Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/DIY: Make Your Own UV Sterilisation Box

Beginner

ANALOG / DISCRETE

Project Specific

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

DIY: Make Your Own UV Sterilisation Box

Build a custom ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation box using stiff cardboard or wood and two 11-watt germicidal UV tubes to safely disinfect everyday personal items.

Originally published on ElectronicsForU

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

2 Meter - 6mm Copper Tape with Conductive Adhesive Rs. 80.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: Enclosure / Box / Case
Inductors / Coils / Ferrite
Magnets / Electrodes / Probes
Solenoid / Electric Lock
timer circuitry

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How It Works

The DIY UV sterilisation box operates by creating a closed, reflective enclosure powered by an analog control circuit. At the heart of the system are two 11-watt germicidal UV tubes connected to dedicated chokes, which regulate the electrical current necessary to start and maintain the ultraviolet discharge safely. When the user turns the rotary switch and engages the timer circuitry, electrical power flows through the chokes and ignites the UV tubes, producing ultraviolet radiation targeted at disinfecting objects placed inside. To maximize the efficiency of the ultraviolet light, the interior walls of the stiff cardboard or wooden box are lined with kitchen aluminum foil or silver craft paper, acting as reflectors that bounce the UV rays onto all surfaces of the target items. Because safety is paramount with ultraviolet equipment, the enclosure is held securely shut by neodymium magnets and an iron strip to prevent accidental opening during operation. Though no software is used, the physical integration of the timer circuitry ensures that the UV lamps run only for the desired duration, automating the sanitization cycle for everyday carry items.

Why Build This

Quickly sanitize frequently touched personal carry items such as smartphones, wallets, and keys using germicidal ultraviolet light.

Learn fundamental electrical wiring by integrating rotary switches, timer circuits, and ballasts (chokes) for discharge lamps.

Construct a custom-sized disinfecting chamber tailored to larger items like courier packages that standard commercial boxes cannot fit.

Real-World Application

Disinfecting personal carry items such as smartphones, wallets, keys, and courier packages to inactive pathogens, viruses, and bacteria.

Skills You'll Learn

Enclosure fabrication

analog circuit wiring

basic lighting ballasts and chokes installation

magnetic latch integration

reflective material application

Safety Precautions

Direct exposure to UV-C rays is harmful to human eyes and skin; always ensure the enclosure is completely light-proof and equipped with safety switches that cut power when opened.

Technology Tags

UV-C

STERILISATION

GERMICIDAL LAMPS

ENCLOSURE CONSTRUCTION

TIMERS

SAFETY SWITCHES

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to program any microcontroller or software for this project?

No, this is an analog system controlled entirely by a rotary switch and physical timer circuitry, requiring zero programming.

Why is the aluminum foil lining necessary inside the box?

The kitchen aluminum foil or silver craft paper reflects the UV-C rays bouncing them around the interior to ensure all sides of your personal items are exposed to the germicidal light.

Can I open the box while the UV tubes are turned on?

No, direct exposure to UV-C rays is harmful to human eyes and skin; you must ensure the box is completely light-proof and power is cut before opening.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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