100W Reflector vs. non-Reflector - tanTALK

bsmart · 09-15-2002, 07:32 AM

I'm curious if anyone has upgraded their beds from standard 100W lamps, to 100W reflector lamps, and if so, what change did you see in total UV readings on a 5.0 Solarmeter.

I think there would be a increase in UV output, as measured by the meter, but I have no idea how much to expect. I also think there would be an increase in the intensity of the session for the client. But, I wonder if a 20 minute session would become unbearable or uncomfortable for them? Anyone else done this yet? Hope to hear from you, and learn from your experiences!! Thanks.

Teresa · 09-15-2002, 08:36 AM

I am not 100% sure but I do not think that I can change my 100W lamps to 100W reflector lamps and still maintain my lamp compatibility with manufacturers reccommended.

solarmeter · 09-15-2002, 09:31 AM

In general, reflector lamps belong in beds designed to use them, where the spacing between lamps is very tight (about the width of a nickel). This is because the irradiance is directed out the front half of the lamp, and wide spacing is not needed for back side UV to be bounced off metal reflectors behind the lamps.

I do not know if any R lamps are listed compatible with non-R lamps. If so, the erythemal output on a model 7.0 meter should be within 10% of the original.

Also, in general, output from R lamps is higher. You'd need to be careful of striping due to the wide spacing (about a half inch) between lamps, since there isn't any UV shining out between the lamps.

Having said all that, there might be folks who think they've had success substituting R for non-R in certain kinds of beds/booths. If so, they can add to this thread.

Sam James · 09-15-2002, 09:47 AM

Teresa, you would be correct with your statement on lamp compatibility. A reflector lamp would have a shorter exposure time than a non reflector lamp. Also keep in mind that reflector lamps are not a good choice for beds that have very much distance between the lamps. They were designed to be very close to each other so as to avoid uneven tans, especially in the lounge where the tanner is usually very close to the lamps.

A good example would be the Black Sun Infinity 65 compared to the Black Sun Reflex Series 2. These two lamps are the same exact lamp with one exception. The Black Sun Reflex Series 2 has a built in reflector. While the Infinity lamp is compatibile to many lamps, the Reflex is not.

Bsmart, As far as the output readings, in general the reflector lamps would read higher. If you made such a change, there would be a significant differnece in the way the bed tans.

summrtan · 09-15-2002, 09:53 AM

If I'm not mistaken installing reflector lamps in beds that has the bulbs spaced to far apart will result in stripes..right?

Teresa · 09-15-2002, 09:53 AM

Thought so....and that the first thing my health inspectors check is that every single lamp is in spec.
They will shut a piece of equiptment or a whole salon down for non-compatable lamps, where they'll give you a 30 day notice to fix any other violations.

_________________

[ This Message was edited by: Teresa on 2002-09-15 09:54 ][ This Message was edited by: Teresa on 2002-09-15 09:56 ]

bsmart · 09-16-2002, 12:33 PM

I definitely would NOT suggest that salons in REGULATED states try this approach. I DO think it would be a good experiment for some of the R&D folks in the crowd. We are always trying new things to improve the tanning experience. Any more thoughts on this topic?? I'd like to hear from more of the lamp suppiers on their thoughts along this line. I think the lamps could be some distance apart without getting the striping effect. That would depend on the width in the opening in the aperture of course. I believe each lamp maker uses a different aperture opening, measured in degrees.

_________________
[ This Message was edited by: bsmart on 2002-09-16 12:36 ]

lampman · 09-16-2002, 08:33 PM

We have had customers replace some of their lamps with reflector lamps.We do not recommend it in the base of the beds but have had good results in the top.There are some reflector lamps with compatability to non reflectors but not many.

bsmart · 09-17-2002, 12:36 PM

Lampman, those were my thoughts exactly. I was thinking of putting reflectors in the canopy and standard lamps in the bench. In your opinion, how close together would the lamps in the bench need to be to avoid striping, if I'm using a reflector lamp where standard lamps were used originally? If the aperture opening was near 165 to 180 degrees there shouldn't be a problem, right???

lampman · 09-17-2002, 04:42 PM

The lamps should be almost touching each other.The lamps have reflectors from 180 to 200 degrees.If you have distance between the acrylic and the lamps the lamps have less of a chance to stripe.

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09-15-2002, 07:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
bsmart Join Date: May 2 2002 Location: 2621 W Main Suite 9 Posts: 616 Rep Power: 12	I'm curious if anyone has upgraded their beds from standard 100W lamps, to 100W reflector lamps, and if so, what change did you see in total UV readings on a 5.0 Solarmeter. I think there would be a increase in UV output, as measured by the meter, but I have no idea how much to expect. I also think there would be an increase in the intensity of the session for the client. But, I wonder if a 20 minute session would become unbearable or uncomfortable for them? Anyone else done this yet? Hope to hear from you, and learn from your experiences!! Thanks.

09-15-2002, 08:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
Teresa Join Date: Dec 29 2001 Location: Davenport, IA Age: 49 Posts: 2,432 Rep Power: 14	I am not 100% sure but I do not think that I can change my 100W lamps to 100W reflector lamps and still maintain my lamp compatibility with manufacturers reccommended.

09-15-2002, 09:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
solarmeter Join Date: Nov 13 2001 Location: MI Posts: 861 Rep Power: 12	In general, reflector lamps belong in beds designed to use them, where the spacing between lamps is very tight (about the width of a nickel). This is because the irradiance is directed out the front half of the lamp, and wide spacing is not needed for back side UV to be bounced off metal reflectors behind the lamps. I do not know if any R lamps are listed compatible with non-R lamps. If so, the erythemal output on a model 7.0 meter should be within 10% of the original. Also, in general, output from R lamps is higher. You'd need to be careful of striping due to the wide spacing (about a half inch) between lamps, since there isn't any UV shining out between the lamps. Having said all that, there might be folks who think they've had success substituting R for non-R in certain kinds of beds/booths. If so, they can add to this thread.

09-15-2002, 09:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
Sam James Join Date: Nov 2 2000 Location: GA & TN Posts: 196 Rep Power: 0	Teresa, you would be correct with your statement on lamp compatibility. A reflector lamp would have a shorter exposure time than a non reflector lamp. Also keep in mind that reflector lamps are not a good choice for beds that have very much distance between the lamps. They were designed to be very close to each other so as to avoid uneven tans, especially in the lounge where the tanner is usually very close to the lamps. A good example would be the Black Sun Infinity 65 compared to the Black Sun Reflex Series 2. These two lamps are the same exact lamp with one exception. The Black Sun Reflex Series 2 has a built in reflector. While the Infinity lamp is compatibile to many lamps, the Reflex is not. Bsmart, As far as the output readings, in general the reflector lamps would read higher. If you made such a change, there would be a significant differnece in the way the bed tans.

09-15-2002, 09:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
summrtan Join Date: Jun 13 2002 Location: N CAL Posts: 365 Rep Power: 11	If I'm not mistaken installing reflector lamps in beds that has the bulbs spaced to far apart will result in stripes..right?

09-15-2002, 09:53 AM	#6 (permalink)
Teresa Join Date: Dec 29 2001 Location: Davenport, IA Age: 49 Posts: 2,432 Rep Power: 14	Thought so....and that the first thing my health inspectors check is that every single lamp is in spec. They will shut a piece of equiptment or a whole salon down for non-compatable lamps, where they'll give you a 30 day notice to fix any other violations. _________________ [ This Message was edited by: Teresa on 2002-09-15 09:54 ][ This Message was edited by: Teresa on 2002-09-15 09:56 ]

09-16-2002, 12:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
bsmart Join Date: May 2 2002 Location: 2621 W Main Suite 9 Posts: 616 Rep Power: 12	I definitely would NOT suggest that salons in REGULATED states try this approach. I DO think it would be a good experiment for some of the R&D folks in the crowd. We are always trying new things to improve the tanning experience. Any more thoughts on this topic?? I'd like to hear from more of the lamp suppiers on their thoughts along this line. I think the lamps could be some distance apart without getting the striping effect. That would depend on the width in the opening in the aperture of course. I believe each lamp maker uses a different aperture opening, measured in degrees. _________________ [ This Message was edited by: bsmart on 2002-09-16 12:36 ]

09-16-2002, 08:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
lampman Join Date: May 27 2001 Posts: 204 Rep Power: 12	We have had customers replace some of their lamps with reflector lamps.We do not recommend it in the base of the beds but have had good results in the top.There are some reflector lamps with compatability to non reflectors but not many.

09-17-2002, 12:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
bsmart Join Date: May 2 2002 Location: 2621 W Main Suite 9 Posts: 616 Rep Power: 12	Lampman, those were my thoughts exactly. I was thinking of putting reflectors in the canopy and standard lamps in the bench. In your opinion, how close together would the lamps in the bench need to be to avoid striping, if I'm using a reflector lamp where standard lamps were used originally? If the aperture opening was near 165 to 180 degrees there shouldn't be a problem, right???

09-17-2002, 04:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
lampman Join Date: May 27 2001 Posts: 204 Rep Power: 12	The lamps should be almost touching each other.The lamps have reflectors from 180 to 200 degrees.If you have distance between the acrylic and the lamps the lamps have less of a chance to stripe.

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