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We’re getting our salons ready for the busy season and planning to re-lamp equipment. What are some tips for maximizing lamp life to get the greatest value AND retain customer satisfaction?
Most sunlamp manufacturers list a rated service life for their products; however, few say what their method is for determining this life rating. Is it the length of time you can expect to use a sunlamp before it burns out? Is it the number of service hours that have elapsed before the lamp’s UV output has declined by 50 percent? Is it just a number published to justify their compatibility claims?
At JW North America and Wolff System, we define rated service life as the point at which a lamp’s UV output has depreciated by 30 percent from initial levels. A well-constructed sunlamp, properly applied, will be ready for replacement due to this natural output (phosphor) depreciation well before it fails to “light.” This is a forecast of performance under proper salon conditions; we all know that running sunlamps at higher ambient temperatures will shorten both service life (phosphor degradation) and physical life (burnout).
Sunlamps experience their sharpest decline in output during the first 50-100 hours of use. Therefore, insist on knowing the lamps’ rated life from zero hours, since that is how you will employ them in your equipment. Higher-quality phosphors, such as those used in Wolff System sunlamps, tend to be more stable and longer-lasting.
Remember, due to variables such as maintenance procedures, equipment ventilation and voltage irregularities, a lamp’s actual service life can, and often does differ. Again, the best way to manage this aspect is good equipment maintenance and regular monitoring of output. Get and use an economical, handheld UV meter on a regular basis. This simple but effective practice will allow you to identify and replace depreciated sunlamps before you get complaints from your salon guests.
If you have a question you’d like answered, please email sales@wolffsys.com or visit wolffsystem.com
Due to variables such as maintenance procedures, equipment ventilation and voltage irregularities, a lamp’s actual service life can, and often does differ.
Michael Stepp joined Wolff System as President in 1998, bringing years of lighting industry experience with GTE Sylvania, Osram Sylvania and Philips. Married for 38 years, he has a daughter and granddaughter.
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