Tanning Bed Bulbs

Tanning Bed Bulbs

As more people are driven to look younger and more beautiful, tanning salons are springing up over night. However, the tanning process depends upon the type of tanning bulb, or tanning bed lamp as it is also called. Many people have flocked to this new sunless tanning method. If you are responsible for purchasing tanning bed bulbs or if you are interested in knowing more about the process of tanning, well this article is for you.

Tanning bed bulbs are limited to the type of tanning bulbs that are selected. There are many varieties to choose from. They all differ on the intensity of the ultraviolet light rays emitted and the lifespan of the bulbs.

Tanning bed bulbs are purchased as a fluorescent bulb that can emit ultraviolet light rays. The fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury atoms enclosed with a glass case. When the tanning bulb is heated, the mercury will release the ultraviolet light rays. Care should be taken when handling and disposing of tanning bed bulbs.

The tanning bulbs are usually of two types depending on the type of ultraviolet light rays they emit. Ultraviolet A light rays (UVA) are long wavelength rays that are between 320-400 nanometers in length. It can enter the skin more deeply. Ultraviolet B light rays (UVB) are short wavelength rays between 290-320 nanometers. They are more concentrated and are responsible for the effects of sunburn. Most tanning bed bulbs will product only ultraviolet A light rays as the ultraviolet B light rays would be a little strong for the tanning bed.


When purchasing tanning bed bulbs, keep in mind the quality of the bulb. Many tanning bed bulbs will only last eight hundred to one thousand hours with an eighty to one hundred sixty watt range. The most common types of bulbs are the Velocity tanning bed bulb and the Wolff system tanning bed bulbs.

It is not recommended that you purchase a used bulb because the quality of the used bulb will not be as good as purchasing a new one. The quality of the tan decreases as the amount of time the bulb is used increases. Therefore it is advised that tanning salons change the bulbs frequently to ensure their customers are getting their money's worth and getting a perfect tan as well.

Each tanning bed produced by manufacturers will have different instructions for their care and maintenance, especially of the tanning bulbs. It is suggested that you buy the bulbs in bulk as some tanning beds can use anywhere from two to ten bulbs at the same time. Having enough supplies on hand will ensure your customer receives the best tan.

About the Author

Lashan Clarke has been has been a freelance writer for a number of years. She specializes in copywriting and is currently working on her Master’s degree in her spare time.  She is a new contributor to http://tanning-beds-n-tanning-lotions.com.