LambertJohn

It seems that most everyone in this forum either repairs their own tanning beds/equipment, or makes an attempt to repair their own equipment. I imagine it's a cost thing, and whole lot cheaper to do it yourself. But is that the smart thing to do with such sophisticated equipment?

So my question is this; what repairs/maintenance can you do yourself, and what repairs/maintenance should you call a professional in to help you with?

I'm in tanning salon learning mode, so any help you can give me would be appreciated.

eileen

I think many times it's not a cost thing so much as a convenience thing. I usually ask the bed tech (who I bought it from) if it's something I can handle and do it myself whenever possible.

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under-exposure to uv rays is as dangerous as over-exposure...This is "D" life! (eileen)

unity

Let simplify things. All a tanning bed really is, is a giant lighting fixture with fans. Sure the HP ones and a few others get complex. But most beds are REALLY simple. Once you start fixing stuff it get easier to do more each time.

It can be a cost thing or it could be the fact that you NEED that bed NOW.

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“There is only so much logical space in our universe,” Binette said. “Think of it like a Chinese take-out box stuffed with Kung-Pao Shrimp. The more shrimp you stuff in, some shrimp pop out the bottom."

LambertJohn

OK, I'll buy that. But surely there are some repair/maintenance issues that you should always leave to a pro? Surely there's more to a tanning bed than just a big light?

unity

Not really. Just last week we took four beds completely apart. Removed the bench, opened it up and too ALL the guts out. Cleaned them up, replaced wires and fans and put em back together.

The only thing I would hire a "pro" to do would be the main power hook-up. Which even I have done with some beds.

The most common failures are lamp holders and cooling fans. From there you have ignitors (for face tanners) and maybe ballasts. All of those thins are easy to do yourself. Usually getting to them is more than half the work!

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“There is only so much logical space in our universe,” Binette said. “Think of it like a Chinese take-out box stuffed with Kung-Pao Shrimp. The more shrimp you stuff in, some shrimp pop out the bottom."

sunsally

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michael00010

It is true that most beds work on general principals that don't change very much from one manufacturer to another. But this equipment all functions on 220 -230 volts ( most) and this kind of voltage is potentially dangerous, not only to yourself but to the user ( client) Know what you are doing before attempting something, if you are just maintaining or cleaning then CUT THE POWER bofore working. If you're replacing parts it's one wire at a time, and make lots of drawings and label every wire where it came off of, before you start dismanteling. Always work safely, because it only takes one mislplaced wire to make a short circuit, and only one short circuit to blow coms chips or fan circuits or fuses and then if you can't go find em once they're cooked,,,.....well then.. you might want to keep your tech's number handy. Basic maintaining, and cleaning sure, bed repair.. ? If these things were just big light boxes, anyone would fix them, but that's rarely why we are running 18 hour days in the service industry. Another poin you might want to keep in mind, is that once you dive into your "guts" of the equipment say good bye to your warranty, you talk with your manufacturer or bed sales rep before you even think about touching it, cause they won't be warrantying anything you fry by means of an unknowing mistake. Just a word to the wise, but at the end of the day it's your call. Mike.

tanman0302

I would say try to fix it yourself first. If you can't figure it out, call someone who is more familiar with the tanning equipment (like the techs here). Sometimes ther could be a wire burnt out hidden in the back where a connection is that a repaimen/installer would know where to look!!

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cdbeshore

Another aspect to consider is the risk involved by not using an insured repair tech. I'm a DIY guy myself and hate spending money on anything that I don't have to, but if you repair your own equipment and there is a problem, think malfunctioning timer or electrocution, you are going to be liable. You aren't just fixing something that you will use, you are responsible for your clients while they use your equipment.

You may have some protection from your insurance policy, but about any policy is going to exclude you working on your own equipment unless you are an electrician. The policy may cover you, but I'm betting you would have to fight your carrier and adjuster all the way. It's very sketchy either way.

Basically, the point I want to get across is that there is a financial risk you take when you repair your own equipment.

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Chris
Insurtec Tanning Insurance
www.insurtecinc.com
www.walkforgrace.com
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mr belvedere

Yes, you should, and could, repair your own tanning beds. All (okay, most [ok, the good ones]) offer very helpful technical support. The majority of problems with tanning equipment are burned out connections (short circuits) in one form or another, followed closely by failed parts (for a variety of reasons), and are rarely the result of mfg defects. Troubleshooting the problems quickly and accurately is the hardest part, followed closely by contorting your body to get to the affected areas to make the necessary repairs. hehe

However, if you are of the belief that you are a business owner, nontechnical, or just don't "have the time", then call Brian Oshman. Good luck out there. -Belvy

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