UV lamps made of LED are the most suitable when doing safety-critical inspections.
The NDT UV Inspection Light Handheld: Workflow.
1. Surface Preparation: Clean the test component.
2. List Fluorescent Dye -Penetrant or magnetic particles.
3. Ink away Unnecessary Dye- Dry off surface.
4. Light up with UV Light- Place the lamp 38 cm above the surface.
5. See Signs: Cracks, fissures, or leakages are glossy.
Safety Considerations
-Wear safety glasses with UV protection always.
- Do not have direct eye or skin contact.
- Adhere to ISO 3059 safety standards.
- Keep the lamp regularly calibrated.
How to Select the Right Handheld UV Inspection Light?
When buying, consider:
- Minimum UV intensity (basic and advanced inspection).
- Compliance with ASTM E3022.
- The battery life and portability.
- Use (aerospace, automotive, forensic, etc.).
Conclusion
A Handheld UV Inspection Light in the hands is not just another tool, but a safety and quality protector. It is used in aerospace to forensics to make sure that there is no flaw that is undetected. Handheld UV lamps have become the best in inspections with their efficiency in LED, portability, and adherence to global standards. Industries that require reliability and precision will not find it as an option to invest in a high-quality handheld UV LED inspection light, but it is a necessity. Find all our UV inspection products at UVET and make sure that your operations are of the highest quality.
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