Tanning bed bulbs emit UV rays needed for a sunbed user to acquire a tan. These lamps differ in terms of the amount of rays that they provide and in the type of tanning bed with which they are compatible. Maintaining these lamps is important if owners would want to keep their sunbed operating at its highest level. Users of sunbeds should know when to replace and how to replace the bulbs when they reach the end of their functional life. For tanning salon operators and owners of home tanning beds, knowing the compatibility requirements and the proper method of replacing and maintaining these lamps is very important.

To extend the life of tanning bed bulbs, consumers must make sure that they are used only in sunbeds that are compatible with them and that wattage parameters are adhered to. In places where the use of tanning beds is regulated, a compatibility chart is often part of the manufacturer's package. This chart is required to be on file and must be presented to state health inspectors. Moreover, replacement lamps should be the same as the original provided by the sunbed manufacturer. If a home sunbed owner lives in a place where the use of indoor tanning equipment is not regulated, then he or she can use any lamp as long as its wattage is the same as the wattage of the bed's ballasts.

When it comes to knowing when to replace the bulbs, a device called UV Light Meter can be used. This device monitors the performance of the lamps to ensure that they are performing up to par. It is also used to determine whether the bulbs need to be changed. Bulbs are usually in need of replacement when they are performing at 70 percent of their original output. In ordinary lamps, this can mean after 700 hours of use. Wattage is the common parameter used to decide whether the lamps need to be changed. For example, a 100W bulb should be replaced after 700 to 1000 hours of use, while 160W lamps are good for 600 to 800 hours. Lamps with higher wattage, like a 200W, should be replaced after every 500 to 700 hours of use. The figures, though, are just estimates. The right time to replace sunbed lamps still depends on the bulb type, the temperature of the room where the sunbed is kept and whether the lamps are used for tanning the face or the whole body.

Lamps for tanning beds range in price from $10 to $17. The price depends on the brand, the wattage and sunbed compatibility requirements. Commonly, manufacturers of sunbeds also offer their own line of bulbs. Some of the more common names of sunbed lamps are Wolff, Sun Ergoline, Hawaiian Haze, Cosmedico, Cosmolux, Real Sun, Phillips and Solera.

Maintaining tanning bed bulbs is important if sunbeds are to function effectively. Being able to prolong the life of the bulbs is important if tanning salon operators and home sunbed owners want to save some dollars and get the best service out of their indoor tanning equipment.