Lamp Holders FAQ - Sunbed Service and Supply

Lamp Holders Shop our online parts store.

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

Lamp Holder FAQ's

What is a lampholder?
How do I know when a lampholder needs replacing?
How do I make sure I order the correct replacement lampholders for my tanning unit?
How do I install the replacement lampholder?

1. What is a lampholder?

Lampholders are the sockets located at each end of the lamp where the lamp actually is connected to the tanning unit.
There are a wide variety of lampholders used in tanning equipment today. They are either for Bi-Pin lamps or RDC lamps. See our lamp FAQ for more information concerning lamp end types.
Lampholders work in pairs. If your unit takes a Bi-Pin lamp, the lamp usually requires a starter. In this case, on one end the lampholder simply twists into place. On most equipment, the lampholder on the other end not only holds the lamp in place, but also has a starter base attached. This starter base is where the starter is installed. Some units have a starter base that is separate from the lampholder.
In an RDC unit, you will see one spring loaded lampholder. This is also referred to as the "male" or "telescopic" lampholder. On the other end is "female" or "stationary" lampholder

Back To FAQ's

2. How do I know when a lampholder needs replacing?

If you have a lamp out, take a lamp from another position that is working and put in the spot of the one that is out. If that lamp will not come on in that position, check your starters if your unit uses them.
If the problem still exists after replacing the starter, take a look at the lamp holder. Usually if the lampholder has failed, it will be burnt or melted. Replace if necessary.
If the lampholder appears to be fine, make sure it is not loose. Tighten it or reattach it if necessary.
Check to make sure all wires are properly connected to the lampholder.

Back To FAQ's

3. How do I make sure I order the correct replacement lampholders for my tanning unit?

Get the make, model, and year of your tanning unit. Most parts distributors have a cross-reference by bed type.
Have any numbers off of the actual lampholder. There may be times when a particular tanning unit took a different type of lampholder depending on the year. Also, information about a particular tanning unit may be limited. The numbers off of the lampholder will help determine which part you need.
Be sure to specify whether you need with starter base or without starter base if ordering a Bi-Pin lampholder, and male or female if ordering an RDC lampholder.
If you have the distributor's catalog, try to make a picture identification. This is often the best way to get the correct part. Or use this website for identification.

Back To FAQ's

4. How do I install the replacement lampholder?

Since there are so many different types of lampholders, there are just as many installation methods.
Some lamp holders slide and snap into place, some are held in by screws. In simplest terms, you put the new one in the the manner you took the old one out.
Concerning wire attachment, there are usually holes in either the backside or underside of the lampholder in which the wires run into.
Usually there is a slot near those holes in which you can insert a small flat object, such as a tiny flat head screw driver, a paper clip, etc. Pressing into this slot releases the tension on the wires so you can easily pull them out. See picture below:

If you have enough slack in the wire, you can also cut them off as close to the lampholder as possible.
Insert the wires into the replacement lampholder in the same manner.
If your lampholder isn't similar to the description above, please either contact the bed manufacturer or the company you purchased the lampholders from for further instructions.

Back To FAQ's

Return to the Online Parts Store

Return to how to purchase acrylics