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Don · 8th November 2005, 10:25 AM

Jim:

That's a different question.

You said that "I know of quite a few salon owners that do not even check out a tanning bed before buying one and then they get it and find out that heat is a major issue." and you are absolutely correct.

The "surface temperature" of the acrylic can be checked by (1) using an inexpensive IR (Infrared) thermometer (Radio Shack sells one for approximately $50.00) that has a "focal distance" of approximately 3 inches; or, (2) the "old fashioned" way, i.e., putting your own butt in the bed. At approximately 115-120 degrees it will feel uncomfortable; at approximately 130-140 degees it will feel "hot" and at aproximately 150-160 degrees there is a chance of mild burning.

What I recommend is to run the bed through 3 or 4 sessions "back to back" and then measure the "surface temperature" by one of the two methods discussed above. That way, you will duplicate what your clients experience on a busy day.

FYI, temperature doesn't have as much affect on LP lamps as it does on HID/hp lamps (where temperature control is critical to performance).

8th November 2005, 10:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
Don Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 376	Re: Don Jim: That's a different question. You said that "I know of quite a few salon owners that do not even check out a tanning bed before buying one and then they get it and find out that heat is a major issue." and you are absolutely correct. The "surface temperature" of the acrylic can be checked by (1) using an inexpensive IR (Infrared) thermometer (Radio Shack sells one for approximately $50.00) that has a "focal distance" of approximately 3 inches; or, (2) the "old fashioned" way, i.e., putting your own butt in the bed. At approximately 115-120 degrees it will feel uncomfortable; at approximately 130-140 degees it will feel "hot" and at aproximately 150-160 degrees there is a chance of mild burning. What I recommend is to run the bed through 3 or 4 sessions "back to back" and then measure the "surface temperature" by one of the two methods discussed above. That way, you will duplicate what your clients experience on a busy day. FYI, temperature doesn't have as much affect on LP lamps as it does on HID/hp lamps (where temperature control is critical to performance).