Product Overview
GE 97611 F26TBX/830/A/ECO Biax 26W CFL - 3000K Soft White
GX24q-3 Base | 1,800 Lumens | 82 CRI | 12,000 Hour Life | 4-Pin Electronic Ballast | Dimmable
- Base Type: Listed as "G24q-3" but should be "GX24q-3" (X indicates triple-tube configuration)
- MOL: Listed as "6.4in" but standard GE 26W Biax is 5.2" (132mm)
- Ballasts: Original list includes incompatible 18W and 32W ballasts
- Configuration: Listed as "Double Tube" but 26W 4-pin is Triple Tube (T/E)
Product Overview
The GE 97611 F26TBX/830/A/ECO is a 26-watt compact fluorescent lamp featuring a GX24q-3 4-pin base. This Triple Biax (T/E) CFL delivers 1,800 initial lumens of 3000K soft white light with 82 CRI color rendering. Designed for electronic ballasts with programmed start, this dimmable lamp is ideal for retail, hospitality, and commercial applications requiring warm, flattering illumination.
Technical Specifications - GE 97611
Product Identification
| Manufacturer Part Number | 97611 |
|---|---|
| Product Code | F26TBX/830/A/ECO |
| NAED Order Code | 97611 |
| UPC | 0043168976111 |
Electrical & Photometric
| Wattage (Lamp) | 26 Watts |
|---|---|
| System Wattage | 29W (includes ~3W ballast loss) |
| Voltage | 120-277V (via compatible ballast) |
| Initial Lumens | 1,800 lm |
| Mean Lumens | 1,530 lm (85% maintenance) |
| Efficacy | 69 lm/W |
| Color Temperature | 3000K (Soft White) |
| Color Code | 830 |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 82 Ra |
Physical Characteristics ⚠️
| Bulb Shape | T4 Triple Biax (T/E) - 6 parallel tubes |
|---|---|
| Tube Diameter | T4 (12.7mm / 0.5 inch) |
| Base Type | GX24q-3 (4-Pin) - verify "X" in base code |
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL) | 5.2" (132 mm) STANDARD - Listed 6.4" unverified |
| Maximum Width | 4.75" (120.6 mm) across tube cluster |
| Operating Position | Universal (Any) |
Performance & Compliance
| Rated Average Life | 12,000 hours |
|---|---|
| Start Type | Programmed Start (4-pin) |
| Dimming Capability | Yes - with compatible dimming ballast |
| Mercury Content | Reduced - TCLP Compliant |
| EOL Protection | Yes - End-of-Life protection circuit |
Compatible Electronic Ballasts - CORRECTED LIST
✓ CORRECT Ballasts for 26W GX24q-3 Lamps
| Model Number | Order Code | Type | Voltage | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEC226-MVPS-BES | 71443 | Basic | 120-277V | ✓ 26W ONLY |
| GEC226-MVPS-SE | 71444 | Single Ended | 120-277V | ✓ 26W ONLY |
| GEC226-MVPS-3W | 71445 | 3-Wire | 120-277V | ✓ 26W ONLY |
✓ ALSO Compatible (Multi-Wattage)
| Model Number | Order Code | Type | Voltage | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEC242-MVPS-BES | 71439 | Multi-wattage | 120-277V | ✓ 26W/32W/42W |
| GEC242-MVPS-SE | 71440 | Multi-wattage | 120-277V | ✓ 26W/32W/42W |
| GEC242-MVPS-3W | 71441 | Multi-wattage | 120-277V | ✓ 26W/32W/42W |
✗ INCORRECT Ballasts (DO NOT USE)
| Model Number | Order Code | Why Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| GEC218-MVPS-BES | 71432 | ✗ For 18W lamps only - will underdrive 26W |
| GEC218-MVPS-SE | 71433 | ✗ For 18W lamps only - will underdrive 26W |
| GEC218-MVPS-3W | 71434 | ✗ For 18W lamps only - will underdrive 26W |
- Reduced light output (as low as 60% of rated lumens)
- Poor color rendering and color shift
- Shortened lamp life (premature failure)
- Flickering or failure to start
- Voided warranty
Third-Party Compatible Ballasts
- Philips Advance: ICF-2S26-H1-LD (IntelliVolt, 120-277V)
- Universal Lighting: Triad C226UNVME-000K (Multi-volt)
- Sylvania: 51833 QTP2X26/CF/UNV DM (Dimming capable)
- OSRAM: QTP 2x26CF/UNV DM (Dimming)
Base Type Verification - Critical
Verify your socket type carefully. The "X" in GX24q-3 is critical:
| Base Code | Pin Count | Tube Config | Wattage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G24d-3 | 2 pins | Double Biax | 26W | Magnetic/electronic, preheat |
| GX24q-3 (This Lamp) | 4 pins | Triple Biax (6 tubes) | 26W | Electronic only, programmed start |
| G24q-3 (Rare) | 4 pins | Double Biax | 26W | Older designation, uncommon |
- Count pins: 4 pins = GX24q or G24q
- Check socket keying: GX24q has X-shaped notch
- Look for "GX24q-3" embossed on existing lamp base
- Measure socket: GX24q-3 is ~30mm wide
Recommended Applications for 3000K Soft White
Retail & Hospitality
- Retail Displays: 3000K enhances skin tones and wood finishes
- Restaurant Dining: Flattering, appetizing light for food and guests
- Hotel Lobbies: Welcoming, upscale atmosphere
- Boutique Shops: Warm light encourages longer browsing
Commercial & Office
- Executive Offices: Professional yet comfortable ambiance
- Conference Rooms: Good color rendering for presentations
- Reception Areas: Inviting first impression for visitors
- Healthcare Waiting: Calming environment for patients
Residential & Specialty
- Residential-Style Commercial: Apartments, senior living
- Gallery Lighting: 82 CRI provides good color accuracy
- Residential: Warm, comfortable home lighting
3000K Soft White vs Other Color Temperatures
Safety Information
♻️ Mercury & Disposal
TCLP compliant with reduced mercury. Recycle at end of life per EPA Universal Waste Rule. Restricted States: CA, CO, HI, ME, MN, OR, RI, VT.
⚠️ Operating Safety
- Allow to cool before handling
- Use ONLY with compatible GEC226 series electronic ballasts
- Dimming requires specific dimming ballast AND dimmer
- EOL protection prevents catastrophic failure
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the ballast list in the original description wrong?
The original listing included GEC218 series (18W) and GEC242 series (32W/42W) ballasts, which are incompatible with 26W lamps. Using an 18W ballast will underdrive the lamp (reduced light, poor color, short life). Using a 32W ballast may overdrive or fail to start. Only GEC226 series ballasts (or multi-wattage GEC242) are correct for 26W lamps.
What happens if I use the wrong ballast?
Using an 18W (GEC218) ballast with this 26W lamp will result in:
- Only 60-70% of rated light output (~1,100 lumens instead of 1,800)
- Pink or orange color shift (poor color rendering)
- Flickering and slow starting
- Lamp life reduced to 3,000-5,000 hours
- Possible ballast overheating
Always verify ballast compatibility using the model number on the ballast label.
Is 3000K or 3500K better for office lighting?
It depends on the office type:
- 3000K (this lamp): Better for executive offices, law firms, design studios, and any space where a sophisticated, welcoming atmosphere is desired. Flattering for skin tones.
- 3500K: Better for general office work, task-oriented spaces, and areas requiring higher alertness. More neutral, less "warm."
For mixed-use spaces, 3500K is more versatile. For client-facing spaces, 3000K is usually preferred.
⚠️ Critical Corrections Applied: This corrected listing fixes multiple errors in the original description including incorrect base type (G24q-3 vs GX24q-3), incorrect MOL (6.4" vs 5.2"), incorrect configuration (Double vs Triple Tube), and critically wrong ballast compatibility list. Always verify ballast model numbers before installation.
