Many people love having a golden tan all year long. When seasonal changes make outdoor sun bathing impractical, it is possible to get similar results indoors using a tanning bed. Although commercial salons are always popular, increasing numbers of users are choosing to buy their own equipment. Regular tanning bed bulb replacement helps ensure optimal performance.
Although many platform styles exist, they are all similar in function. Users recline on a pod-like, padded bed with a hinged cover containing radiant light fixtures. When the unit is closed and running, the low- or high-pressure light sources produce ultraviolet radiation in amounts higher than occur naturally. The light can be well-controlled, limiting overexposure. Low-pressure units resemble long fluorescent lights.
They work with a current regulator called a ballast. Like the neon signs that still brighten some city nights, light is created by exciting the phosphors that coat the interior of these structures, producing photons similar to solar emanations. The glass used for the exterior acts as a UVC (ultra-violet C) filter, allowing only the radiation effective for tanning to reach and interact with human melanin.
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.
Light sources of both pressures have a general life span between one and two-thousand hours. They are optimal only for the first fifty hours, after which they gradually begin to lose efficiency, becoming largely ineffective as ultraviolet sources. They may still produce visible light, but not tanning. Most home users learn to replace old bulbs at half their estimated life, between 500 and 800 hours.
Even when most individual lights still seem to be working acceptably, some producers advocate replacing all high-pressure bulbs at the same time, or at minimum rotating them inside the unit. This improves overall efficiency, and allows the device to produce safer and more effective ultra-violet radiation over all areas of the body. Individual skin sensitivity varies, and what burns one person may have little effect on others.
The bulbs are not always interchangeable among brands, although they may look the same. Even if one fits, it may generate too much or not enough heat, and can result in electrical problems. Keeping all the operating information that is included with a new unit is recommended, and when necessary and possible, seek replacements from the seller. Buying off-brands may save money, but may also prove to be unsatisfactory.
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.
Although many platform styles exist, they are all similar in function. Users recline on a pod-like, padded bed with a hinged cover containing radiant light fixtures. When the unit is closed and running, the low- or high-pressure light sources produce ultraviolet radiation in amounts higher than occur naturally. The light can be well-controlled, limiting overexposure. Low-pressure units resemble long fluorescent lights.
They work with a current regulator called a ballast. Like the neon signs that still brighten some city nights, light is created by exciting the phosphors that coat the interior of these structures, producing photons similar to solar emanations. The glass used for the exterior acts as a UVC (ultra-violet C) filter, allowing only the radiation effective for tanning to reach and interact with human melanin.
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.
Light sources of both pressures have a general life span between one and two-thousand hours. They are optimal only for the first fifty hours, after which they gradually begin to lose efficiency, becoming largely ineffective as ultraviolet sources. They may still produce visible light, but not tanning. Most home users learn to replace old bulbs at half their estimated life, between 500 and 800 hours.
Even when most individual lights still seem to be working acceptably, some producers advocate replacing all high-pressure bulbs at the same time, or at minimum rotating them inside the unit. This improves overall efficiency, and allows the device to produce safer and more effective ultra-violet radiation over all areas of the body. Individual skin sensitivity varies, and what burns one person may have little effect on others.
The bulbs are not always interchangeable among brands, although they may look the same. Even if one fits, it may generate too much or not enough heat, and can result in electrical problems. Keeping all the operating information that is included with a new unit is recommended, and when necessary and possible, seek replacements from the seller. Buying off-brands may save money, but may also prove to be unsatisfactory.
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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