Q: When replacing sunlamps, should we wipe the new lamps with plain water or polish and buff them with a soft cloth?
A: Before final packing at the manufacturing plant, new fluorescent lamps are treated with a light coating of silicone. This coating is designed to improve reliable starting in difficult circumstances which are not present in a tanning bed or booth. The silicone coating is not visible, and it’s not necessary to clean new lamps before installing them unless you notice any small amounts of dust or phosphors (harmless) picked up during manufacture.
New lamps need only to be wiped with a damp cloth pre-installation. I say “damp” instead of “wet” because water spots may attract dust deposits or appear as a blemish when dry. If you get the lamp wet, dry it with cloth or paper towel. Low-pressure sunlamps are easy to clean, but be careful to avoid bumping it on anything hard enough to cause a crack or break during the wipe-down.
Q: How often should I change my acrylic shields?
A: Acrylic shields should be replaced according to the system manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s difficult to visually observe acrylic deterioration; so many salons retain acrylics past their useful life because they look okay. A handheld UVB meter, however, will aid in this determination. Measure UVB output with, then without the acrylic in place from the same place and distance; divide the “with” results by the “without” results to get the percentage of degradation in the acrylic’s transmissivity (8/9 = .888, or 89%). Even new, an acrylic will seldom allow for 100 percent UV transmissivity.
Acrylic shields which show stress lines, cracks and/or discoloration (yellowing) may block as much as 30% – 50% of UV light transmission, resulting in complaints from your tanners, or worse, they’ll take their business to your competitor.
Q:When I measure my F71 sunlamp from end-to-end, I do not get 71 inches. Why?
A: “F” is a lighting industry classification for fluorescent lamps; what we in the tanning industry refer to as low-pressure. The most common designations: 59”, 71”, 72” and 73” are “nominal” dimensions – approximations of the actual length of a tanning lamp. These dimensions were chosen to differentiate tanning lamps from regular commercial lighting products. This prevents tanning lamps from being misapplied.
For example, the finished lamp specification for a Bellarium S F71/BP is a maximum length of 70.2 inches. That is the maximum length from the end of one termination (bi-pin or Recessed Double Contact) to the end of the other termination. Bi-pin lamps are generally operated on pre-heat ballasts (require a separate starter), and RDC styles are generally operated by rapid start ballasts (starter inside ballast). Both sunlamp styles require two pins at the ends of the lamp, but the RDC termination is added when the lamp is expected to be operated on a rapid start circuit.
Now is the perfect time of year to schedule tanning system maintenance – including changing lamps and getting your sunbed acrylics in top shape. Use these tips to ensure your salon guests are achieving their desired results.
