Why Tanning Bed Bulb Replacement Is Important
By Mattie MacDonald
Maintaining a healthy-looking tan year-round is a priority for many people. When harsh winter weather makes natural sun exposure difficult, an indoor tanning bed provides a workable solution. While local salons offer this service, many users are increasingly installing similar equipment at home. To ensure a trouble-free experience, tanning bed bulb replacement is an important part of upkeep.
While there are hundreds of platform styles, all use similar principles. A pod-like structure for full-length reclining has an attached, hinged cover fitted with radiant bulbs. Considered either high- or low-pressure, these light sources are able to generate more ultraviolet radiation than natural sunlight, an advantage that saves time and limits overexposure. Low pressure lamps look very similar to common fluorescent fixtures.
They operate in conjunction with a ballast, or device which regulates current flow. Like a neon sign, light is produced by exciting phosphors coating the interior, emitting photons that reproduce the skin darkening effects of solar rays. The glass that contains the gases and phosphors effectively filters all UVC (ultra-violet C), but allows radiation to pass through and interact with the melanin in human skin.
High-pressure units are referred to as bulbs, and vary considerably in output, shape and size. Sometimes used to highlight specific body areas like the face, most are shorter than five inches, and power limits range from a relatively low 250-watt output, to a dazzling 2000 watts. Most bulbs emit only UVA, and in the past have been used in medical sterilization. They must be filtered to avoid skin damage.
Most home booth lighting fixtures have a life expectancy of one to two-thousand hours. Some owners may be surprised to learn that they work optimally only for the first 50 hours, after which efficiency and output both start to fade. Although they continue to emit light, there may be a decrease in actual skin color changes produced. For continuously efficient results, replacement is best at 500 to 800 hours.
Because of this typical decline in performance, it is advisable to swap out all high-pressure bulbs at the same time, or at least rotate them to different spots. Not only does this increase their overall effect, but it also encourages even coverage of all skin regions. Individual skin reactions to exposure also vary, and what seems overwhelming to one user may feel ineffective to another.
Unlike the replacements for standard home lighting bulbs, all brands may not be always be safely interchangeable. Use of the wrong type can lead to overheating, under-performance, and even electrical problems. When necessary, purchase replacements from the dealer who sold the main unit, and keep all printed information that came with the bed. Off-brand purchases may end up costing more than they save.
Buy only bulbs that match unit requirements for UVA and UVB exposure, and keep extras on hand for emergencies. Some people prefer buying them in bulk, not only saving money but eliminating the possibility of an unexpected, annoying failure. If there are questions regarding the right product, be sure to contact your dealer, who can recommend safe, compatible units of varying output and longevity.
While there are hundreds of platform styles, all use similar principles. A pod-like structure for full-length reclining has an attached, hinged cover fitted with radiant bulbs. Considered either high- or low-pressure, these light sources are able to generate more ultraviolet radiation than natural sunlight, an advantage that saves time and limits overexposure. Low pressure lamps look very similar to common fluorescent fixtures.
They operate in conjunction with a ballast, or device which regulates current flow. Like a neon sign, light is produced by exciting phosphors coating the interior, emitting photons that reproduce the skin darkening effects of solar rays. The glass that contains the gases and phosphors effectively filters all UVC (ultra-violet C), but allows radiation to pass through and interact with the melanin in human skin.
High-pressure units are referred to as bulbs, and vary considerably in output, shape and size. Sometimes used to highlight specific body areas like the face, most are shorter than five inches, and power limits range from a relatively low 250-watt output, to a dazzling 2000 watts. Most bulbs emit only UVA, and in the past have been used in medical sterilization. They must be filtered to avoid skin damage.
Most home booth lighting fixtures have a life expectancy of one to two-thousand hours. Some owners may be surprised to learn that they work optimally only for the first 50 hours, after which efficiency and output both start to fade. Although they continue to emit light, there may be a decrease in actual skin color changes produced. For continuously efficient results, replacement is best at 500 to 800 hours.
Because of this typical decline in performance, it is advisable to swap out all high-pressure bulbs at the same time, or at least rotate them to different spots. Not only does this increase their overall effect, but it also encourages even coverage of all skin regions. Individual skin reactions to exposure also vary, and what seems overwhelming to one user may feel ineffective to another.
Unlike the replacements for standard home lighting bulbs, all brands may not be always be safely interchangeable. Use of the wrong type can lead to overheating, under-performance, and even electrical problems. When necessary, purchase replacements from the dealer who sold the main unit, and keep all printed information that came with the bed. Off-brand purchases may end up costing more than they save.
Buy only bulbs that match unit requirements for UVA and UVB exposure, and keep extras on hand for emergencies. Some people prefer buying them in bulk, not only saving money but eliminating the possibility of an unexpected, annoying failure. If there are questions regarding the right product, be sure to contact your dealer, who can recommend safe, compatible units of varying output and longevity.
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