Ask Wolff


Replacement Lamp Options

During my visits with distributors, their most frequent comment is that salon owners do not have the proper information when asking about replacement sunlamps. The sales person will ask what type of bed do you have, and the salon owner will say "Wolff'. Wolff System manufactures the lamps and we have several licensees who have arrangements to employ our trademarks on their tanning equipment. During my visits with distributors, their most frequent comment is that salon owners do not have the proper information when asking about replacement sunlamps. The sales person will ask what type of bed

do you have, and the salon owner will say "Wolff'. Wolff System manufactures the lamps and we have several licensees who have arrangements to employ our trademarks on their tanning equipment. One of our largest licensees is ETS - makers of SunStar, Solaris, Solar Force, Starpower, Sunscape, etc. So depending on the exact make, model and year of your bed, your distributor will be able to make sound recommendations.

A factor you should consider when purchasing a bed is: what are the replacement lamp options? If you purchase a licensed Wolff System sunbed or booth, you will have a very broad choice of replacement lamps as every lamp manufacturer markets their lamps as compatible to the original Wolff System sunlamp. Remember, compatible does not mean "the same as", and you may not get the performance you expect from compatible replacement lamps from others.

When ordering, the simplest solution is to always replace your equipment's lamps with those supplied originally by the bed's manufacturer or a FDA registered compatible version. If choosing a FDA compatible version, make sure that your supplier provides the necessary documentation.

It helps if you have the following information on file for each bed. This will keep you from having to research this information every time you order. Provide your distributor with the following:

  • Make, model number and year of your bed(s)
  • Lamp(s) recommended for use in your bed (listed on label next to the exposure schedule) .
  • Lamps you are currently using
  • Know whether it's a reflector or non-reflector and information such as length and wattage
  • Number of lamps needed and facials if necessary
  • What do you like or dislike about the current lamp

This information will enable your distributor to better serve you on the first call. And speaking of distributors, you want to order from someone that you are familiar with and who will advise you about all products. Just because they may have an attractive price doesn't mean that they will stand behind their service/product if you are dissatisfied. There is meaning in the adage: 'you should be as easy to reach for a complaint as for an order'.