Glossary Of Terms: Lamps

The following is a list of common tanning lamp terms and definitions. Special thanks to Wolff System for its help in compiling this glossary.

Base. Connects the lamp end to an external source of power.

Bi-pin (BP). Refers to the two metal prongs extending from the end of the lamp.

Cathode. Emits electrons during lamp operation.

Exhaust tube. A means of introducing the fill gas and mercury into the lamp during processing.

External reflector. Designed to focus and concentrate the lamp’s rays in the desired direction.

Fill gas. An inert gas that aids in starting and operating fluorescent lamps.

Filter. Eliminates or reduces specific rays produced by the lamp that are not desirable.

F/FR. Prefixes for lamp identification; denotes low pressure/fluorescent lamps.

High-output (HO) lamps. Lamps in the 80- to 120-watt low-pressure range.

High-pressure lamps (HP). Also know as metal halide lamps, these are small quartz lamps with very intense ultraviolet output.

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