For over 50 years, Functional Devices has delivered high-quality relays, controllers, and automation components designed to make installations safer, easier, and more reliable. To learn more about our solutions or get guidance on specifying the right equipment, contact Functional Devices or browse our building automation line.
Why UV Lighting Safety Matters
Ultraviolet (UV) lighting is widely used in healthcare, laboratories, and clean rooms to disinfect PPE, tools, and surfaces. However, uncontrolled exposure to UV radiation can cause serious harm to eyes and skin. Automating the UV lighting circuit ensures lights only operate when the room is unoccupied or when PPE protection is in place, keeping staff safe while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
The Role of Functional Devices’ CLC212-NC Light Controller
Functional Devices offers the CLC212-NC Light Controller as a simple, reliable solution for automating UV lighting. This controller pairs with a door switch or other safety sensor to switch off UV lighting automatically whenever the door is opened or someone enters the room. By using a normally-closed (NC) relay rated at 10A and accepting 120–277 Vac power input, the CLC212-NC is designed for straightforward integration into PPE cleaning rooms and similar environments.
Key features include:
- 10A Normally Closed Relay. Ensures UV lighting is cut off when the door opens or the sensor trips.
- 120–277 Vac Power Input. Works across standard commercial building voltages.
- Dry Contact Input. No transformer required, simplifying wiring.
- 18 AWG Control Wiring. Flexible, low-cost installation without armored conduit.
- Made in the USA. UL Listed and backed by Functional Devices’ quality and support.
How the Setup Works
Setting up the CLC212-NC Light Controller is relatively straightforward. Follow these general steps:
- Install the CLC212-NC Light Controller near the UV lighting circuit.
- Connect the controller’s input to a door switch (magnetic or mechanical) or an occupancy sensor.
- When the door opens, the dry contact input signals the relay to open, immediately disconnecting power to the UV lights.
- When the door closes and no one is inside, the relay returns power to the lights, allowing disinfection to resume.
This design ensures the UV lights are off during entry and automatically re-energize only when the room is secured.
Wiring and Safety Considerations
Consider these installation safety tips when installing this controller:
- Door Switch Type: Choose a normally-closed door switch or safety interlock designed for line-voltage isolation. Magnetic reed switches or heavy-duty mechanical switches both work.
- Fail-Safe Operation: Because the relay is normally closed, any wiring failure or power loss defaults the UV light to the off position, a safer state for personnel.
- Testing: After installation, simulate door openings and closings to verify the relay’s response time and ensure the lights cut off instantly.
- Maintenance: Inspect the door switch alignment and relay operation during routine safety checks to avoid inadvertent exposure.
FAQ: UV Lighting Control with the CLC212-NC
Q: What types of UV lights can be controlled with the CLC212-NC?
A: Most low-pressure UV germicidal lamps and high-intensity disinfection fixtures that run on 120–277 Vac line voltage can be switched using the controller’s 10A relay. Always verify the fixture’s load rating against the relay capacity.
Q: How far can the door switch be from the controller?
A: Because the input is a low-current dry contact using 18 AWG wiring, runs of hundreds of feet are possible. Keep wiring away from high-voltage circuits to minimize interference.
Q: Does the CLC212-NC require a transformer or external power supply?
A: No transformer is needed. The unit operates directly from 120–277 Vac and provides its own internal control power.
Q: What happens during a power failure?
A: The normally-closed relay opens when the input circuit is broken or loses power, cutting off UV light. This default “off” condition ensures safety.
Q: Can other sensors besides door switches be used?
A: Yes. Any dry-contact device—such as occupancy sensors, emergency stop buttons, or interlocks—can trigger the relay, offering flexibility in designing your safety system.
Ensure Reliable Protection with Functional Devices
Proper control of UV lighting in PPE cleaning rooms is critical for both safety and operational efficiency. Using a reliable controller like the CLC212-NC Light Controller ensures that UV lamps operate only when intended, protecting staff from unnecessary exposure while maintaining effective disinfection protocols.
Functional Devices is committed to providing high-quality, user-friendly automation solutions that simplify installations and enhance safety in demanding environments. For help selecting the right components for your facility or to explore our full line of relays, controllers, and sensors, contact Functional Devices today. Safeguard your team and streamline your operations with equipment designed for reliability and peace of mind.
About Functional Devices, Inc.
Functional Devices, Inc., located in the United States of America, has been designing and manufacturing quality electronic devices since 1969. Our mission is to enhance lives in buildings and beyond. We do so by designing and manufacturing reliable, high-quality products for the building automation industry. Our suite of product offerings include RIB relays, current sensors, power controls, power supplies, transformers, lighting controls, and more.
We test 100% of our products, which leads to less than 1 out of every 16,000 products experiencing a failure in the field.
Simply put, we provide users of our various products confidence and peace of mind in every box.