You may see UVB in a product name, nanometres in a specification and UVI on a display. Understanding those labels makes the information easier to read.
UVB names a wavelength band
Ultraviolet radiation is divided into bands according to wavelength. The World Health Organization describes UVB as the band from 280 to 315 nanometres. A nanometre, written as nm, is a unit of wavelength.
This tells you which part of the ultraviolet spectrum is being described. The label UVB by itself is not a numeric measurement of intensity.
Source: WHO: Ultraviolet radiation.
UVI is an index
The UV Index, or UVI, is a numerical way to describe weighted ultraviolet radiation. The international solar UV Index uses a weighting based on the sunburn response of human skin. It is an index value, rather than a wavelength measured in nanometres.
That distinction matters when reading an instrument specification: a range written in nm and a value labelled UVI are not interchangeable.
Source: ICNIRP: UV Index.
Read the UVB-1 labels separately
The UVB-1 Series operating guide lists a sensor wavelength range of 240 to 320 nm. It also describes a screen that displays UVI, battery percentage and voltage.
Read those as two separate pieces of product information:
- Sensor wavelength range: the range stated in nanometres.
- UVI display: the index label shown with the current value on the screen.
The wavelength specification is not the numeric UVI measurement range.
Can I use a fixed UVB to UVI conversion?
Not from a wavelength label or a sensor range. A UVB irradiance measurement and a UVI value represent different quantities. UVI uses spectral weighting, so a single fixed multiplier should not be assumed to convert an arbitrary UVB irradiance reading into UVI.
When comparing meter readings, first check that the instruments report the same quantity and units. A UVB value expressed as irradiance should not be treated as though it were already a UVI value.
Start with the meter controls
For the UVB-1 Series, point the sensor directly at the light source and read the UVI display. Short press the button during measurement to hold the current value, then press again to return to live readings.
Follow the quick start guide or explore the product specifications.
Keep measurement and care guidance separate
A displayed value records a measurement. Choosing an enclosure setup also requires the relevant species and care context. This guide explains measurement terms and meter operation; it does not set a target UVI for an animal.