Many people around the world utilize tanning beds. Some people use them to tan while others use them for vitamin D. These popular items have advanced in technology over the years. However, the basic tanning bed light bulbs they use remain the same.
The bulbs emit a bluish in tint ultraviolet ray. The UV light released mimic natural sunlight. The strength and intensity of the bulbs are however, stronger than natural sunlight. People can spend less time in a natural tanning bed than if they were to lay outside and get the same amount of tan.
Life Span
The Life Span of a typical bulb lasts between 1000 and 2000 hours. They are actually a degradable product. This means they are brightest and strongest when first installed. Usually after 50 hours, the ray exposure begins to lessen. Once they have reached their life span the gases that make them function are spent and can even burn out.
How They Work
The tubular bulbs are coated in phosphorous and mercury. The inside of the bulbs contain inert gases and a bit of mercury. The bulbs are developed in a high pressure format. IN addition, the bulbs use quartz. Electricity is used to ignite the gases in the tubes. This is when they emit light. Because they contain quartz, they do not filter UVC. Because the bulbs do not filter UVC light they are usually placed behind a purple light.
Cleaning
It is very important the bulbs stay clean. They have to be wiped clean to make sure that there are not oils or other substances on them that can cause the bulbs to explode. The bulbs are definitely a hazard if broken. Beyond the fact there is broken glass involved, they can also see emit dangerous gases. The most common watt strength used for tanning bed light bulbs is 400 watt.
Of course, taking proper precautions before tanning with tanning beds is important. Be knowledgeable about the type of light being used as well as the time that should be spent under the tanning lights. When tanning under tanning bed lights, always do so when someone else is around to monitor your under the lights.