Product Overview

GE 97632 Biax T/E Ecolux 32W CFL Lamp - 4100K Cool White

⚠️ Base Compatibility Warning: This 32W lamp uses a GX24q-4 base (4-pin), NOT GX24q-3. GX24q-4 is physically larger and keyed differently than GX24q-3 (26W). Verify your socket marking before ordering. We sell GX24q-4 sockets if retrofitting.

The GE 97632 Biax T/E Ecolux is a high-output 32-watt compact fluorescent lamp featuring a GX24q-4 4-pin base. This triple-tube CFL delivers 2,400 initial lumens of crisp 4100K cool white light with 82 CRI color rendering, making it ideal for high-bay industrial, commercial, and institutional applications requiring maximum light output from a compact source.

♻️ Environmental: TCLP compliant with reduced mercury content (~3mg). End-of-life protected design. Recycle according to EPA Universal Waste Rule. Restricted States: CA, CO, HI, ME, MN, OR, RI, VT.

Technical Specifications - GE 97632

Product Identification

Manufacturer Part Number	97632
Product Code	F32TBX/841/A/ECO
NAED Order Code	97632
UPC	0043168976329
Product Series	Biax T/E Ecolux Triple Tube

Electrical & Photometric

Wattage (Lamp)	32 Watts
System Wattage	35W (includes ~3W ballast loss)
Voltage	120-277V (via compatible ballast)
Initial Lumens	2,400 lm
Mean Lumens	2,040 lm (85% maintenance)
Efficacy	75 lm/W (lamp only)
Color Temperature	4100K (Cool White)
Color Code	841
Color Rendering Index (CRI)	82 Ra

Physical Characteristics

Base Type	GX24q-4 (4-Pin, Programmed Start)
Tube Configuration	T4 Triple Twin Tube (4 parallel tubes)
Tube Diameter	T4 (12.7mm / 0.5 inch)
Maximum Overall Length (MOL)	5.5 inches (139.7 mm)
Maximum Width	4.75 inches (120.6 mm) across tube cluster
Operating Position	Universal (Any)

Performance & Compliance

Rated Average Life	12,000 hrs (3-hr cycles) / 17,000 hrs (12-hr cycles)
Mercury Content	3 mg (TCLP Compliant)
Start Type	Programmed Start (4-pin)
Warm-up Time	50% faster than standard CFL (Ecolux technology)
Dimming Capability	Yes - with compatible dimming ballast
ANSI Code	60901-IEC-3432-1

GX24q Base Identification Guide

It is critical to select the correct base type. GX24q bases are not interchangeable:

Base Type	Wattage	Pin Configuration	Compatible Ballasts
GX24q-2	18W	4-pin, smaller housing	GEC218 series
GX24q-3	26W	4-pin, medium housing	GEC226 series
GX24q-4 (This Lamp)	32W	4-pin, large housing	GEC232/GEC242 series
GX24q-5	42W	4-pin, extra-large housing	GEC242 series

? Verification Tip: Check the existing lamp base or socket for embossed markings. "q-4" or "32W" indicates GX24q-4. When in doubt, measure the socket opening: GX24q-4 is approximately 35mm wide, while GX24q-3 is approximately 30mm wide.

Compatible Electronic Ballasts - GX24q-4

⚠️ Critical: This 32W lamp requires GX24q-4 compatible ballasts. Do NOT use with 26W (GX24q-3) ballasts - they will underdrive the lamp or fail to start. The ballasts listed in older references for 26W are NOT compatible.

GE Electronic Ballasts for 32W Lamps

Model Number	Order Code	Type	Voltage	Lamp Capacity
GEC232-MVPS-BES	71446	Basic	120-277V	1x32W or 2x32W
GEC232-MVPS-3W	71448	3-Wire	120-277V	1x32W or 2x32W
GEC232-MVPS-SE	71447	Single Ended	120-277V	1x32W or 2x32W
GEC242-MVPS-BES	71439	Basic (26W/32W/42W)	120-277V	1x26W-42W or 2x26W-42W
GEC242-MVPS-3W	71441	3-Wire (26W/32W/42W)	120-277V	1x26W-42W or 2x26W-42W
GEC242-MVPS-SE	71440	Single Ended (26W/32W/42W)	120-277V	1x26W-42W or 2x26W-42W

Third-Party Compatible Ballasts

Philips Advance: ICF-2S32-H1-LD (IntelliVolt, 120-277V)
Universal Lighting: Triad C232UNVME-000K (Multi-volt)
Sylvania: QTP2X32/CF/UNV DM (Dimming capable)
OSRAM: QTP 2x32CF/UNV DM (Dimming)

? Dimming Note: To use dimming features, select ballasts marked "DM" or "Dim" and pair with 0-10V low-voltage or phase-control dimmers suitable for CFL loads. Standard incandescent dimmers will cause flickering and premature failure.

Recommended Applications for 4100K Cool White

High-Bay Industrial

Manufacturing Facilities: 2,400 lumens provide ample illumination for high-ceiling production areas
Warehouses: 4100K cool white enhances visibility for inventory management and safety
Distribution Centers: High efficacy (75 LPW) reduces operating costs in 24/7 operations

Commercial & Retail

Big Box Retail: Crisp 4100K light enhances merchandise appearance and reduces eye strain
Grocery Stores: Cool white improves visibility in refrigerated sections and general sales floor
Sports Facilities: High output suitable for arena concourses and recreational spaces

Institutional & Outdoor

Parking Garages: 12,000-17,000 hour life reduces relamping frequency in hard-to-reach fixtures
Canopy Lighting: Suitable for gas station and drive-thru canopies (enclosed fixtures)
Security Lighting: Cool white enhances camera visibility and perimeter detection
Medical Facilities: Examination rooms and clinical areas requiring high visibility

4100K vs Other Color Temperatures

2700K (Warm White): Residential, hospitality - cozy atmosphere (97630)
3000K (Soft White): Retail, restaurants - flattering tones (97631)
3500K (Natural White): Offices, commercial - balanced (97633)
4100K (Cool White): This lamp (97632) - Industrial, medical, security - maximum alertness

Energy Savings: 32W CFL vs Alternatives

Based on 3,000 operating hours/year at $0.15/kWh electricity rate:

Specification	GE 97632 32W CFL	150W Incandescent	32W LED Retrofit
System Wattage	35W (lamp + ballast)	150W	32W (direct wire)
Lumen Output	2,400 lm	2,600 lm	2,400-2,800 lm
Annual Energy Cost	$15.75	$67.50	$14.40
Rated Life	12,000-17,000 hours	1,000 hours	50,000 hours
Efficacy	75 lm/W	17 lm/W	120-150 lm/W
10-Year Lamp Replacements	2-3 lamps	30 bulbs	0.6 lamp

? Retrofit Tip: This CFL is ideal for maintaining existing GX24q-4 socket installations. For new construction, consider LED retrofit options for longer life and lower total cost of ownership.

GX24q-4 LED Retrofit Upgrade Options

While the GE 97632 CFL is perfect for existing installations, consider these LED retrofit lamps for longer life and energy savings:

Feature	GE 97632 CFL (Current)	LED GX24q-4 Retrofit
Wattage	32W (+3W ballast loss)	15W (ballast bypass) or 18W (plug-and-play)
Lumens	2,400	2,200-2,600
Efficacy	75 lm/W	140-170 lm/W
Rated Life	12,000-17,000 hrs	50,000 hrs
Mercury Content	3 mg (TCLP)	Mercury-free
Installation	Plug-and-play	Plug-and-play OR Ballast bypass

View GX24q-4 LED Retrofit Options →

Key Features & Benefits

High Output: 2,400 lumens from compact 32W source - ideal for high-ceiling applications
Ecolux Technology: 50% faster warm-up than standard CFLs with flicker-free instant start
Energy Efficiency: Up to 77% energy savings vs. 150W incandescent lamps
Extended Life: 12,000-17,000 hours (depending on cycle duration) - up to 17x longer than incandescent
TCLP Compliant: Low mercury content (3mg) meets US and Canada environmental standards
Universal Position: Same light output in any burning orientation
Dimmable: Compatible with appropriate dimming electronic ballasts for flexible lighting control
End-of-Life Protection: Safe failure mode prevents catastrophic rupture

Safety Information & Environmental Compliance

♻️ Mercury & Disposal

This lamp contains 3mg of 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 due to mercury content laws.

⚠️ Operating Safety

Allow lamp to cool before handling (operates at 100°C+/212°F+)
Use only in fixtures rated for CFL use with proper ventilation
Do not use with photocells or timers not rated for CFL loads
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)
ANSI C78.901 / IEC 60901 compliant base
RoHS Compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
CE Listed
UL Listed for dry/damp locations (verify fixture rating)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GX24q-3 and GX24q-4 bases?

The GX24q-4 base (used on this 32W lamp) is physically larger than GX24q-3 (26W). GX24q-4 has a wider housing and different pin spacing to prevent insertion into wrong sockets. GX24q-3 is for 26W lamps only. Attempting to force a GX24q-4 lamp into a GX24q-3 socket will damage both the lamp and socket. Always verify the "q-4" marking on your socket before ordering.

Can I use a 26W ballast with this 32W lamp?

No. A 26W ballast (GEC226 series) will underdrive a 32W lamp, causing reduced light output, poor color rendering, and premature failure. You must use a 32W-compatible ballast (GEC232 or GEC242 series). The GEC242 series is multi-wattage and can handle 26W, 32W, or 42W lamps, making it ideal if you have mixed wattages.

Why does this lamp have two different life ratings (12,000 and 17,000 hours)?

CFL life depends on operating cycles. 12,000 hours is the rating for 3-hour cycles (typical commercial use). 17,000 hours is the rating for 12-hour cycles (continuous operation). Frequent on/off cycling (less than 3 hours per start) reduces lamp life due to electrode wear. For maximum life, minimize switching frequency.

Is 4100K suitable for office lighting?

Yes, 4100K Cool White is excellent for task-oriented office spaces, warehouses, and industrial areas where alertness and visual acuity are important. However, for break rooms or areas where a more relaxed atmosphere is desired, consider 3500K Natural White or 3000K Soft White instead.

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. Errors and omissions excepted.

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GE 97632 F32TBX/841/A/ECO