The Spook

I noticed one of the lamps in one of my Tan America 4200 beds get a jet black end on it (much darker than the others). I replaced it with a spare, and when I fired up the bed to test it, I noticed 3 lamps have a glowing orange end (like there's a small flame at the end of the lamp).

What is this? Does it mean the other lamps are going to turn jet black too soon? Is there possibly something wrong with the bed/ballasts?

These lamps only have 235 hours on them. They are Voltarc lamps. When I bought them last year, the guy claimed they have "heat shields" that help prevent the ends from turning black as quickly. Is that true? Are there other lamps that have this (or do they all)?

I know these beds really like to burn through lamps. Are there any lamps that work well in beds that are hard on lamps? I assumed that is what I was getting with these "heat shielded" lamps.

Please advise.

Brian Oshman

Mag ballasts constantly apply current to the cathodes. This is why you see a glow at the ends when it is operating. Mag ballasts are designed for outdoor use in signs so they will not flicker when it is cold out.

The Spook

Just curious - why did you edit your reply? I thought the rest of what you had said was interesting.

Brian Oshman

Well, your mileage will vary. I had said that most beds that use mag ballasts will expect a useful range of 350 to 400 hours of use. The added heat kills lamps. They were not designed for tanning beds.