Product Overview
GE 97580 F18DBX/841/ECO Double Biax 18W CFL Lamp - 4100K Cool White
G24d-2 Base | 1,250 Lumens | 82 CRI | 12,000 Hour Life | TCLP Compliant | 2-Pin Plug-In
Product Overview
The GE 97580 F18DBX/841/ECO is an energy-efficient 18-watt compact fluorescent lamp featuring a G24d-2 2-pin base. This Double Biax (quad tube) CFL delivers 1,250 initial lumens of crisp 4100K cool white light with 82 CRI color rendering, making it ideal for commercial, retail, and hospitality applications requiring instant-start capability with magnetic or electronic ballasts.
Technical Specifications - GE 97580
Product Identification
| Manufacturer Part Number | 97580 |
|---|---|
| Product Code | F18DBX/841/ECO |
| NAED Order Code | 97580 |
| UPC | 043168975803 |
| Case Quantity | 50 units |
Electrical & Photometric
| Wattage | 18 Watts |
|---|---|
| Initial Lumens | 1,250 lm |
| Mean Lumens | 980 lm (78% maintenance) |
| Efficacy | 69 lm/W |
| Color Temperature | 4100K (Cool White) |
| Color Code | 841 |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 82 Ra |
Physical Characteristics
| Bulb Shape | T4 Double Biax (Quad Tube) |
|---|---|
| Tube Configuration | 2 parallel folded tubes (4 tubes total) |
| Tube Diameter | T4 (12.7mm / 0.5 inch) |
| Base Type | G24d-2 (2-Pin, Magnetic/Electronic) |
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL) | 6.06 inches (154 mm) |
| Maximum Width | Approximately 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Operating Position | Universal (Any) |
Performance & Compliance
| Rated Average Life | 12,000 hours (3-hour cycles) |
|---|---|
| Start Type | Preheat/Magnetic or Electronic |
| Minimum Starting Temp | -15°C (5°F) |
| Dimming Capability | Non-Dimmable |
| Mercury Content | Reduced - TCLP Compliant |
| EOL Protection | Yes - End-of-Life protection circuit |
G24d vs G24q Base Identification
This lamp uses a 2-pin G24d-2 base for magnetic or electronic ballasts. Do not confuse with 4-pin G24q bases:
| Base Type | Pin Count | Ballast Type | Wattages | Compatible GE Lamps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G24d-2 (This Lamp) | 2 pins | Magnetic or Electronic | 18W | 97577-97580 (2-pin) |
| G24q-2 | 4 pins | Electronic only | 18W | 97598-97601 (4-pin) |
| G24d-1 | 2 pins | Magnetic or Electronic | 13W | 97590-97593 |
| G24d-3 | 2 pins | Magnetic or Electronic | 26W | 97606-97609 |
Compatible Ballasts - G24d-2 Base
GE Ballasts for G24d-2 Lamps
| Application | Ballast Type | Voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single 18W Lamp | GE Magnetic Preheat | 120V | Standard for 2-pin CFLs |
| Single 18W Lamp | GE Electronic CFL Ballast | 120-277V | Energy-efficient option |
| Dual 18W Lamps | GE Dual-Lamp Magnetic | 120V | For fixtures with 2 lamps |
Cross-Reference to Other Brands
This GE lamp replaces or is equivalent to:
- Philips: PL-C 18W/841/2P/ALTO, PL-C 18W/841/USA
- Sylvania: CF18DD/841, CFQ18W/G24d/841
- Osram: CF18DD/841
- Generic: CFQ18W/G24d/841, 18W G24d-2 4100K
Recommended Applications for 4100K Cool White
Commercial Facilities
- Office Lighting: 4100K cool white enhances alertness and productivity in workspaces
- Retail Display: Crisp light makes merchandise appear vibrant and appealing
- Reception Areas: Professional appearance with clean, neutral illumination
- Conference Rooms: Good color rendering for presentations and meetings
Hospitality & Food Service
- Restaurant Kitchens: Cool white improves visibility for food preparation safety
- Hotel Lobbies: Bright, welcoming illumination for guest areas
- Bar Areas: 4100K provides clean, modern aesthetic
- Back-of-House: High efficacy reduces operating costs in 24/7 operations
Industrial & Warehouse
- Maintenance Facilities: 1,250 lumens provide adequate task lighting
- Storage Areas: 12,000-hour life reduces relamping frequency
- Workshops: 82 CRI allows for accurate color identification
- Loading Docks: Cool white enhances safety and visibility
4100K vs Other Color Temperatures
Energy Savings: 18W CFL vs Alternatives
Based on 3,000 operating hours/year at $0.15/kWh electricity rate:
| Specification | GE 97580 18W CFL | 75W Incandescent | 18W LED Retrofit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 18W | 75W | 18W |
| Lumen Output | 1,250 lm | 1,100 lm | 1,200-1,400 lm |
| Annual Energy Cost | $8.10 | $33.75 | $8.10 |
| Rated Life | 12,000 hours | 1,000 hours | 25,000-50,000 hours |
| Efficacy | 69 lm/W | 15 lm/W | 80-100 lm/W |
| 10-Year Replacements | 2.5 lamps | 30 bulbs | 1 lamp |
Key Features & Benefits
- Energy Efficiency: 75% energy savings vs. 75W incandescent (69 lm/W efficacy)
- Extended Life: 12,000-hour rated life - 12x longer than standard incandescent bulbs
- TCLP Compliant: Low mercury content meets US and Canada environmental standards
- End-of-Life Protection: Built-in circuit prevents catastrophic failure at end of life
- Instant Start: 2-pin base works with magnetic or electronic ballasts for immediate illumination
- Universal Position: Operates reliably in any burning orientation
- High Color Rendering: 82 CRI for accurate color perception in retail and task applications
- Cool White Output: 4100K color temperature enhances visibility and alertness
Safety Information & Environmental Compliance
♻️ Mercury & Disposal
This lamp contains reduced mercury (TCLP compliant) but requires proper recycling at end of life. Do not dispose of in regular trash. Use EPA-approved CFL recycling centers or retailer take-back programs.
State Restrictions: Cannot ship to CA, CO, HI, ME, MN, OR, RI, VT. Washington State: Environmental handling charge of $0.95 per lamp applies.
⚠️ Operating Safety
- Allow lamp to cool before handling (operates at elevated temperatures)
- Use only in fixtures rated for CFL use with proper ventilation
- Not for use with dimmers, photocells, or timers not rated for CFL
- End-of-life protection prevents rupture; lamp will darken gradually
- Broken lamps: Ventilate area, avoid direct contact with mercury
✓ Certifications
- TCLP Compliant (EPA 40 CFR Part 273)
- RoHS Compliant
- CE Listed
- UL Listed for dry/damp locations
- Minimum starting temperature: -15°C (5°F)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 2-pin (G24d) and 4-pin (G24q) CFLs?
The G24d-2 base (this lamp) has 2 pins and works with magnetic or electronic ballasts using preheat or rapid start technology. G24q-2 has 4 pins and requires electronic ballasts with programmed start. The two types are not interchangeable - 2-pin lamps have built-in starters, while 4-pin lamps rely on the ballast for starting. Verify your socket by counting the holes/pins before ordering.
Can I use this lamp with an electronic ballast?
Yes, but only with electronic ballasts specifically rated for 2-pin CFLs. Many modern electronic ballasts are designed for 4-pin lamps only. Check your ballast label for compatibility with "18W G24d" or "2-pin CFL" lamps. If your ballast is 4-pin only, you must either replace the ballast or purchase the 4-pin version (97601) of this lamp.
Why does this lamp have 1,250 lumens while some sources say 1,200?
The Ecolux version (97580) produces 1,250 lumens with an improved phosphor formulation and 12,000-hour life. Older non-Ecolux versions produced 1,200 lumens with 10,000-hour life. Current production from GE Current is the Ecolux high-output version. If you are replacing older lamps, you may notice slightly brighter output with the 97580.
Is 4100K suitable for home use?
4100K Cool White is typically used in commercial, industrial, and task-oriented applications. For home living spaces, 2700K Warm White or 3000K Soft White are usually preferred for their cozy, relaxing atmosphere. However, 4100K is excellent for home kitchens, bathrooms, workshops, and garages where visibility and alertness are important.
Availability Notice: CFL products are being phased out due to federal energy efficiency regulations. Stock up for existing fixtures or consider LED retrofit options for new installations.
Manufactured by GE Current, a Daintree Company . Specifications subject to change without notice.
