Ordering the correct tanning lamps or tanning bulbs for your tanning bed isn’t always easy. With different lamp lengths, diameters, connectors, wattage, and UV output, even experienced salon owners can accidentally order the wrong product.
If you’ve made that mistake, don’t worry—there are solutions.

How to Choose the Correct Tanning Lamps for Your Bed

The best way to identify the correct tanning lamps is by checking the Danger Exposure Schedule on your tanning bed.
This label is required by the FDA and lists the original certified tanning bulbs for your unit. It will typically say:
“The following lamp has been certified for use in this bed.”
This tells you exactly which OEM tanning bulbs were designed for your equipment. Always provide this information to your supplier when ordering replacement tanning lamps.
In many regulated states, salons are only allowed to use equivalent tanning lamps to those originally certified for the bed.

Ordered the Wrong Size Tanning Bulbs? Here’s a Simple Fix

If you ordered the wrong length tanning bulbs, you may not need to return them.
For example:
  • Your bed requires F72 or F73 tanning lamps
  • But you ordered F71 tanning bulbs
You can fix this easily using RDC lamp extensions:
These RDC extensions snap directly onto the ends of your bipin tanning lamps, converting shorter bulbs to the correct length. This quick solution saves you time and avoids costly return shipping.
Tanning Bulbs Cheap

Tanning Bulbs Cheap

What Happens If You Order the Wrong Wattage Tanning Lamps?

Wattage is one of the most important factors when selecting tanning lamps.
For example:
  • Your tanning bed requires 100W tanning bulbs
  • But you ordered 160W tanning lamps
In this case, you will need to return them.
Your ballast is designed to operate at a specific wattage. Even if you install higher-wattage tanning bulbs, the ballast will only deliver its rated output. Over time, this underpowering can damage the lamps and reduce their lifespan and performance.

Tanning Lamp Shipping & Return Costs

Shipping tanning lamps is expensive due to their oversized length—not their weight.
Many suppliers include shipping in the price of tanning bulbs, but returns are different. Most companies charge between $55 and $75 per box for return shipping.
That’s why it’s critical to double-check your tanning lamp specifications before placing an order.

The Easiest Way to Buy the Right Tanning Bulbs

If you’re unsure which tanning lamps your bed requires, the easiest solution is to shop by model.
You can find the correct lamps for your unit here:
https://sunalparts.com/product-category/purchase-lamps-by-model/
This ensures you’re getting compatible tanning bulbs without guesswork.

Final Thoughts on Tanning Lamps

Choosing the right tanning lamps doesn’t have to be complicated. By checking your bed’s certification label, verifying wattage, and confirming lamp length, you can avoid costly mistakes.
And if you do order the wrong tanning bulbs, there are simple solutions—just act quickly to minimize return costs and downtime.