Description
Overview
This is a complete UV water steriliser system built around the Polaris UVA-4C, paired with a 2-stage 10" pre-filtration housing. UV sterilisation exposes water to germicidal light at 254nm as it passes through the stainless steel chamber, disrupting the DNA of microorganisms without adding anything to the water or changing its taste, odour, or pH. At 16LPM (4 GPM), the UVA-4C delivers a UV dose of 30 mJ/cm2, which inactivates bacteria, viruses, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. Pre-filtration upstream removes sediment that would otherwise block UV light and reduce disinfection performance.
The system connects via 15mm ports to a standard NZ mixer tap using 15mm stainless steel flexi-hoses (not included). It treats the cold water line only, so water drawn in mixed mode through the hot line remains untreated. Some assembly is required before installation.
What This System Protects Against
UV sterilisation at 30 mJ/cm2 inactivates:
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Bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter
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Viruses, including Rotavirus and Hepatitis A
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Protozoan cysts, including Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium
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Fungi, algae, and other microbiological contaminants
UV does not remove dissolved chemicals, heavy metals, chlorine, or sediment. The pre-filtration stages handle particulates. If you also need to address taste, odour, or chemical contamination, select the carbon block option for the second pre-filter stage.
Key Features
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Polaris UVA-4C UV steriliser with lamp and ballast included
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Destroys 99.9% of waterborne microorganisms without chemicals
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No change to water taste, odour, pH, or conductivity
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2-stage 10" pre-filtration housing for sediment and cyst removal
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16LPM (4 GPM) flow rate at 30 mJ/cm2 UV dose
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304 stainless steel UV reaction chamber
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LED lamp-out indicator and audible ballast alarm
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9,000-hour rated lamp life (approximately one year)
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No need to shut off the water flow to replace the UV lamp
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15mm ports for direct connection to NZ standard mixer tap flexi-hoses
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Treats the cold water line at the point of use
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No moving parts in the UV chamber
What Is Included
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Polaris UVA-4C UV steriliser unit (lamp and ballast included)
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2-stage 10" standard pre-filtration housing
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Your choice of first-stage and second-stage filter cartridges (see filter options below)
Not included: 15mm stainless steel flexi-hoses for connection to mixer tap.
Pre-Filtration Filter Options
Pre-filtration is essential for UV performance. Sediment and turbidity in the water absorb UV light before it can reach microorganisms. Both filter stages should be selected to suit your incoming water quality.
First Stage – Sediment Removal
Choose one:
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10PL20 – Pleated 20 micron: medium grade sediment, washable and reusable
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10PL5 – Pleated 5 micron: fine grade sediment, washable and reusable
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SDC-25-1020 – Polyspun depth 20 micron: medium-grade sediment, disposable
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SDC-25-1005 – Polyspun depth 5 micron: fine grade sediment, disposable
Pleated cartridges are a good choice where sediment loads are higher, as they can be removed, rinsed, and returned to service. Polyspun depth cartridges offer slightly finer, gradual filtration and are replaced rather than cleaned.
Second Stage – Fine Sediment and Cyst Removal
Choose one:
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SDC-25-1001 – Polyspun depth 1 micron: fine sediment and cysts, including Giardia
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CB-25-1001 – Carbon block 1 micron: fine sediment, cysts including Giardia, and bad tastes and odours
If your water has any taste or odour issues, a chlorine smell, or you want an additional layer of chemical reduction, select the carbon block second stage. If your concern is purely microbiological, the polyspun 1 micron is sufficient ahead of the UV unit.
Specifications
Polaris UVA-4C UV Steriliser
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Flow rate: 16LPM (4 GPM)
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UV dose: 30 mJ/cm2 at rated flow
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Wavelength: 254nm germicidal UV
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Lamp wattage: 17W
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Lamp rated life: 9,000 hours (approximately one year)
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Chamber material: 304 stainless steel
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Port size: 15mm (1/2" MNPT)
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Dimensions: approximately 39cm x 6.4cm (15.5" x 2.5")
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Maximum pressure: 125 PSI (8.79 kgf/cm2)
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Working temperature: 1.67°C to 40°C (35°F to 104°F)
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Voltage: 110V/220V
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Indicators: LED lamp-out indicator, audible ballast alarm
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UV lamp replacement: no water shutoff required
Pre-Filtration Housing
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Housing size: 10" standard
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Stages: 2
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Connection: inline, upstream of UV unit
Installation Overview
This system is designed for point-of-use installation on the cold water line feeding a mixer tap. The pre-filtration stages connect first in line, followed by the UV unit, with the outlet then connecting to the cold water inlet of the mixer tap via 15mm stainless steel flexi-hoses.
The system arrives partially assembled. Some assembly of the housing and connections is required before installation. The UV unit itself connects electrically to a standard power outlet.
Because only the cold line is treated, water drawn purely from the cold tap passes through the full UV and pre-filtration system. Water drawn through the mixer tap in mixed mode will include hot water from the hot line, which bypasses the UV unit entirely. If full household UV protection is required, the system would need to be installed at the mains inlet rather than at a single point of use.
Maintenance
UV lamp: Replace annually or at 9,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first. The LED indicator and audible alarm will activate when the lamp fails or reaches the end of its life. The lamp can be replaced without shutting off the water supply.
Pre-filter cartridges: Replace or clean filter cartridges based on flow rate and water quality. In most household applications, the first-stage pleated cartridge can be rinsed every one to three months. The second-stage cartridge should be replaced when the flow noticeably reduces or at the manufacturer's recommended interval. Do not allow pre-filter cartridges to run beyond their service life, as a saturated or bypassing pre-filter will reduce UV effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UV sterilisation change the taste or smell of my water?
No. UV adds nothing to the water and changes nothing about its taste, odour, or pH. If taste or odour is also a concern, select the carbon block option for the second pre-filter stage.
Does this system work on tank water?
Yes, though pre-filtration must be matched to the sediment level in your tank. If your tank water is heavily silted, contact us before ordering to confirm the right filter combination.
Why does UV only treat cold water?
The system connects to the cold line at the point of use. Hot water stored in a cylinder is already held at temperatures that inhibit most bacterial growth. For full household protection, a whole-house UV installation at the mains is the appropriate solution.
How do I know when the UV lamp needs replacing?
The UVA-4C has an LED lamp-out indicator and an audible alarm for lamp failure. Replace the lamp annually regardless, as UV output declines gradually before the indicator activates.
Is pre-filtration really necessary with UV?
Yes. Suspended particles absorb and scatter UV light, allowing microorganisms to pass through untreated. Pre-filtration ensures the UV unit can work at rated performance.
Does some assembly mean complex installation?
No. Connection involves standard push-fit or threaded fittings. A plumber or confident DIY installer can complete it without specialist tools.
Pro Tip
Replace the UV lamp on a fixed annual schedule rather than waiting for the alarm to trigger. UV output decreases gradually over the lamp's 9,000-hour life, meaning disinfection effectiveness is already declining before the lamp-out indicator activates. Treating lamp replacement as a routine annual task, similar to changing a smoke alarm battery, keeps the system operating at rated performance throughout the year.