GE 20153 CMH39TUVCU830 G12

GE 20153 CMH39/TUVCU/830/G12 ConstantColor® PulseArc® – 39W Ceramic Metal Halide | 3,400 lm | 3000K | 84 CRI | G12 | ANSI M130 | 15,000 Hours | Enclosed Fixture Only

The GE 20153 (CMH39/TUVCU/830/G12) is a 39W GE ConstantColor® PulseArc® Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lamp in a T4.5 tubular quartz envelope on a G12 bi-pin ceramic base, delivering 3,400 initial lumens at 3000K (Warm White) with 84 CRI. It requires a dedicated ANSI M130 pulse-start ballast (recommended: GE 87501 GEMH39-MSF-120) and must be installed in an enclosed fixture only. UV control technology is integrated. The lamp contains mercury. Please verify base type, ballast code, and fixture enclosure before ordering.

Technical Specifications

Product Overview

The GE 20153 is a 39W G12 ceramic metal halide lamp from the ConstantColor® PulseArc® family, designed for enclosed retail display, museum, gallery, and architectural accent applications. At 3,400 initial lumens and 87 lm/W at 3000K and 84 CRI, it delivers warm white color-accurate light suited to merchandise, artwork, and display applications where consistent color appearance and minimal UV fading are specified. Mean lumens at 40% of rated life are 2,300 — a lumen maintenance figure that reflects the stable output characteristic of CMH ceramic arc tube technology.

GE ConstantColor® ceramic arc tube technology maintains stable 3000K output across the lamp’s 15,000-hour rated life (at 10 hours per start), avoiding the progressive color shift common in standard quartz metal halide. The TUVCU designation in the product code indicates UV control integrated into the outer quartz envelope, which reduces UV transmission to help protect UV-sensitive merchandise, textiles, and artifacts in display environments — though the fixture must still be enclosed with a UV-filtering glass front for full compliance.

This lamp requires an ANSI M130 pulse-start ballast. The GE 87501 (GEMH39-MSF-120) is the documented compatible ballast for this lamp. Note: the 39W family also includes a 4200K version (GE 29696, CMH39/T/U/842/G12, ANSI M130, 3,150 lm, CRI 88, 12,000 hr) — confirm the correct CCT before ordering.

Compatible Applications

• Retail display and point-of-sale accent lighting (UV-reduced, color-stable)
• Museum and gallery luminaires for artifact and artwork spotlighting
• Commercial track heads and recessed downlights with G12 CMH sockets
• Jewelry showcase and merchandise display lighting
• Architectural accent lighting where 3000K warm white and 84 CRI are specified

Before Ordering – Verify

• ANSI ballast code: ANSI M130 pulse-start only. The GE 87501 (GEMH39-MSF-120) is the documented compatible ballast. Do not substitute probe-start ballasts, standard quartz MH ballasts, or ballasts coded for other CMH wattages; an M130 pulse-start ballast is required for correct starting and operation. Use electronic ballast for optimal performance per GE documentation.
• Base type: G12 bi-pin (12mm pin spacing). Confirm the fixture socket is specifically G12; the G8.5 base used on 20W and some 70W CMH lamps is physically incompatible.
• Enclosed fixture with UV-filtering glass required: This lamp must be operated in an enclosed fixture at all times. GE’s R-class warning states: if the outer envelope is broken or punctured while the arc tube continues to operate, the exposed arc tube emits shortwave UV radiation that can cause serious skin burns and eye inflammation. Do not use where people will remain for more than a few minutes unless adequate shielding is in place. Replace any cracked or damaged outer envelope immediately.
• Hot restart: Allow a minimum 10 minutes (up to 15 minutes) cool-down after a power interruption before the lamp re-ignites; hot re-strike attempts during this period will not start the lamp.
• CCT sibling: A 4200K/88 CRI version of this 39W G12 lamp is available as GE 29696 (CMH39/T/U/842/G12, ANSI M130, 3,150 lm, 12,000 hr rated life). Confirm the correct color temperature before ordering; do not mix 3000K and 4200K lamps in adjacent fixtures.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

• This lamp contains mercury; do not dispose of in municipal solid waste — recycle through a certified lamp recycling program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• UV radiation hazard (GE R-class warning): If the outer envelope is broken or punctured while the arc tube continues to operate, the exposed arc tube emits shortwave UV radiation capable of causing serious skin burns and eye inflammation. Do not use where people will remain for more than a few minutes without adequate shielding. The fixture must remain enclosed with UV-filtering glass at all times during operation.
• Allow full cool-down before accessing the lamp after operation; CMH lamps operate at extreme surface temperatures (bulb up to 410°C)
• Do not handle the outer bulb with bare skin; oils from contact accelerate devitrification. Use clean cotton gloves or handle by the base; clean with isopropyl alcohol if contact occurs before operation
• Allow the full 10–15 minute hot restart cool-down before attempting re-ignition after any power interruption
• Check applicable state shipping regulations for mercury-containing lamps before ordering in quantity

Compliance

• ANSI M130 Certified (Pulse-Start CMH)
• Enclosed fixture with UV-filtering glass mandatory
• LEED-EB MR Credit: 139 picograms Hg per mean lumen hour
• Contains mercury — subject to federal and state lamp disposal and recycling regulations

Ordering Information

• Product Code: 20153
• Ordering Description: CMH39/TUVCU/830/G12
• ANSI: M130
• UPC: 043168201537
• Standard Package: 12 per case
• Recommended Ballast: GE 87501 GEMH39-MSF-120
• 4200K sibling: GE 29696 (CMH39/T/U/842/G12, M130, 3,150 lm, 88 CRI, 12,000 hr)

For wholesale pricing, bulk availability, or help confirming the correct replacement lamp, contact ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.