Posted : 06/01/2002

Posted : 06/01/2002

The Subject Of Lamps

Some customers periodically complain that they aren't "getting any color" because they see that some lamp ends appear to be dark and assume the lamps are past the practical usage. How can I explain this so our customers can understand the reality and relieve their concerns?

--Joy Becker, director of store operations
Tanning Bed, West Seneca, N.Y.

Tanning Bed uses a series of private-label lamps from Light Sources, as well as Signature Series lamps.

This is probably one of the most common questions for salon owners, Joy, and a great one to provide background on. First, let's start with a brief review of how low-pressure tanning lamps operate, because it's really a two-step process.

Fluorescent tanning lamps have cathodes located at each end of the lamp. When the voltage is applied to the cathodes, particles called electrons are charged and begin to flow from one electrode to the other in a stream. These electrons hit mercury atoms of the gas inside the lamps and create a higher energy level. This higher level is quite short-lived--as the electrons fall back to their original state, electrons release this stored energy in the form of radiation at a certain wavelength. This low-pressure discharge is produced at an area called 254 nanometers--a range of ultraviolet C radiation.

This UVC engages the phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp and changes the character of this radiation. The energy actually now is transformed from shorter wavelengths to longer ones of UVA, UVB, infrared and visible light--depending on the phosphor used--and a tanning lamp is born.

Now, let's address the darkening issue. The cathodes are coated with a material to improve the release of the electrons, most important during the startup of the lamp. As the electrodes are charged and heated, the material starts to evaporate, leaving some of the material on the walls of the lamp. This generally is noticed at each end of the lamp near the coils.

VHO-style lamps have higher starting and operating currents and, thus, probably will have greater end darkening. This always has seemed to indicate to salon owners (as well as customers) an aged lamp; however, end darkening is a normal function of most current fluorescent lamps. To counter this, some salon owners have noticed that the Light Sources Signature Series line of VHO lamps employ unique technology to reduce this end darkening. Just remember that end darkening doesn't mean that the lamp no longer tans--it's one indication of the natural degradation of the lamp. Normally, it's located at the ends of the lamp; an area where there is little UV output anyway. Hope this helps!

If you have a question that you would like addressed in this forum, email joe_lsi@bellsouth.net. For more information on Light Sources lamps, visit www.light-sources.com.