UVC-SE – pressure-proof UVC sensor with integrated amplifier
The water pressure-proof UVC-SE is a robust measuring head for the precise measurement of UVC irradiance from low-pressure mercury and amalgam lamps in water and wastewater disinfection systems. It shows whether a plant still delivers the required disinfection dose as the lamps age. A long-term stable photodiode with a large active area of 1 cm² keeps noise low and is more sensitive below 260 nm than comparable SiC sensors; the sensor withstands pressures up to 10 bar and is calibrated traceably to the PTB.
For standard-compliant verification in drinking water plants the DVGW reference radiometer is available.
A long-term, stable high-sensitivity photodiode with a large active area is used. This provides low noise and improved sensitivity, below 260 nm, compared to SiC sensors. Superior corrosion resistance and long-term stability is also achieved through the use of appropriate materials. No aging is determined over a period of one year. The sensors are calibrated with traceability to the PTB, the German national test authority.
The amplifier is integrated into the sensor housing: the electronics amplify the photodiode signal directly at the point of measurement and output it as a low-noise standard signal to the PLC or the panel meter RM-32. A separate sensor amplifier and the interference-prone line between photodiode and amplifier are not required – an advantage in particular in systems with frequency converters and long cable runs. Operating voltage and output signal can be selected to match the measurement task or PLC interfaces. For small control tasks, the sensor can be connected to RM-32, which shows the current irradiance on a 3.5-digit digital display and switches two relay contacts with adjustable warning and alarm signals.
The sensor is submersible and rated to 10 bar, so it can be installed directly in the flow rather than behind a window in the reactor wall.
| Product type | UV sensor: Pressure-water-proof UVC sensor with integrated amplifier for reactors and wet processes |
| Spectral range | 180–280 nm |
| Measuring range | 0–1000 W/m² |
| Calibration uncertainty (typ.) | 4.5–6.0 % (k = 2) |
| Output / interface | Connection: G 3/4“; Output signal: 0–10 V, 4–20 mA o. 0–1 V |
| Time resolution | analogue sensor signal, determined by the instrument |
| Calibration | traceable to PTB, factory calibration, recalibratable |
| Standards / guidelines | no product-specific standard; calibration per DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 available |
| Suitable for | UV disinfection; Water and environmental technology; Packaging and filling technology |
| Not suitable for | spectrally resolved measurement (peak wavelength, bandwidth); irradiance above 1000 W/m² (standard range); sensor temperatures above 40 °C; dose measurement without instrument or controller |
| Datasheet revision | Rev. 2026-09-08 (e_uvcse.pdf) |
The calibration uncertainty stated above is the expanded uncertainty of the calibration (k = 2, confidence level approx. 95 %) and applies to the calibration source and the calibration conditions. In use the measurement uncertainty is larger: spectral mismatch at the source actually used, the sensor temperature, ageing since calibration as well as distance and alignment to the source are added to it. How these combine into an uncertainty budget is explained under Measurement uncertainty in UV measurement.
View the UVC-SE as a 3D model
Look at the pressure-resistant sensor from every side, rotate and zoom – directly in your browser.
The UVC-SE can be viewed from all sides in the 3D product viewer – true to the original, generated from the CAD design data. For planning the installation in reactors and pipes, the spatial view shows housing shape, window and connector at a glance.
Technical data water pressure proof UVC-sensor UVC-SE
| Measuring range | 0–1000 W/m² |
| Spectral range | 180–280 nm |
| Selectivity | above 280 nm better than 4% |
| for low-pressure HG lamps | |
| Remaining sensitivity | around 650 nm |
| Dimensions | see drawing in the data sheet |
| Housing material | Stainless steel |
| Weight | ~420 g |
| Water pressure | up to 10 bar |
| Connector | G 3/4“ |
| Operating voltage | +24 V, +12 V or ±5 V |
| Operating current | <15 mA |
| Output | 0–10 V, 4–20 mA or 0–1 V |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C |
| Storage temperature | -10 to 40 °C |
| Humidity | < 80%, non-condensing |
| Cable | 2 m – 10 m |
| Sensor connector | M12 (5-pole) |
Frequently asked questions: UVC-SE
The UVC-SE is designed pressure-water-proof and intended for installation in reactors, pipes and tanks where the sensor stands permanently in water; the stainless-steel housing is pressure-water-proof up to 10 bar. The stainless-steel housing with quartz window tolerates cleaning cycles; a deposit on the window shows as a slow decrease of the reading and should be removed according to the maintenance schedule.
The integrated amplifier delivers 4–20 mA, 0–10 V or 0–1 V as selected, so the sensor is connected to a PLC or the panel-mount RM-32 without further electronics. The standard measuring range is 0–1000 W/m², i.e. 0–100 mW/cm², matching low-pressure and amalgam lamps in water systems. The supply voltage is +24 V, +12 V or ±5 V as selected, the current consumption below 15 mA.
Yes. The sensor is optimised for low-pressure and amalgam lamps at 253.7 nm and weights the range 180–280 nm. Daylight or room lighting at the reactor therefore hardly affects the reading. For medium-pressure lamps or several spectral ranges the UVx-SE with UVC, UVB, UVA, UVA+, UVBB, VISB and LUX is intended.
The calibration certificate states the expanded calibration uncertainty with k = 2; for the UVC-SE it is typically 4.5–6.0 %. In use the measurement uncertainty is larger, because spectral mismatch at the source actually used, sensor temperature, ageing and measuring geometry are added to it. How these combine into an uncertainty budget is explained under Measurement uncertainty in UV measurement.
Order numbers, scope of delivery, accessories and versions
| Version | Order number |
|---|---|
| UVC-SE ±5 V, 0–1 V | 810351 |
| UVC-SE +24 V, 0–10 V | 810352 |
| UVC-SE +24 V, 4–20 mA | 810356 |
| UVC-SE +12 V | 810353 |
Scope of delivery: the UVC-SE sensor, a protective cap and the factory calibration certificate. Please state the supply voltage and the required output signal with your order.
| Length | Order number |
|---|---|
| Connecting cable, 2 m | 920310 |
| Connecting cable, 5 m | 920310-5 |
| Connecting cable, 10 m | 920310-10 |
| Length | Order number |
|---|---|
| Connecting cable, 2 m | 920310-I |
| Connecting cable, 5 m | 920310-I5 |
| Connecting cable, 10 m | 920310-I10 |
| Designation | Order number |
|---|---|
| Online monitor RM-32 | 670029 |
The UVC-SE can be operated on the panel meter RM-32: it shows the irradiance on a 3½-digit digital display and outputs warning and alarm signals through two relay contacts.
Connection and pin assignment
| Name | Wire colour | Connector PIN |
|---|---|---|
| GND / Shield | brown | PIN 1 |
| Supply 24 VDC | white | PIN 2 |
| not used | – | PIN 3 |
| Signal High 0 – 10 VDC | black | PIN 4 |
| Signal Low | grey | PIN 5 |
On versions with an open cable end there is no connector; the wire colours remain the same.
| Name | Wire colour | Connector PIN |
|---|---|---|
| GND / Shield | brown | PIN 1 |
| Supply 12 VDC | white | PIN 2 |
| not used | – | PIN 3 |
| Signal High 0 – 10 VDC | black | PIN 4 |
| Signal Low | grey | PIN 5 |
On versions with an open cable end there is no connector; the wire colours remain the same.
| Name | Wire colour | Connector PIN |
|---|---|---|
| Supply 24 VDC | brown | PIN 1 |
| Supply 24 VDC | white | PIN 2 |
| GND / Shield | blue | PIN 3 |
| GND / Shield | black | PIN 4 |
| not used | – | PIN 5 |
The sensor sits in the current loop: PIN 1 and PIN 2 carry the supply, PIN 3 and PIN 4 the return. The measuring instrument or PLC input is placed in the return line and reads the loop current. On versions with an open cable end there is no connector; the wire colours remain the same.
Connection in the current loop, supply 7.5 V to 36 V DC.
The connecting cables are available with an M12 female or an M12 male connector. Both diagrams show the mating face, so the contacts are mirrored with respect to each other. The keyway fixes the orientation.
M12 female connector, 5-pole – view onto the mating face.
M12 male connector, 5-pole – view onto the mating face.
