Updated at: 18-07-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

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Those blue lights keep on shining for quite some time. The problem is that they wear out and need to be changed after a while.

Now, it’s possible that the tanning bed service you received included free bulb replacement, but that will depend on where you purchased the bed. You’ve reached the end of this article if that’s the case.

However, if you are reading this essay, it is likely that you do not have someone coming to your house to change your bulbs for free. Changing the bulbs in your tanning bed doesn’t have to cost you a fortune, and we’ll teach you how to do it yourself.

The time and type of bulb replacements that are recommended and when they should be made are discussed in today’s tutorial. We’ll go over the energy needs of a tanning bed and show you how to change the bulbs yourself.

Although it may look a bit complicated at first, we assure you- it’s a lot easier than it looks! Let’s take a look!

Know When To Change Tanning Bed Bulbs

Although it may look a bit complicated at first, we assure you- it’s a lot easier than it looks! Let’s take a look!

How to Change Bulbs in a Wolff Tanning Bed : Step-by-step Guide

As daunting as it may appear at first, rest assured that it’s far simpler than it appears. Take a look at this, shall we?

Unlike typical fluorescent tube lights, tanning bulbs do not flicker or burn out. The capacity to generate UVA and UVB rays that are similar to those of the sun is crucial to their effectiveness. While there are certain health benefits to being exposed to UV light, there is also a well-documented danger of developing cancer from doing so. Be safe!

Normal fluorescent tube lights flicker and eventually burn out, whereas tanning bulbs last far longer. Their efficacy stems only from their capacity to generate solar-like ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). Though there are certain positives to being out in the sun, the risks of developing skin cancer are widely established. Be safe!

Tanning bulbs are not like the fluorescent tube lights in your home that flicker and burn out. Their efficacy stems only from their ability to generate solar-like ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). Although there are certain positives to being out in the sun, the risks of developing skin cancer are well-known. To paraphrase: Take care.

If you’re unsure whether your tanning bed bulbs are still good, see our article on how to test tanning bed bulbs. It’s a good idea to keep track of how much time you’ve used your tanning bed bulbs!

Replace ALL Bulbs At The Same Time

If you’re unsure whether your tanning bed bulbs are still good, see our article on how to test tanning bed bulbs. It’s a good idea to keep track of how much time you’ve used your tanning bed bulbs!

See our post on testing tanning bed bulbs if you’re not sure if yours are still functional. If you use a tanning bed, you should keep track of how long each bulb has been in use.

How To Identify The Type Of Bulbs On Your Tanning Bed

Now that you have a basic understanding of the power and lifespan of tanning bed bulbs, we’ll take a moment to go through the many bulb options available.

Bulbs aren’t a “one size fits all” solution, and there are several factors to think about before making a purchase. Do not risk ruining your tan or, worse, accidentally burning yourself by using the wrong kind of bulbs.

Bi-Pin vs RDC Bulbs

Connections for tanning bed bulbs might be one of two major varieties. These are reversible dual-contact (RDC) and bi-pin connections. You can’t just swap in an RDC bulb for your bed, so make sure you obtain the right kind of bulb.

What Are the Different Types of Tanning Bed Lamps?

Bulb Sizes

F and T sizes, as well as wattage, are used to describe light bulbs. When replacing bulbs, it’s important to get ones that are an exact match in terms of wattage, F size, and T size. This will guarantee that your tanning bed functions properly.

Different Bulbs For Different Body Parts

Tanning beds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some of them may come equipped with specialized UV light bulbs that are aimed at certain areas of the body. For instance, you may like to have brighter bulbs shining on your lower body than those lighting your face or the sides of your arms. We call this a “dual-zone configuration.”

This is due to the fact that your skin will tan at a different rate in various places on your body. Because facial skin is more delicate and susceptible to sunburn, it is best to avoid exposing it to the same level of UV rays needed to tan the legs.

However, as we’ve already explained, your tanning bed’s model may or may not offer this function. As a rule, this feature is seen in more high-tech, contemporary beds. The strength of the bulbs in an older tanning bed is less likely to fluctuate than in a newer one. High-intensity mattresses are used for extreme workouts.

Regular Tanning Bulbs Vs. “Bronzing” Tanning Bulbs

Tanning beds often employ conventional tanning bulbs. These lights emit 95% UVA and 5% UVB. These are the most prevalent type that aim to help you get a good tan quickly.

They are most effective on the skin’s surface, where they can have a noticeable effect quickly. However, the longevity of your tan will be diminished.

On the other hand, bronzing bulbs output 98% UVA light and just 2% UVB light. The distinction is not as insignificant as it first appears.

When you compare the results to those of utilizing regular tanning bulbs, you’ll see that the latter don’t quite compare. In order to get the same results, a bronzing session will typically last longer and use a less strong light source.

It’s possible that you’ll wish to buy ordinary bulbs or bronzing bulbs, depending on your needs.

The takeaway here is to verify the exact type of bulbs you need before placing a purchase.

Can I Replace Standard Bulbs With Bronzing Bulbs?

These two bulb types are equivalent and can be used interchangeably in most cases. In terms of power consumption and energy production, regular and bronzed light bulbs are virtually identical.

The only thing you need to do is make sure the pinout is the same as what we described earlier.

How Much Energy Does A Tanning Bed Use?

More powerful than regular household plugs, 220-Volt power is used in larger tanning beds with 24-bulb systems. Home tanning beds typically have fewer than 20 bulbs and run on 110-Volt power, the same as a conventional wall socket.

Tanning bed bulbs are typically 100-Watt bulbs, so the difference is between a 1,600-Watt system (110V) and a 2,400-Watt system (220V). That being said, however, the bulbs for both setups are the same, so the type of bed you have shouldn’t be important.

How To Change Tanning Bed Bulbs: Step-By-Step

Tanning bed bulbs are typically 100-Watt bulbs, so the difference is between a 1,600-Watt system (110V) and a 2,400-Watt system (220V). That being said, however, the bulbs for both setups are the same, so the type of bed you have shouldn’t be important.

Tanning bed lights are normally 100-Watt bulbs, hence the difference is between a 1,600-Watt system (110V) and a 2,400-Watt system (220V) (220V). That being said, though, the bulbs for both setups are the identical, so the sort of bed you have shouldn’t be significant.

Step 1: Unplug Your Tanning Bed

Since most tanning bed lights are 100 watts, the power difference between a 1,600 watt system (110 volts) and a 2,400 watt system is 600 watts (220V). However, the bulbs for all configurations are interchangeable, so your choice of bed should not matter.

Step 2: Mark Down All Important Information

To easily read the information on the bulbs, such as wattage, bulb type, etc., the labels should be on the top. Take careful notes before ordering incompatible light bulbs.

Step 3: Remove The Plastic Acrylic Shielding

Be careful not to “muscle” the plastic shielding off the bed. A secure clamp is required to keep the acrylic in place. If you can find the clamp and loosen it, the shielding should come out without much trouble.

It is recommended that you refer to the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer if you are unable to locate the clamp.

Step 4: Remove Your Bulbs

Grip the bulb firmly with both hands, and turn it counterclockwise by a quarter turn to remove the prongs from the socket. It ought should be possible to just lift the bulb straight out. Always keep in mind the delicate nature of these bulbs. Be careful not to make a significant mess as a result of any of your actions.

The bulbs for a dual-zone bed should be laid out on the floor in the same order as they were removed. You can use this to keep track of where the light bulbs need to be replaced.

Step 5: Insert The New Bulb

It’s important to replace the bulbs in the same manner as before, by sliding the prongs into the socket and turning the bulb a quarter of a turn to secure it.

The lightbulb’s inscription should be read from the top, toward the acrylic.

Step 6: Re-insert Acrylic Shielding

Replace the two acrylic shielding sheets into their slots and re-secure them using the clamp.

Step 7: Plug-in And Test Your Tanning Bed

Finally, reconnect your tanning bed to its power source, switch it on, and check that all of the lights are bright and functioning as they should be.

After that, you shouldn’t have any problems for the next five hundred hours!

Extra Tips for Changing Tanning Bed Bulbs

Have your bed cleaned professionally.

First-time users of tanning beds should probably seek assistance while replacing bulbs. Working alongside another person would provide an extra set of hands and eyes, reducing the likelihood of damage being done to the fragile and expensive light bulbs.

Reduce tanning time

How to Change Tanning Bed Bulbs in 5 Steps? | The Healthy and Beauty Life

Risks of UV Tanning

Shorten your tanning sessions.

  • Always wear protective eyewear.
  • To get the best results, your skin type should determine how long each session should last.
  • Initially, try to keep sessions to a minimum.
  • Use tanning beds no more than once every week.

FAQs

How often should I change my tanning bed bulbs?

The average lifespan of a standard bulb is 1000 hours, although they should be changed after only 700. That’s 2100 sessions of 20 minutes each, or 42,000 total minutes. If you use the tanning bed once a day, the bulbs can amount to 6 years.

Should I use bronzing bulbs or tanning bulbs?

The average lifespan of a standard light bulb is 1000 hours, although they should be changed after 700 hours of use. Using the 20-minute increment, that translates to 2100 sessions for 42,000 minutes. If you use the tanning bed once a day, the bulbs can amount to 6 years.

The average lifespan of a standard light bulb is 1000 hours, but they should be changed after only 700 hours. A total of 2100 sessions of 20 minutes each would take 42,000 minutes. When used daily, a tanning bed’s bulbs can last for up to six years.