Ultraviolet radiation is invisible electromagnetic energy, of which the longer wavelengths are used to excite fluorescent materials, while wavelengths below 320 nanometers are potentially harmful to human tissue.
Ultraviolet radiation is invisible electromagnetic energy with wavelengths shorter than visible light. Its longer ultraviolet wavelengths are used to excite fluorescent materials, causing them to glow, which is the basis of fluorescent lighting and many ultraviolet applications. Its shorter wavelengths, below about 320 nanometers, carry more energy and are potentially harmful to human tissue, which is why exposure to certain ultraviolet sources must be controlled.
For materials, ultraviolet radiation, especially in sunlight, can break down some plastics and rubbers over time, which is why outdoor cable is made with ultraviolet-resistant compounds. This resistance protects the cable's jacket and insulation from degrading under prolonged exposure.
In commercial and industrial settings, ultraviolet radiation is both a useful tool and an environmental factor affecting materials and safety. Recognizing the term helps in understanding its effects on cable and the value of sunlight-resistant construction.
Because ultraviolet radiation, especially in sunlight, can break down some plastics and rubbers over time, outdoor cable is made with ultraviolet-resistant compounds that protect the cable's jacket and insulation from degrading under prolonged exposure to the sun in exposed installations.
Recognizing the term helps in understanding ultraviolet's effects on cable and the value of sunlight-resistant construction, since the radiation is both a useful tool and an environmental factor affecting materials and safety.
At Windy City Wire, an understanding of ultraviolet radiation supports the selection of cable suited to its environment. Recognizing how ultraviolet wavelengths affect materials helps customers choose sunlight-resistant cable for outdoor and ultraviolet-exposed commercial and industrial installations.
UV radiation (ultraviolet radiation)