Type Testing of Tanning Appliances

It is the ultraviolet (UV) emission from sun tanning appliances that produce the sought-after effect of the pigmentation of the skin, yet it is well documented that over-exposure can lead to undesirable short-term as well as serious long-term effects, including skin cancer. It is, therefore, of vital importance to accurately quantify the level of UV emitted by such a source.

In Europe, to CE mark tanning appliances to the low voltage directive (2014/35/EU) requires type-testing of the appliance to EN 60335-2-27- 2010 “Safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Part 2: Particular requirements for appliances for skin exposure to ultraviolet and infrared radiation".

This standard requires that the spectral irradiance be measured at the plane of skin exposure and weighted against the CIE erythemal action spectrum to allow determination of the UVA and UVB erythemal irradiance. The CIE erythemal action spectrum describes the relative efficacy of UV wavelengths to cause erythema, or reddening, of skin.