FAQ

We've answered our frequently asked questions below. Can't find the answer to what you are looking for? Take a look at one of our brand specific websites for more information or get in contact!

How does disinfection using UV-C work?

Ultraviolet (UV) is electromagnetic radiation that is just outside the area of the light spectrum that is visible to the human eye.

UV-C radiation, with a wavelength ranging from 200 to 280 nanometres, has the most lethal range for micro-organisms. This makes UV-C radiation capable of causing permanent damage to many different undesirable micro-organisms found in water, air, or on surfaces. For the disinfection process to succeed, each type of micro-organism must be adequately exposed to UV-C radiation. When microorganisms are directly exposed to the correct intensity of UV-C radiation for long enough the radiation penetrates through the organism’s cell wall. The radiation disrupts the micro-organism’s DNA, so it no longer functions. The reproductive capacity of the micro-organism is damaged or the organism is destroyed entirety.

How much experience do you have with UV?

We have over 40 years of experience using UV-C disinfection. Besides that, we are a proud member of the IUVA (International Ultraviolet Association). Our membership ensures that we are kept continuously up to date on the latest developments in the field of UV-C. It allows us to develop and improve our systems using the latest techniques and in keeping with safety and efficiency requirements.

What value does UV-C add?

  • UV-C is 99,99% effective against all microorganisms
  • UV-C is a safe, reliable, and sustainable way to disinfect
  • UV-C can break down ozone effectively.
  • UV-C adds nothing to the water and so does not form any by-products.
  • UV-C can be used for water, air, and surface disinfection
  • It protects swimmers against diseases caused by microorganisms (which are immune to chlorine).
  • It prevents irritation of the eyes, nose, skin, and airways caused by chloramines.
  • The addition of energy in the form of UV-C radiation means that free radicals are formed in the water. These radicals oxidize chloramines.
  • No unpleasant ‘swimming-pool smell’.
  • UV-C works independently of pH value.
  • UV-C does not affect the pH value.

Environmentally friendly
UV radiation is environmentally friendly and sterilizes without the use of chemicals: toxic chemicals require specialized storage and handling. Since no chemicals are used, overdosing is not possible.

Cost-efficient
This technology has low initial investment costs and offers reduced operating costs.

Efficient and effective
UV radiation treats the water immediately and there is no need to have tanks or for long retention/lighting times.

Functioning
UV radiation functions extremely well with other air and water processes, as no changes are made to the taste, smell, pH, conductivity, or chemical properties of the air/water in which it is used.

Where are VGE’s products made?

The entire production process of our own-brand products from Xclear and Blue lagoon takes place at our site in Schijndel, the Netherlands. The products of VGE Pro are also produced in the Netherlands and assembled in Schijndel. Our products therefore carry the label “made in the Netherlands”. 

How do I report a complaint?

VGE customers can report a complaint to their contact person by telephone or e-mail. The contact person will try to resolve the complaint by phone with you. If it proves necessary to examine a product further, your contact person will provide you with a complaint number that you can refer to on the complaint form to accompany the item to be returned. Return shipments without this RMA number will not be dealt with.

If you are a consumer and have purchased a product via a wholesaler or webshop and have problems with this, please refer to the selling party. As a producer, we do not sell directly to consumers and the warranty is handled by the selling parties.

Do your UV-C purifiers carry the CE mark?

Yes, every one of our units carries the CE mark. The associated declarations can be requested by clients via their sales contact person. 

What does a ballast do?

A ballast serves two purposes:

1: It provides sufficient voltage to break down the rare gas contained in the lamp
2: It limits the current flowing through the lamp

For some lamps, the ballast also has to supply heat to the electrodes in the lamp as preheating.

How does UV-C water disinfection work?

Germicidal UV-C systems work by irradiating running water using UV-C light. The lamps are fitted in a treatment chamber, which disinfects the water within a few seconds. A dose of 30 mJ/cm2 is more than enough to destroy most microorganisms in the water.

How often should UV-C lamps be replaced?

Generally speaking, UV-C lamps should be replaced once a year.

The average effective life of a UV-C lamp is 9,000 hours (13,000 hours for amalgam lamps). Although the lamp will continue to work after this period, its disinfecting value will rapidly decline from then on.

The lamp in my UV-C unit is still working. Does it need to be replaced?

The average effective life of a UV-C lamp is 9,000 hours (13,000 hours for amalgam lamps). Although the lamp will still continue to work after the end of this effective life, its disinfecting value will rapidly declline from then on.

Logo VGE Site Blue Lagoon Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon UV-C technology is an environmentally friendly and safe way to disinfect pool water. UV-C breaks down chloramines that cause the unpleasant smell of chlorine, and helps prevent physical symptoms such as red eyes, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties.

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Xclear Logo NEW Zwart Xclear

Xclear is driven to offer the best disinfection solutions for clear pond water. From professional to hobbyist, Xclear offers a wide range of pond water UV solutions. Besides that, it offers air and surface disinfection units for general use.

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Logo VGE Site VGE Pro VGE Pro

The VGE Pro range consists of a complete selection of industrial disinfection systems based on UV-C technology. The UV systems make water, air and surfaces healthy, clean and safe and keep it free from algae, bacteria, and viruses.

Visite website

Logo VGE Site Blue Lagoon Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon UV-C technology is an environmentally friendly and safe way to disinfect pool water. UV-C breaks down chloramines that cause the unpleasant smell of chlorine, and helps prevent physical symptoms such as red eyes, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties.

Visite website

Xclear Logo NEW Zwart Xclear

Xclear is driven to offer the best disinfection solutions for clear pond water. From professional to hobbyist, Xclear offers a wide range of pond water UV solutions. Besides that, it offers air and surface disinfection units for general use.

Visite website

Logo VGE Site VGE Pro VGE Pro

The VGE Pro range consists of a complete selection of industrial disinfection systems based on UV-C technology. The UV systems make water, air and surfaces healthy, clean and safe and keep it free from algae, bacteria, and viruses.

Visite website

How can we help you?

Do you have any questions about our company or our products? Take a look at the sites of our different brands or contact us for more information!