Glossary Of Terms: Equipment

The following is a list of common equipment terms and definitions.

Tanning Beds. Considered the industry standard, tanning beds are clamshell-shaped units in which the tanner lies down.

Standups. As the name implies, this is a vertical tanning system in which the customer stands up while tanning.

High-Pressure Lamps. High-pressure tanning systems use lamps filled with mercury vapors that produce very high UVR intensity levels. Special filters are used to remove unwanted wavelengths of UVR, primarily UVB and shorter wavelengths of UVA (320 nm to 340 nm), leaving most of the longer wavelengths of UVA (340 nm to 400 nm) intact. This allows the high-pressure spectrum to produce a deeper, darker, longer-lasting tan.

Low-Pressure Lamps. Low-pressure tanning systems use gas-discharge lamps, also known as fluorescent lamps.

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

Reflectors. Reflectors are designed to reflect the ultraviolet rays emitted by the sides and back of the lamp, providing greater intensity exposure and even distribution. They also may be designed to aid in channeling airflow within the unit to provide efficient lamp cooling. Generally made of highly polished aluminum, there are two basic types of reflectors—one in which the reflectors are single sheets on the top and bottom, and one in which there is an individual reflector for each lamp in the bed.

Cooling System. Cooling systems are important to ensure maximum lamp output. In an environment that is too cool, lamps emit tanning rays at a lower level; in an environment that is too warm, the fluorescent powders degrade more rapidly, resulting in reduced lamp life.

Frame. The frame of the tanning bed 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.

Timer. Every tanning bed or standup sold for use in the United States comes with a built-in timer, usually with a maximum setting that corresponds to the maximum exposure time. The FDA does not permit the operation of a tanning unit without a timer.

Ballast. The ballast regulates the flow of electricity into the lamp and it is rated according to the wattage of the lamp for which it is designed (for example, a 100-watt lamp requires a 100-watt ballast).

Starter. 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.

RUVA Lamps. RUVA lamps (also called reflector lamps) 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. This assures that the UV rays developed inside of the lamp reach the skin directly—virtually without loss—providing a more intense UV output and reducing the required exposure times.

VHO Lamps. VHO, or “very high output,” lamps feature a significantly higher power consumption—generally between 140 watts and 160 watts—for the same size lamp, as well as electrodes with a cooling zone at each lamp end.

Lampholders. Lampholders are the sockets on each end of the tanning bed that lamps plug into, which support fluorescent lamps and provide electrical connection.