Why do lamps lose UV output?

Neon Beach · 08-31-2004, 12:56 PM

Anyone know exactly why a tanning lamp losing it's ability to produce UV rays or have a good source to accurately explain why?

Neon Beach · 08-31-2004, 02:32 PM

Anybody?

JOHN @ URI · 08-31-2004, 02:42 PM

The tanning lamp can stay lit for years, yet it may not be producing any UV at all.

The major componet for UV in the lamps is the Phosphor. The quality of the phosphor will determine the output & life of the lamp. Many high UVB lamps will break down much faster because the UVB phosphor is not as stable as the UVA phosphor.

The type of Gas used in the lamp may also play a part in the UV depreciation. Many standard lamps use Argon gas only, these are good for both Rapid Start & Pre-heat applications. Some of the newer style lamps with Neon & Argon mix will have a much greater output, yet they will have a very short life in RS style ballast systems.

There are many other factors that help diminish UV output:
1- too much heat
2- high voltage
3- too much cooling
4- dirty tanning beds (ie: reflectors, fans, acrylics)

Neon Beach · 08-31-2004, 02:59 PM

So essentially, the usable life of the lamp is determined by the quality of the phosphor and gases used, and the rate at which they "breakdown" and lose the ability to produce UV rays?

engfant · 08-31-2004, 04:29 PM

That's correct. Problem is (like all industry, stereo amps come to mind) there is no real set standard to determining the USEFUL LIFE. You got jerks selling 9.5UVB lamps that supposedly last 1500hrs. NOW anyone with a CLUE knows that the more UVB the shorter the life of the lamp (due to the reasons above). How is that this NO NAME company can produce a lamp with SO MUCH UVB LAST SOO LONG and a company like Cosmedico doesn't have a lamp that can come close (to those SPECS).
It's all crap. Stick with the name brands (except Phillips. What the **** are they doing over there???) and you should be ok.

Neon Beach · 08-31-2004, 06:51 PM

I really have no lamp problems, I was just curious why tanning lamps are junk after so many hours and reg. lamps go on forever? Is it all hype created by the manufacturers to ensure resales? P.S. I've got Philips in my standup and have no complaints at all.

Anywho, what is it about the phosphor used to create UV rays that "breaksdown" as compared to the phosphor used in normal lamps that last forever?

engfant · 08-31-2004, 07:34 PM

There are a few things the lamps give off. Heat, Light, and UV. Regular lamps only give off light, heat. The phosphor that is added to the tube is what breaks down and the UV radiance dips BUT the lamp will keep lighting long after the UV is gone (well gone past a useable amount.)

Phillips eh? I had their facials that lasted about 50hrs before puttering on and off. I've heard people get totally black ends on them by the 10th hour but I guess it depends on the app.

note: I am only giving MY opinion on the workings of the lamps. John from URI (if they ae still dwelling over here) would know better.

Neon Beach · 08-31-2004, 07:43 PM

Hmmmmmmmmm, I've never had a bad Philips lamp, facial or otherwise, maybe they've read some of your post and have been sending you the faulty ones?
As for the phosphor or is it phosphorus, I want the good stuff!

tanu01 · 08-31-2004, 07:49 PM

I think mine just leak out. Haween haze I think.
Flick

engfant · 08-31-2004, 08:07 PM

those are some QUALITY lamps there tanu. 15,000hr life?

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08-31-2004, 12:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Neon Beach I'm Banned Join Date: Nov 30 2000 Location: Ontario Age: 45 Posts: 52,065 Rep Power: 0	Anyone know exactly why a tanning lamp losing it's ability to produce UV rays or have a good source to accurately explain why?

08-31-2004, 02:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
Neon Beach I'm Banned Join Date: Nov 30 2000 Location: Ontario Age: 45 Posts: 52,065 Rep Power: 0	Anybody?

08-31-2004, 02:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
JOHN @ URI I love Derf!! Join Date: Dec 21 2001 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 1,299 Rep Power: 7	The tanning lamp can stay lit for years, yet it may not be producing any UV at all. The major componet for UV in the lamps is the Phosphor. The quality of the phosphor will determine the output & life of the lamp. Many high UVB lamps will break down much faster because the UVB phosphor is not as stable as the UVA phosphor. The type of Gas used in the lamp may also play a part in the UV depreciation. Many standard lamps use Argon gas only, these are good for both Rapid Start & Pre-heat applications. Some of the newer style lamps with Neon & Argon mix will have a much greater output, yet they will have a very short life in RS style ballast systems. There are many other factors that help diminish UV output: 1- too much heat 2- high voltage 3- too much cooling 4- dirty tanning beds (ie: reflectors, fans, acrylics)

08-31-2004, 02:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Neon Beach I'm Banned Join Date: Nov 30 2000 Location: Ontario Age: 45 Posts: 52,065 Rep Power: 0	So essentially, the usable life of the lamp is determined by the quality of the phosphor and gases used, and the rate at which they "breakdown" and lose the ability to produce UV rays?

08-31-2004, 04:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
engfant FREE ENGFANTUCATION Join Date: May 20 2003 Posts: 8,931 Rep Power: 12	That's correct. Problem is (like all industry, stereo amps come to mind) there is no real set standard to determining the USEFUL LIFE. You got jerks selling 9.5UVB lamps that supposedly last 1500hrs. NOW anyone with a CLUE knows that the more UVB the shorter the life of the lamp (due to the reasons above). How is that this NO NAME company can produce a lamp with SO MUCH UVB LAST SOO LONG and a company like Cosmedico doesn't have a lamp that can come close (to those SPECS). It's all crap. Stick with the name brands (except Phillips. What the **** are they doing over there???) and you should be ok.

08-31-2004, 06:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
Neon Beach I'm Banned Join Date: Nov 30 2000 Location: Ontario Age: 45 Posts: 52,065 Rep Power: 0	I really have no lamp problems, I was just curious why tanning lamps are junk after so many hours and reg. lamps go on forever? Is it all hype created by the manufacturers to ensure resales? P.S. I've got Philips in my standup and have no complaints at all. Anywho, what is it about the phosphor used to create UV rays that "breaksdown" as compared to the phosphor used in normal lamps that last forever?

08-31-2004, 07:34 PM	#7 (permalink)
engfant FREE ENGFANTUCATION Join Date: May 20 2003 Posts: 8,931 Rep Power: 12	There are a few things the lamps give off. Heat, Light, and UV. Regular lamps only give off light, heat. The phosphor that is added to the tube is what breaks down and the UV radiance dips BUT the lamp will keep lighting long after the UV is gone (well gone past a useable amount.) Phillips eh? I had their facials that lasted about 50hrs before puttering on and off. I've heard people get totally black ends on them by the 10th hour but I guess it depends on the app. note: I am only giving MY opinion on the workings of the lamps. John from URI (if they ae still dwelling over here) would know better.

08-31-2004, 07:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
Neon Beach I'm Banned Join Date: Nov 30 2000 Location: Ontario Age: 45 Posts: 52,065 Rep Power: 0	Hmmmmmmmmm, I've never had a bad Philips lamp, facial or otherwise, maybe they've read some of your post and have been sending you the faulty ones? As for the phosphor or is it phosphorus, I want the good stuff!

08-31-2004, 07:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
tanu01 "The Man" Join Date: Mar 4 2003 Location: ohio Posts: 3,977 Rep Power: 7	I think mine just leak out. Haween haze I think. Flick

08-31-2004, 08:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
engfant FREE ENGFANTUCATION Join Date: May 20 2003 Posts: 8,931 Rep Power: 12	those are some QUALITY lamps there tanu. 15,000hr life?

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