Patent attributes
An ultraviolet gas discharge lamp having contact pins extending downward from a base cap toward an opposing end. The lamp is placed within a conduit or duct for disinfecting air or water flowing within the conduit. The reverse contact pins that extend toward the opposing end mate with contact holes in a socket attached to the conduit through which the lamp is inserted. The lamp is only energized when the lamp is fully inserted into the duct and is de-energized upon removing the lamp from the duct. A shield protects the pins. A window may be place in the base cap so as to visually confirm that the lamp is energized and radiating. A key and mating receiver may be used on the base cap and the socket so as to prevent accidental insertion of an inappropriate lamp.