Tanning Equipment Construction And Maintenance

Tanning Equipment Construction And Maintenance

The tanning equipment on today’s market offer a variety of technologically advanced options to tanners. Not only are they available in a variety of shapes and sizes, they also come in traditional bed or standup configurations. No matter what type of equipment you choose for your salon, an understanding of the basic tanning unit function and makeup is a necessity.

Deciding whether to outfit your salon with tanning beds or standups can present a dilemma to some salon owners. Do the majority of your customers want to lie down when they tan or would they prefer to stand up? Whether replacing or adding units in an existing salon or outfitting a new facility from scratch, it is important to weigh the benefits of each format and decide which best fits the salon’s goals.

There are a number of advantages to a standup. First, it takes up less space, and with quality retail space renting for up to $60 per square foot and more, that’s no minor consideration. Most freestanding tanning standups take up about 10-15 square feet of floor space, about half the room of a tanning bed. In addition, most manufacturers offer prefabricated dressing cubicles that attach to their standup units, making a completely private tanning area that occupies little more space than the average tanning bed. This is especially beneficial in an area not specifically designed with tanning in mind.

Another highlight of the standup comes from the principle that heat rises. Since the tanning lamps are located around the tanning customer in a stand-up unit and not above as in a bed, cooling of the unit is simplified. An efficient fan in the ceiling and vents at floor level keep the unit cool throughout the tanning session.

In addition to increased customer comfort, the standup also permits the use of more powerful tanning lamps, significantly shortening session time. Most tanning beds use between 30 and 50 100-watt lamps. The majority of the tanning standups on the market are made to use 40 or more 160-watt lamps. The result is an eight- to 15-minute session, compared to an average of 20 minutes for most beds.

Obviously, a shorter session time means that more customers can be accommodated in the same time period, at best, more than twice as many. With a standup, salons can schedule about 3.5 sessions per hour. With a bed, about 2.5 customers can be accommodated in the same amount of time.

A seeming drawback to the higher-powered lamps is that their life is rated about 500 hours—half that of most 100-watt tubes. However, a salon can fit in twice as many customers in the 500 hours, making the lamps about equal in sessions per lamp.

Concern was expressed early in the development process that obtaining parts, especially the higher-powered lamps, could limit the growth of standup sales. Thanks to support from lamp manufacturers, that has not proved to be the case. The hygienic factor often is touted as another advantage. During a standing tanning session, a tanner’s body contact with the tanning unit is minimized. This makes cleaning between sessions almost unnecessary and also puts the minds of many customers at ease.

Also, the white spots, known as pressure points, are eliminated by using a stand-up unit. Pressure points occur where relatively small areas of skin support much of the body’s weight. In places where this occurs, such as on the bony edge of the shoulder blade, blood flow in the skin is reduced and the secretion of melanin is inhibited. In a stand-up unit, the tanner has no contact with the acrylic, so there is no problem with pressure points.

Despite the advantages of stand-up unit, the traditional tanning bed remains the industry standard, mainly because people enjoy unwinding while they tan. Many consider it as much an escape as a cosmetic treatment. Another benefit of beds lies in the initial cost of the unit. A quality tanning bed can be bought new for less than $4,000 and there are a wide variety of units in the $4,000 to $40,000 or higher price range. Standups, on the other hand, start at about $8,000 and prices go up from there, jumping considerably for extra bells and whistles.

But looking at it another way, standups can tan customers more quickly, permitting a salon to serve more clients, ideally generating enough extra income to make up for the difference in cost. Some salons choose to reap the benefits of both formats. Increasingly, tanning salons are offering both beds and standups and leaving the choice up to their clients.

Today’s stand-up models feature many of same enhancements as their lay-down counterparts, including advanced lamp and filter systems, digital stereo systems, aromatherapy, massage, cooling mist, easy-touch controls, electronic diagnostics to help the salon staff with maintenance issues, advanced body cooling and integrated ventilation systems.

To an inexperienced tanning salon owner, a tanning unit can look intimidating, and when it is dismantled, it gets even more confusing. For this reason, a basic course on tanning unit components is essential for novices and makes a good review for the experienced equipment owner.

Have you ever noticed that the very word seems to have a permanent question mark after it? For example, what is acrylic? How do I clean my acrylic? What disinfectant do I use on my acrylic? How do I know when to change my acrylic?

The following answers some commonly asked questions about the industry’s most lonely and often forgotten component—the acrylic shield.

Tanning bed acrylic is a petroleum-based plastic blended specifically so ultraviolet light can be transmitted through the shield. Because this type of acrylic is a poor conductor of heat, it is a comfortable material for the tanner to rest on.

But the real issue here isn’t how acrylic is made or what it’s made of—the real problem seems to be remembering that you have acrylic at all. In fact, many believe that acrylic is probably the most used—and most-often overlooked component of the tanning bed.

Salon operators mistakenly assume that all acrylics are the same. They should be looking for the highest-quality shield, which ultimately will be the least expensive in the long run because it will last longer. The average acrylic sheet can cost a few hundred dollars or more, but don’t always shop price because you get what you pay for. And since acrylic is the part of the bed that may be the most physically used, salons should not cut corners.

When purchasing acrylics, you should look for a company that offers some type of guarantee. Remember, if a company is not willing to give you a warranty, what does that say about its product?

Now that you have the acrylic, you need to keep it clean for a variety of reasons. The acrylic will degrade faster if a salon owner is not cleaning it properly.

In addition to disinfecting the acrylics after each and every tanning session with an EPA-registered and state-approved cleaner, the acrylics—top and bottom—should be taken out at least once a month and thoroughly cleaned. The consensus is to clean every nook and cranny, including the bulbs. And everyone agrees on the importance of NOT using products that contain any alcohol or ammonia.

Acrylic that is properly cared for will enhance your ability to tan your customer. Not only should an approved cleaner be used, but salon owners also should use lint-free cotton cloths to prevent scratching as well as help absorb and clean. Scratches on acrylic can be a problem; however, they can be prevented. Customers should be instructed to remove jewelry before they lie down on the bed to avoid acrylic damage. Additionally, remind your customers to use indoor tanning products during their tanning sessions. Remember, once you get that first nick or scratch it will continue to get bigger, just like a crack in a car windshield.

Again, daily cleaning and a thorough once-a-month cleaning with the appropriate cleansers will go a long way in preserving your acrylic shields. However, if your acrylic shield cracks, replace it immediately.

One of the biggest misconceptions about acrylics is that they last forever. There are a number of factors that decide when it is time to replace your shields. Again, the type of lotions and moisturizers your customers use contribute to the life of the acrylic. Even the size and weight of your clients needs to be considered. To help a salon owner determine when to change the acrylics some manufacturers recommend using a UV meter to monitor a bed’s transmittance levels. However, the best advice is to talk to your bed manufacturer or acrylic supplier. Ask them for their recommendation for determining how and when to change acrylic shields.

But before you call, have as much information about your tanning bed as you can before you make a phone call. For example, make available the brand name; the make; the model; even the smallest details like where it was made or the color of the handles will help the manufacturer or supplier answer any question you may have—from what is the right shield for my bed to how do I determine when to change my acrylic and every question in between.

Acrylic Guidelines 

• DO NOT allow your customers to clean the beds themselves.
• DO disinfect the acrylic shield after each session. This is required by both the EPA and state regulations.
• DO use a disinfectant that is registered with the EPA and the state where the salon is located.
• DO NOT put anything on the acrylic that has an alcohol or ammonia base as it will break down the acrylic.
• DO take the acrylics off the bed and thoroughly clean the shields and the other bed components at least once a month. This will help maintain the longevity of your equipment.
• DO NOT allow your customers to use oils of any kind or lotions that are specifically made for outdoor use because these products will break down the acrylic.
• DO clean the acrylic on the top of the bed on a regular basis because it tends to accumulate more dust buildup than the bottom shield.
• DO use a cotton cloth or towel when cleaning the acrylic. They are less abrasive than paper towels.
• DO polish the acrylic shield regularly to extend the life of the shield.
• DO ask your customers to remove their jewelry while tanning to help keep the shield from being scratched.

There are several types of reflectors on the market, but their functions are universally the same. They are designed to reflect the ultraviolet rays emitted by the sides and back of the lamp, providing a greater intensity exposure with a more even distribution. The reflector also may be designed to aid in channeling airflow within the unit to provide more efficient cooling of lamps.

Reflectors generally are made of highly polished aluminum. There are two basic types: One in which the reflectors for top and bottom are each single sheets; and, the other in which there is a reflector for each lamp in the bed. The single sheet category may be further broken down into those that are flat and those that are ridged. The raised portion of the ridged reflectors come from in between the lamps to reflect more of the ultraviolet coming from the sides of the lamp back to the tanning surface. Computers are increasingly used in reflector design to maximize the intensity of reflected tanning rays.

The most common cases in which there is one reflector for each lamp is in Wolff® System units. The patented Wolff reflectors are shaped like a rounded “W” and come up around each lamp in order to capture as much of the lamp’s output as possible. Rays coming from the back of the lamp tend to be reflected around the lamp and onto the tanning surface.

An efficient, balanced cooling system is important to ensure maximum lamp output and longevity. The internal fans drive the cooling system, and lamps that are in too cool of an environment emit tanning rays at a lower level. Those whose surroundings are too hot have a shorter life.

Fluorescent powders normally degrade over time, but do so more rapidly at higher temperatures, resulting in reduced lamp life. Therefore, it is important for the cooling system to be kept clean and in peak operating condition.

The frame of the tanning bed has several basic functions. It supports the weight of the bed and the tanner, determines the size and approximate shape of the unit, and provides points of attachment for the various internal components of the bed.

Proper voltage is another important factor in keeping the tanning unit running at peak condition. The voltage going into the unit should be checked periodically. If the voltage is too high, the life of the lamps may be shortened by as much as 30 percent. It does not take much of a surge in power to start this process.

If lamps have become blackened on the ends, it is often an indication that the voltage going into the bed is too high. However, check the starters, as they may be providing too great a start-up burst of power. Overly high voltage occurs most often in rural areas. On the other hand, if the power going into the bed is too low, the bed will not be working to its maximum ability.

The timer is another key component of the tanning unit. Without one, producing consistently good results would be difficult, not to mention that the FDA does not permit the operation of a tanning unit without one. Every tanning bed or standup sold for use in the United States comes with a timer built in, usually with a maximum setting that corresponds to the maximum exposure time for that particular piece of tanning equipment. However, these are only the basic timers that do not offer the salon operator control over what goes on in the tanning room. In fact, these timers limit the maximum time per session, but do nothing to prevent the tanning customer from resetting the timer when the session is over.

Unfortunately, when the customer overexposes himself, thinking that it will improve his tan and ends up with a burn, his only thought is likely to be that he got burned in your salon, not that he did so as a result of his own uninformed actions. Even if the customer doesn’t sunburn from the added exposure, the fact is that he paid for a session of a certain length and received a longer one, at your expense.

Both of these situations point to the need for some form of control over the tanning unit. An external timer can fill this need. It is a component separate from the tanning bed that uses either tokens, available at the front desk, or is actually located at the front desk. It gives the salon employee control over the tanning unit.

Because of all the variables, the owners and operators of tanning salons need to pay close attention in choosing appropriate timers for their tanning units. There are various options available when choosing a timer. However, with today’s computerized society, many of the larger and busier salons have opted for remote-controlled tanning systems or even fully computerized setups. Remote-controlled timers can be wall mounted or sit on a desktop. Some available features are digital readouts, adjustable session times, easy installation and the ability to interface with any tanning unit. The obvious advantage of the remote-controlled timer is the control it gives to the salon operator.

Another other feature offered by many of these systems is a session accumulator. The session accumulator tracks bed usage, telling salon owners how many sessions each tanning unit has delivered in a day. Second, it acts as an inventory check, keeping salon employees from giving away sessions to friends.

Some systems offer a remote start switch that can be operated from the tanning room. The salon operator sets the session time at the front desk and then, when the client is ready to start a session, he can push a button, automatically starting the front desk timer.

Safety concerns are the reason many systems have the ability to shut off a tanning bed from the main unit should an emergency arise. For example, the need to reach a customer, a fire in the salon or some other crisis. There are almost as many theories about how to produce effective timers as there are companies that make them. Therefore, careful consideration should be given before a decision is made.

For many users and salon owners, the number of different tanning lamps offered may at times be confusing, unless the person has some special knowledge of the technical details and photobiological effect of the lamps. Before we start trying to classify lamps, let’s examine what is expected of them from the point of view of the tanning equipment. Is its primary purpose to tan the skin and build up protection against the sun, or is it designed to improve health care? It is often the individual’s expectations that determine what is needed in terms of light spectrum emitted by the lamp and equipment.

Low-Pressure Lamps. This lamp, also known as a fluorescent lamp, is a gas-discharge lamp that operates on a principle very different from that of a high-pressure mercury lamp. Its gas pressure is much lower and is not contained in a clear layer—the phosphors—on the inside.

As in other gas-discharge lamps, a discharge takes place when a stream of electrons strikes the molecules of mercury vapor. These become “excited” or acquire an excess of energy that is subsequently emitted as ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 254 nm. This UVC radiation then encounters the phosphor layer on the inside of the glass tube that converts it to radiation of longer wavelengths.

The specific composition of the output is governed by the qualities of the specific phosphors used. There is, as a result, a wide range of possible lamp output. One of these is the UV fluorescent lamp, designed to emit optimum amounts of ultraviolet radiation of the ideal wavelengths. Tanning lamps generate UV light in a similar way as light is produced by standard fluorescent lamps commonly used in general lighting. The major difference between these two lamp types lies in the phosphors used. The fundamental mechanism to produce light radiation is called the photo-luminescence process. The main components responsible for producing UV radiation in a tanning lamp are the electrodes, the gas filling, the phosphor and the trace amount of mercury, which all are sealed inside the lamp.

There are two basic steps from the point of plugging in the lamp to the emission of radiation. First, the electrical energy received by the lamp is transformed into short-wave radiation (UVC) during the discharge process. Second, the phosphors inside the lamp bulb come into play and transform the short-wave radiation into a continuous spectrum of longer wavelength (UVB, UVA, etc., depending on the phosphor).

When the voltage is applied via the electrodes, particles called “electrons” are charged and move in a stream from one electrode to the other through the gas-filled tube. On their way through the tube, these “loaded” particles (the electrons) hit the mercury atoms of the gas inside the lamp and create a higher energy level.

The electrons peak at this higher energy level only for a very short time and then fall back to their original level. During their relapse, the electrons release the stored energy in the form of radiation at a certain wavelength. In the case of mercury vapor, low-pressure discharge is produced at a wavelength of 254 nm.

This UVC radiation hits the phosphor layer on the inside of the glass tube that changes the character of the radiation. The energy is physically transformed from the shorter wavelength into rays of longer wavelengths, including UVB, UVA, visible light and infrared rays, depending on the phosphors used. Although UVC is “produced” inside the tube, no UVC actually is emitted through the tube.

Finally, the transformed radiation passes through the glass of the lamp that can act as a filter and cause additional modification of the emission spectrum.

RUVA Lamps. Rather than relying on external reflectors to prevent any light from being lost from the rear of the lamps, these so-called reflector or RUVA lamps each have an internal reflective coating that typically covers a 220-degree area of the inside of the lamp. This focuses all output through the front end of the lamp. While the orientation of their output is different, standard and reflector lamps do not differ in their technical efficiency at producing UV rays. In fact, the same type of phosphor usually is used in both reflector and standard lamps, so the output of both types have similar spectral properties.

Why then introduce reflector lamps to the tanning market? It’s simple—RUVA lamps provide a more intense UV output, thereby reducing the required exposure times.

Each individual lamp, with its built-in reflector, assures that the UV rays developed inside of the lamp reach the skin directly virtually without any loss. Since external reflectors of the type normally mounted in tanning units are then not necessary, reflector tanning beds make it possible for lamps to be mounted closer together. In return, this means more output without needing more space, resulting in a higher intensity of tanning rays.

Furthermore, the absence of external reflectors simplifies the handling and cleaning of RUVA tanning beds and saves a great deal of maintenance. With more lamps, however, more heat is produced. For this reason, manufacturers of tanning beds with closely mounted reflector lamps must have an appropriate cooling system in the unit in order to guarantee optimal working conditions. Otherwise, either the output or the useful life of the lamps will be decreased.

The UVB/UVA ratio, often called the UVB percentage, also becomes important when discussing reflector lamps. Remember that the UVB ratio only indicates the levels of UVA and UVB relative to one another and not the absolute output of either. If an enhancement of the UVA output takes place, the amount of UVB produced increases by the same factor. Compared to tanning units with standard tanning lamps at a given ratio then, RUVA units with reflector lamps of the same UVB ratio will produce higher absolute levels of UVB.

Because skin reddening, or erythema, is produced primarily by exposure to UVB, the erythemal threshold dose could be theoretically reached more quickly with RUVA equipment, so the exposure time must be reduced to compensate. In terms of exposure time then, reflector lamps of a given UVB ratio generally are comparable to standard lamps with a higher UVB percentage.

This is due to the higher overall output of the RUVA lamps, resulting in the same level of UVB, even though the percentage is less. Today’s lamp manufacturers produce such a wide variety of products that to classify them would be difficult. Some general guidelines regarding the output of reflector lamps would be useful.

Early reflector lamps emitted a narrow spectrum, primarily concentrated in the UVA range, hence the “UVA” in RUVA. While the high UVA output darkened existing pigment grains in the skin, the extremely low UVB produced did little to stimulate the production of additional melanin. For example, a RUVA lamp with a UVB percentage of 0.1 percent does not emit enough UVB to stimulate melanin production. For the level of UVB to be high enough at this ratio, prohibitively high levels of UVA would be produced. Recently, RUVA lamps emitting more UVB have been introduced. A UVB percentage of about 0.7 percent can result in acceptable immediate tanning, but also gently induces pigment formation, making this reflector lamp suitable for tanning light, sensitive skin. A slightly higher UVB/UVA ratio, in the neighborhood of 1.3 percent, for example, is a fairly standard RUVA lamp and works well for normal skin that tans readily without burning.

Reflector lamps also are available with still higher UVB ratios. A ratio of 2 percent at emission levels present in RUVA lamps will be very effective in tanning, but is not recommended for use on sensitive skin. This short summary shows that the range offered on reflector lamps corresponds to that of standard tanning lamps.

The decision to use standard vs. reflector lamps really depends upon the type of tanning unit used, the exposure times wanted and personal preference. However, equipment must be specifically designed to use reflector lamps and they should not be installed in a unit that is not so made, nor should standard lamps be used in a unit made for RUVA lamps.

VHO Lamps. Besides standard, professional and reflector lamps, there also are VHO or “Very High Output” lamps for tanning. Standard and professional lamps differ from one another mainly by spectrum-in general, professional lamps show a higher UVB percentage—and reflector lamps, which have a reflector built into the lamp itself, enable the rays to be focused and therefore more intense.

VHO lamps feature a significantly higher power consumption generally between 140 watts to 160 watts for the same size lamp. These lamps have two distinct quality features that clearly standout.

First, electrically the VHO has an actual power consumption of 160 watt for the 6-foot lamp and 140 watts for the 5-foot lamp. Second, the VHO has an additional physical feature built inside the lamp: longer electrodes with a cooling zone at each lamp end. These cooling zones permit the VHO lamps their exceptional qualities. Be aware that VHO lamps do not produce any output within the range of the cooling zones, therefore the ends of the lamps seem dark. However, these dark zones have nothing in common with the blackening of the ends (electrode area) which may occur in conventional fluorescent lamps after several operating hours. The dark zones of the VHO lamp, rather, guarantee the proper operation of the lamp. Proper cooling is of utmost importance with VHO lamps. Compared to conventional tanning lamps, there is a 60 percent higher thermal strain along the glass because of the increased power consumption. Without a sufficiently dimensioned cooling zone, the VHO lamp would become too hot during operation, resulting in a reduction in the electrical discharge that is responsible for generating the output. Therefore, the cooling zone ensures the optimum electrical discharge.

New VHO lamps, especially after shipment, are not ready for use immediately after installation. A burn-in phase is needed for the lamp to reach its thermal balance. This is when the gases within the lamp have dispersed entirely throughout, thereby creating an even output along the whole length of the lamp. If the VHO lamp were operated in a unit without any cooling, a thermal balance would be reached after 15 to 30 minutes; however, a burnin phase of two to three hours is quite usual for operation in a normally functioning unit.

It is important that the ends of VHO lamps are cooled properly. In order to maximize the output of the lamps, the cooling air stream should be led over the lamp in a way that the cooling zones receive optimal cooling.

High-Pressure Lamps. The high-pressure lamp is filled with mercury vapor and emits a spectrum that can be made ideal for tanning purposes. Compared to low-pressure lamps, high levels of radiation in the UVA range are produced, resulting in a strong immediate tanning effect.

Apart from the UVA, other rays also are found in the emitted radiation, mainly UVC, UVB, visible light and infrared radiation. The undesirable radiation, however, is removed by the use of filters. The appropriate filter should be fitted by the manufacturer of the tanning apparatus. Extreme accuracy is practiced in the production of these lamps.

Very high radiation intensities can be achieved using high-pressure mercury lamps. The high-pressure lamp is particularly suitable for use in combination with reflectors, where the lamp can be efficiently employed for radiating both large and small areas. The development of high-pressure tanning in the late ‘70s was partly a response to the customer’s desire for a fast, efficient method of tanning indoors. Although quite popular in Europe for several years, recently high-pressure tanning has come into its own in the U.S. market. Although more expensive than many low-pressure units, manufacturers and distributors are educating salon owners about the advantages and profitability of such systems as a viable tanning option.

Using UVA certainly can stimulate melanin and produce a cosmetic tan. However, UVA sometimes has been mistakenly labeled as the “safe UVA ray.” the use of high-pressure (or any type of indoor tanning equipment) should not be advertised as a safe or safer alternative. The FDA guidelines on indoor tanning forbids such claims.

Compared to low-pressure lamps, the application of high-pressure lamps requires a higher standard of care. This is largely caused by two factors: (1) High-pressure lamps emit a broad spectrum of radiation which covers a wavelength range starting with the short-wave UV range (generally even below 250 nm) up to the Infrared Light Range. (2) In addition, these rays are produced in high intensities, depending on the power output. It is, therefore, subject to FDA regulations that govern the application and the trade of high-pressure tanning lamps. This is in contrast to Europe, where such lamps may be sold and installed with few restrictions. This is particularly true for regulations regarding the replacement of such lamps. According to regulations, high-pressure lamps only may be replaced by the user if the lamps show a UVC-UVB ratio of more than three.

Please refer to Chapter 4 for more detailed information about lamp technology, replacement schedules and compatibility issues.

Lamp Connections 

Lamp-holders support fluorescent lamps and provide electrical connection. There are numerous types of fluorescent lamp-holders available for the different types of lamp bases. The most frequently used connector for preheat and rapid start bi-pin lamps is the twist-turn type. Spring pressure push-pull lamp-holders also are used for bi-pin base lamps. For single lamp ballasts and dimming ballasts, special circuit-interrupting bi-pin lamp-holders are available. In the case of some single pin lamps, support comes in the form of a high-voltage lamp-holder with a low-voltage circuit interrupting feature. This type of connector prevents voltage from being applied to the pins of the lamp until it is secured firmly in both lamp holders, reducing the possibility of shock when installing the lamps.

The job of the ballast is to regulate the flow of electricity into the lamp. They are rated according to the wattage of the lamp for which they are designed; that is to say, a 100-watt lamp requires a 100-watt ballast. Traditionally, ballasts are either electronic or magnetic. The electronic ballasts have the advantage of being lighter than their magnetic counterparts. Magnetic ballasts, while heavier, are more resistant to heat and have fewer parts to fail.

Because of their weight, the placement of ballasts in the top portion of a bed is sometimes used for balance, making the top easier to open and close. If a ballast needs to be replaced, the new one should be attached in the same place as the old, to avoid altering the balance of the canopy. Separate starters most often are found in beds of European origin. Starters are the spark plugs of tanning beds. When current is applied to the lamp circuit, the starter sends a high-voltage pulse through the electrodes, warming up the lamp and initiating the arc between the electrodes. If starter output is inconsistent or incorrect, you may notice blackening of the lamp ends.