klein

Does anyone have any of the NEW ballasts in their beds and if so how are they,and these are not magnetic or choke these have been out about 3 yrs.so please respond with todays technology not old magnetic technology thanks.

Don Smith

For the past two years we have been testing several sunbeds driven with "programmed start" and "electrical change compensating" electronic ballasts. I also use electronic ballasts in some of our SLTS (Single Lamp in a Test Stand) units that are used to compare sunlamps. Here is a quick summary of what we have found:

- Clients love them because (a) the are cooler; (b) they "light" instantly (c) "appear" to be brighter; and (d) they tan better (see below).

- We love them because our monthly electrical bill has been reduced in this salon by 30% - 35%.

- Our spectroradiometric testing shows that electronic ballasts have more output in the 350 nm - 400 nm range (especially with new-era sunlamps) and, therefore, have more tanning power (and shorter Tt times) than either (a) choke ballasts and (b) magnetic rapid start ballasts. [Note: This validates the opinion by the clients that these sunbeds tan better.]

- Sunbeds with electronic ballasts are much lighter.

- Sunbeds with "quality" electronic ballasts automatically compensate for electrical changes and, therefore, they do not need buck boosters. Some that are being offered do not have electrical compensation and, therefore, aren't recommended. [Note: Ask your potential vendor if their electronic ballast driven sunbeds require the use of a buck booster.]

The only "drawbacks"arethat (a) sunbeds with electronic ballasts cost a little more and (b) electronic ballasts have (so far) only been able to "drive" a 250w HID/hp sunlamp. [Note: Theoretically, they should be able to drive a 400w - 500w HID/hp sunlamp.]

Both 100w and 160w sunbeds driven by electronic ballasts are available.

I hope this helps.

PS: The "programmed start" feature means that the power needed to start the sunlamps is "ramped up" so that they aren't damaged by a large surge of initial power. This is another feature you want.

parrot head

Hey Don, nice report! Are all the major manufacturing companies going with this type of ballast? If not, which companies are?

eileen

Thanks Don. :)

parrot head I believe magnumsun beds are all electronic ballasts.

klein

Thanks Don you always shed alot of light,looks like the future is getting brighter.

vettes

I think TA is going w/ these ballasts

Mr Derf

I have 8 new T/A beds with electronic ballast. So far so good.

engfant

electronic or magnetic?

klein

It looks like Royalsun,TA,magnumsun are producing beds with the new technology .