We’re getting our salons ready for the busy season and planning to re-lamp equipment. What are some tips for maximizing lamp life to get the greatest value AND retain customer satisfaction?[gap height=”15″]
Most sunlamp manufacturers list a rated service life for their products; however, few say what their method is for determining this life rating. Is it the length of time you can expect to use a sunlamp before it burns out? Is it the number of service hours that have elapsed before the lamp’s UV output has declined by 50 percent? Is it just a number published to justify their compatibility claims? [gap height=”15″]
At JW North America and Wolff System, we define rated service life as the point at which a lamp’s UV output has depreciated by 30 percent from initial levels. A well-constructed sunlamp, properly applied, will be ready for replacement due to this natural output (phosphor) depreciation well before it fails to “light.” This is a forecast of performance under proper salon conditions; we all know that running sunlamps at higher ambient temperatures will shorten both service life (phosphor degradation) and physical life (burnout). [gap height=”15″]
Sunlamps experience their sharpest decline in output during the first 50-100 hours of use. Therefore, insist on knowing the lamps’ rated life from zero hours, since that is how you will employ them in your equipment. Higher-quality phosphors, such as those used in Wolff System sunlamps, tend to be more stable and longer-lasting.[gap height=”15″][gap height=”15″]
To maximize the output and life of your tanning lamps:[gap height=”15″]
- Start with a high-quality lamp.
- Clean and replace acrylic shields according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Clean reflective surfaces behind the lamps periodically and/or when you re-lamp.
- Worn starters can destroy a good lamp in a very short time. Replace worn starters before they cause re-strikes or fail entirely.
- Maintain proper room temperatures with adequate air conditioning and ventilation. Higher ambient temperatures can shorten the lamps’ life and reduce UV output.
- Voltage supplied to the tanning system must meet the equipment manufacturer’s specifications. Low voltage will reduce tanning effectiveness while high voltage may reduce lamp life.
- Keep in mind that VHO (very-high-output) lamps tend to have a shorter life than HO (high-output) lamps. And, vertical system applications (booths) are harder on sunlamps than horizontal (beds).[gap height=”15″]
Remember, due to variables such as maintenance procedures, equipment ventilation and voltage irregularities, a lamp’s actual service life can, and often does differ. Again, the best way to manage this aspect is good equipment maintenance and regular monitoring of output. Get and use an economical, handheld UV meter on a regular basis. This simple but effective practice will allow you to identify and replace depreciated sunlamps before you get complaints from your salon guests.[gap height=”15″]
If you have a question you’d like answered, please email sales@wolffsys.com or visit wolffsystem.com[gap height=”15″]
Due to variables such as maintenance procedures, equipment ventilation and voltage irregularities, a lamp’s actual service life can, and often does differ.[gap height=”15″]
