Here is a refresher on common lamp terminology:
BP: (Bi-pin) refers to the two metal prongs extending from the ends of the lamp.
RDC: (Recessed Double Contact) these lamps have black end-caps; the most common lengths are F72 and F73.
T12: T = diameter of the glass in 1/8 inch steps, 12 x 1/8 = 1.5” diameter
W: Watt is a measure of power consumption and heat, not necessarily output.
F/FR: Prefixes for lamp identification; denotes “low-pressure” (fluorescent) Ex: F71T12/100W/BP = 71” fluorescent 100W Bi-pin sunlamp
FR71T12/100W/BP = 71” fluorescent 100W Bi-pin reflector sunlamp
HO: (High-Output) 80-120W low-pressure sunlamps
VHO: (Very-High-Output) 140-200W+ low-pressure sunlamps
HP: (High-Pressure) small quartz lamps consisting of metal halide; very intense UV output
nm: Light is measured in nanometers, the length of the wave form at a given point.
UV: Ultraviolet light, invisible to the human eye; light waves below 400nm.
•UVC (200-280nm) Powerful; not for tanning, but used for germicidal purposes, etc.
•UVB (280-320nm) Stimulates melanin production in skin; primary agent for erythema (sunburn)
•UVA2 (320-340nm) Stimulates melanin production in skin, produces some erythema and pigment darkening, closely associated with skin elastosis (photo-aging, or wrinkles)
•UVA1 (340-400nm) Oxidizes melanin (creates a tan) on and beneath the skin’s surface
UVB%: Does not refer to “the percentage of the lamp’s output that is in the UVB spectrum,” but refers to the ratio of UVB to UVA; a common method of “rating” sunlamps and tells you little or nothing about the product’s useful life or performance
MED/MMD: (Minimal Erythemal Dose and Minimal Melanogenic Dose) One (1) MED is the least amount of UV exposure that results in skin pigmentation without sunburn. One (1) MMD = minimal dose required to produce a noticeable tan.
TE: Refers to the approximate time (session) in which an indoor tanner receives four (4) MED in a typical UV tanning system
TM: Represents time to achieve melanogenesis (tanning) in a typical sunbed
SPF: (Sun Protection Factor) This is the standard means of expressing a sunscreen product’s effectiveness in protecting skin from burning. Our un-tanned skin has a natural SPF of 1. A tan increases resistance to further UV radiation and increases our personal SPF much like externally-applied sunscreen products. ■
