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Tanning Bed Lamps
Lamp Q&A
How do I know which lamp is best for me?
Tanning lamps produce both UVA and UVB rays. The UVB% is simply the percentage of the lamp's total UV output
that is UVB, but without knowing the total UV output of that lamp it can be misleading. It’s also important to note that
a high UVB% does not mean a better lamp. In fact the opposite can be argued. To put it in simple terms the UVA rays
react with the melanin in your skin which causes tanning. The UVB rays aid in producing melanin and can speed up
and intensify the process, but it’s not as simples as more is better. UVB rays are also responsible for the damaging
effects of sunlight including sunburn. A higher UVB percentage also means the lamp has a lower UVA percentage,
and lamps with a very high UVB% (such as 9.0) can do more reddening than bronzing because so much of the UVA
"tanning rays" have been depleted. The right mix depends on how well your skin tans and personal preference. All of
the lamps listed here will give you a great bronze tan. They will just work at different speed and intensity. Always
choose the right lamp for your skin type and avoid burning.How do I know what length and connector type I need?
The length can usually be found as part of the model number on your old lamps (such as F71, T72, etc). The most common length is F71. This is the length although the lamp will actually measure slightly shorter than 71 inches. Other common lengths are F72 (usually found in older beds and stand-up units), F73 (usually found in some commercial beds), and F59 (usually found in beds with a facial, the shorter lamps below the facial). Check the connectors on the end of the lamps. They will be either bi-pin (two prongs similar to a standard fluorescent lamp) or RDC (flat black plastic piece, one of the sockets that hold the lamp will be spring loaded for removal). F59 and F71 are available in bi-pin only, and F72 and F73 are available in RDC only. If you can't find the length as part of the part number you can measure
What wattage do I need?
Almost all residential beds and most standard commercial beds will be 100-watt. Shorter F59 lamps (usually found in beds with a facial) are 80-watt. Your lamps should have 100W or 80W somewhere on the lamp. Other wattages such as 120, 140, 160, etc do exist in some commercial applications. This brochure covers 100 & 80-watt lamps. See our commercial buying guide for other wattages.
How long will the lamps last?
Lamps usually come with a “rated life” from the factory of 1,000 to 1,200 hours (our are rated at 1,100 hours). To be honest this is just a number and not realistic. If you contact any tanning salon they will probably tell you that they have to replace lamps at around 700 hours to keep their customers happy. The lamp performance will begin to drop off over time and drop even more dramatically after 700 hours. We prefer to deal in “useful hours”. A more realistic expectation of how long you can expect your lamps to produce the tanning performance you desire. Even though our lamps have a rated life of 1,100 you should expect about 800 hours of “useful life”.
When should I replace the starters?
Most bed manufacturers will recommend replacing starters every other time you replace lamps, but since starters are inexpensive and easy to replace wile you have the bed apart to change the lamps you might want to consider it anytime you change lamps.
Still have questions?
Download our Brochures
100 & 80-watt Lamps for Commercial & Home Use
180, 160, & 140-watt Lamps and High Pressure Lamps (coming soon)
or
Select the model that's best for you need and buy online.
TanningResources.com - Tanning Bulbs, Replacement Lamps
