Buck Boosters FAQ - Sunbed Service and Supply

Buck Boosters Shop our online parts store.

NOTICE: If you are unsure about wiring a buck booster or any electrical component in your tanning bed, please call our service department for assistance.

Care / Maintenance:
Buck boosters should be kept free of debris at all times.

Buck Boosters FAQ's

Why do I need a buck booster?
How do I determine what size buck booster I need?
Who should wire the buck booster to the proper voltage?
If I change locations, do I have to buy new buck boosters?
How many buck boosters do I need for each tanning bed?

1. Why do I need a buck booster?

Some tanning units, particularly those that operate on a choke start system, require a buck booster. Choke start systems are very voltage dependent. When properly installed and wired, a buck booster will either "buck" (decrease) or "boost" (increase) your incoming voltage so it will be at a level that the bed was designed to operate on.
For example, if you existing actual voltage is reading 246, and you have a bed that calls for 230 volts, you should install a buck booster to bring your voltage down.
Most companies sell buck boosters in a +/- 16/32 or +/- 12/24 configuration. That means that the buck boosters can be wired to either increase or decrease your voltage 16 or 32 volts or 12 or 14 volts.
If you are unsure what your bed's ideal operating voltage is, please contact either the distributor that you purchased it from or the bed manufacturer for their recommendations.

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2. How do I determine what size buck booster I need?

Buck boosters are available in several different sizes, the most commonly used in the tanning industry are 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. This number is expressed in KVA (i.e., 0.5KVA).
The size you needs depends on the running amperage of your tanning unit. As a rule of thumb, most 24 through 28 lamp units use a 0.5KVA. Most 30 lamp units and higher use a 1.0KVA. Larger units such as 42 lamps+ units vary between the 1.0KVA and 1.5KVA. Many stand up units and high pressure units require a 2.0KVA buck booster. Always consult your bed manufacturer and ask specifically what size (and how many) KVA buck booster(s) your unit requires.

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3. Who should wire the buck booster to the proper voltage?

Many distributors will pre-wire the buck boosters for you. You must provide them with accurate current voltage readings.
Some of the buck boosters need to be wired at the time your beds are installed. This should be done by an electrician.

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4. If I change locations, do I have to buy new buck boosters?

As long as the buck booster is in proper working order, you should not have to purchase new buck boosters. They can be rewired for your new voltage needs by an electrician.

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5. How many buck boosters do I need for each tanning bed?

Most tanning units require one buck booster per unit.
However, there are instances where you will need 2 or more per unit.
If your location is on a three phase electrical system, you will probably require more than one buck booster per unit, particularly with larger units.
For example, if you are on three phase "Delta" 208V, you may require 2 buck boosters per unit. With three phase "Y" 208V, you may require 3 buck booster.
Always contact both the bed manufacturer or distributor and your electrician to determine exactly how many buck boosters you will need.

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