Not every tanning bed bulb is the same so you should know a little bit about your tanning bulb before ordering repalcements. First of all, there are two bulb end types called Bi-pin and RDC:

• Bi-Pin - These tanning bulbs have 2 pins on either side and are installed into the tanning bed by sliding these pins into the lamp holders and twisting the bulb once or twice.
• RDC - These tanning bulbs have a black cap on either side. These caps fit into the tanning bed's bulb holders which are spring loaded on one side. You push the lamp into the spring loaded bulb holder and just insert the other side of the bulb into the other bulb holder.

Next, there are different sized bulbs as well. The terminology known in the tanning industry to identify these different sizes are: F59, F71, F72, F73, F74 and F79. Most Bi-pin tanning bulbs are usually the F59 and F71's while the others are usually RDC type bulbs.

If your tanning bed has one facial tanning bulb, then it is most likely that your bed will have the one facial quartz tanning bulb, and two sizes of the long tube bulbs. Underneath of the facial square of the tanning bed, you will usually have the shorter tanning bulbs here. The other bulbs that go on the sides of that facial will be the longer ones. Make sure you take note of the existing bulbs and if any of these sizes are listed right on the bulb itself. Make sure you also count exactly how many of each bulb your bed has.

Where to purchase:

Buy Tanning Bed Bulbs

When replacing bulbs, you also need to make sure you have the correct wattage. Most home tanning beds have 80 watt and 100 watt tanning bulbs. The 80 watt bulbs are the shorter ones (F59) while the (F71), (F72), and (F73)'s are usually 100 watts.

Commercial tanning beds that are 12 to 15 minute sessions usually have 160 watt tanning bulbs and can come in either size F71 and F73.

So, just make sure that you have the correct information for the exact bulbs that go in your tanning bed. You can also find the bulb information directly on the tanning bed itself where it tells you the session time. Here you will find the bulbs that are rated specifically for that bed. When shopping for bulbs, make sure that the bulbs you are purchasing are directly compatible with the original bulbs designed for that bed.