When to Replace Tanning Bed Bulbs?

A German lighting systems company discovered tanning bulbs in 1903, when they were testing lights and found that this certain type of "bulb" created UV light rays while at the same time creating visible light. In the 1920s, the first tanning bed emerged on the market, and shipped to the United States in 1978 from Europe. These bulbs and beds were initially unregulated until 1988 when the government decided it would be best to create a law to ensure that these tanning devices had a set of safety rules. These safety rules were primarily for the tanning bulbs, since these are the main part of the tanning bed, as well as the most important part. The structure and model of tanning beds has not changed much since they first appeared in the U.S. Of course, technology has evolved over the years, thus helping create better bulbs and creating a little more protection for human skin. There are companies that are dedicated to improving the quality and safety of tanning bed bulbs.

Tanning bulbs are used in the cosmetic industry for men and women to obtain a tan during the winter months where getting a tan outside is not possible. Tanning bulbs are not only used for cosmetic purposes, but also for the feel-good endorphins they can bring out in the human brain that natural sunlight brings out as well. Also, the intense infrared heat can act as a muscle relaxer for aches and pains.

As tanning bulbs are the most important part of the bed, it is a good idea to do research about different companies and bulbs before purchasing them. Lamps are available in two basic styles, even though there are lots of types of bulbs within these two styles. There are low-pressure, and high-pressure bulbs. Low-pressure are usually called lamps, while the high-pressure are called bulbs since they are more powerful. Both of these bulbs resemble long tubes of fluorescent lights that produce UV rays Low-pressure lamps lose their efficiency more quickly than high-pressure bulbs. High-pressure bulbs need filters to block the damaging rays that are stronger than low-pressure lamps.

It is important to know the make, model and year of the tanning bed, plus the size and wattage of the bulbs, which should be noted in order to get the correct bulbs for the tanning bed. If you run your own tanning salon, it is best to purchase tanning bulbs in bulk. If you just have an individual tanning bed, then check out your local hardware stores for single bulbs. Also, it might be best to contact the company of the tanning bulbs the first time you change them to ensure that you are doing it properly. Tanning bed bulbs should be replaced when they have used around 80% of their life expectancy, which is around once a year. Of course, this all depends upon how often the tanning bulbs are used. For example, at a tanning salon, the bulbs should definitely be changed at least once a year, but if you have a home tanning bed, they may need to be changed every three years or so. Low-pressure lamps have a life span of about 300 to 1700 hours. High-pressure bulbs have a life span of about 300 to 9500 hours. Always make sure you wipe down the tanning beds and bulbs at least every 200 hours of use in order to clear any dust that may block UV rays.

Replacing your own lamps is something be walked through the first time you do it to ensure that you are following procedures correctly. It is mainly important to find the correct lamps and bulbs for your bed. Replace all of your bulbs at once instead of replacing them one by one as each burns out. This will result in cheaper and easier maintenance. There is a lot to consider when deciding if you should purchase or utilize tanning bulbs. The benefit is that tanning beds and bulbs increase endorphins and brightens up your mood, and it also helps you achieve your ultimate tan. Risks include skin damage that encourages wrinkles, sunspots, eye damage, and an increased chance of cancerous cells emerging, just to name a few. When installing tanning bulbs, consider your type of skin, how easily you tan or burn, and how much sun you actually need. It would also be beneficial to do some research on the tanning bed laws and regulations in your state, as they all differ.