SYLVANIA 20880 | CF26DTE/IN/835/ECO DULUX® T/E IN Amalgam 26W 3500K 4-Pin Triple-Tube Compact Fluorescent Lamp

The Sylvania 20880 (CF26DTEIN835ECO) DULUX® T/E IN is a commercial-grade, high-efficiency **26W triple twin-tube compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)** engineered for multi-volt architectural downlights, high-traffic public corridors, commercial recessed troffers, and enclosed outdoor fixtures. Outfitted with an advanced **GX24q-3 4-pin plug-in base** and a compact **T4 3U-shape triple glass tube profile**, this high-output light source features specialized **Amalgam technology** to maintain peak lumen delivery across extreme temperature variances. Utilizing premium rare-earth tri-phosphors to achieve an **82 CRI** color representation baseline, it projects a balanced, crisp **3500K Neutral White** illumination field. Delivering **1,746 initial lumens** and engineered to sustain long-term operational brightness, this ECOLOGIC® certified module complies with federal environmental safety standards while providing a dependable **12,000-hour rated average service life**.

Amalgam Thermal Performance and Sustainable ECOLOGIC® Engineering

Sylvania DULUX® T/E IN lamps incorporate high-performance **Amalgam technology**—an internal mercury alloy mixture that stabilizes internal vapor pressures across a broad temperature curve. Unlike standard fluorescent units that lose efficacy when heat builds up inside tight fixtures, this amalgam core ensures consistent, optimal lumen output even when operating in high ambient conditions up to **35°C (95°F)** in a base-up position. Engineered as part of Sylvania's premier **ECOLOGIC® environmental initiative**, this module passes the US EPA's Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) benchmarks for classification as non-hazardous waste in most commercial jurisdictions. This sustainable architecture protects public grids by reducing operational draws and waste footprint metrics compared to short-lived incandescent alternatives.

• High-Output Temperature Stability: Amalgam configuration keeps light output stable inside enclosed architectural cans, commercial downlights, and hot ceiling plenums.
• Advanced 4-Pin Electronic Dimming: The **GX24q-3 base design** isolates electrical lead pathing, enabling high-frequency electronic ballasts to manage cathode heat or interface with dimming systems.
• Excellent Color Rendering: Premium rare-earth tri-phosphor chemistry sustains an **82 CRI** baseline for clean, color-accurate visibility across professional workspaces.
• Wholesale Case Distribution: Packed in standard commercial quantities (**50 units per shipping case**), simplifying volume procurement cycles for property managers and electrical contractors.

Comprehensive Technical Specifications

• Brand Name: Sylvania
• Product Family / Series: DULUX® T/E IN (Amalgam) ECOLOGIC® Series
• Ordering Product Code / NAED: 20880
• Technical Abbreviation Code: CF26DTE/IN/835/ECO
• NEMA Generic Industry Designation: CFM26W/GX24Q/835
• Technology Class: Compact Fluorescent (CFL) - Plug-In
• Ignition Protocol: Pre-Heat (Requires external ballast starter sequence control)
• Bulb Shape Profile: T4 Triple Twin-Tube Layout (3U Parallel Glass Configuration)
• Nominal System Wattage: 26W
• Base Type Configuration: GX24q-3 (Modular 4-Pin Plug-In Interface)
• Circuit Ballast Compatibility: High-Frequency Electronic Ballasts & Dimming Controls
• Initial Luminous Flux (at 25°C): 1,746 Lumens (Evaluated post standard 100-hour burn-in phase)
• Mean Luminous Flux (at 25°C): 1,501 Lumens
• Color Temperature: 3500K (Neutral White / Natural Balance Light Field)
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): 82
• Average Rated Service Life: 12,000 Hours (Based on standardized 3-hour switching patterns)
• Maximum Overall Length (MOL): 4.4 Inches (111 mm)
• Industry Manufacturing Standards: IEC 60901- 3426
• Compliance Classifications: TCLP Compliant (Non-Hazardous Waste Status in most states), RoHS Compliant

System Integration, Ballast Requirements & Handling Safeguards

• Electronic Circuit Verification Notice: This 4-pin GX24q-3 plug-in lamp is engineered explicitly for operation on compatible **high-frequency electronic ballasts**. It cannot interface directly with raw line voltage (120V or 277V) and will not seat or function within 2-pin sockets (such as GX24d-3 layouts) featuring integrated magnetic starters. Host fixture ballasts must match the 26W criteria exactly.
• Mandatory End-of-Life (EOL) Ballast Protection: In accordance with NEMA and ANSI industrial standards, this T4 compact fluorescent module **must be paired with an electronic ballast equipped with an automatic EOL shutdown circuit**. Operating high-frequency lamps on legacy ballasts lacking EOL safety controls can lead to thermal stress, resulting in base overheating, structural socket melting, or bulb wall cracking near the plastic interface.
• Extended Lifespan Maintenance Cycles: The stated 12,000-hour operational life is calculated under standard 3-hour cycling test conditions. Operating this lamp on extended, continuous building cycles will naturally increase the average hour threshold, reducing active facility maintenance labor costs.
• Glass Handling & Thermal Precautions: Always turn off main building power at the circuit breaker panel prior to lamp removal or housing cleanup. Allow the bulb to cool down completely for at least 10 minutes to minimize surface burn risks. Grip the lamp securely by its molded plastic base casing; **do not apply raw twisting pressure to the parallel T4 glass tubes**, as this can fracture the airtight vacuum lines.
• Responsible Disposal & Mercury Stewardship: While manufactured to pass strict federal TCLP criteria, these gas-discharge lamps contain trace measurements of mercury essential for high-efficiency excitation. Do not crush or discard spent modules into common public trash streams. Ensure maintenance crews route spent stock to proper local collection centers or commercial lighting reclamation centers. Visit **www.lamprecycle.org** for explicit compliance details.

Recommended Professional & Commercial Applications

• Architectural Recessed Downlights: Excellent choice for deep or shallow ceiling cans inside upscale commercial lobbies, corporate corridors, and public municipal atriums.
• Commercial Ceiling Troffers: Perfect for standard $2 \times 2$ or modular layout office grids, educational facility classrooms, and institutional healthcare facilities.
• Enclosed Outdoor Luminaires: Ideal for exterior pathway bollards, covered commercial entry canopies, and architectural wall sconces where amalgam chemistry prevents cold-weather lumen drop.