| Typical purchase price | US$120–220 | US$350–700 | US$900–1,800 | The lowest purchase price may not produce the lowest operating cost. |
| Rated electrical input | 30–60 W | 80–150 W | 180–300 W | Electrical consumption should be assessed together with required UV output and coverage. |
| Expected lamp life | 6,000–8,000 hours | 8,000–10,000 hours | 9,000–12,000 hours | UV output can decline before the lamp stops producing visible light, so replacement intervals should be based on manufacturer ratings or UV measurements. |
| Recommended replacement interval | 9–12 months at 8 hours/day | 12–18 months at 8 hours/day | 18–24 months at 8 hours/day | A replacement schedule helps maintain consistent UV performance and reduces unplanned downtime. |
| Replacement lamp price | US$35–70 | US$75–160 | US$180–380 | Confirm availability, lead time, socket type, wavelength, and compatibility before buying the lamp housing. |
| Other replaceable parts | Lamp and fuse usually available | Lamp, ballast, fuse, and quartz sleeve | Lamp, ballast, sleeve, sensor, and controller | Serviceable components can extend equipment life and reduce the cost of replacing the complete unit. |
| Two-year replacement cost | US$70–140 | US$75–320 | US$180–380 | Estimate replacement cost using the planned operating schedule rather than the purchase price alone. |
| Estimated two-year energy cost* | US$53–105 | US$140–263 | US$315–526 | Energy cost depends on wattage, operating hours, and the local electricity tariff. |
| Warranty period to seek | At least 12 months | At least 24 months | 24–36 months preferred | Check whether the warranty covers the ballast, controller, power supply, labor, and shipping—not only the lamp tube. |
| Certification documents to verify | Electrical safety and EMC documentation | Electrical safety, EMC, and applicable regional conformity documents | Electrical safety, EMC, photobiological safety, and applicable regional conformity documents | A valid certificate should identify the exact model and issuing laboratory or conformity-assessment body. |
| Safety features to look for | Basic enclosure and on/off switch | Door interlock, timer, warning label, and protective enclosure | Interlock, timer, fault indicator, shielding, emergency stop, and UV monitoring | UV-C can injure eyes and skin; equipment should prevent unintended exposure and be installed according to its instructions. |
| Technical information supplied | Wavelength and wattage | Wavelength, irradiance, coverage, and installation guide | Wavelength, irradiance map, dose data, maintenance guide, and test method | Wattage alone does not prove disinfection performance; irradiance and exposure time are also required. |
| Estimated two-year total ownership cost* | US$243–465 | US$565–1,283 | US$1,395–2,706 | Purchase price + replacement lamps + electricity; excludes installation, labor, shipping, taxes, and downtime. |
