Product Overview
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GE F57QBX/835/A/4P/EOL 48863 — 57W Quad Biax Q/E High Output CFL, 3500K, GX24q-5 4-Pin
The GE F57QBX/835/A/4P/EOL (Order Code 48863) is a 57-watt Quad Biax Q/E High Output compact fluorescent lamp from GE Lighting's Ecolux series, using amalgam technology for stable light output regardless of burning position. This T4 quad-tube CFL delivers 4,300 initial lumens at 3500K natural white with 82 CRI, a 4-pin GX24q-5 base, and a rated life of 17,000–20,000 hours depending on switching cycle. Designed for high bay industrial, retail, and commercial applications. Requires a compatible electronic ballast rated for 57W GX24q-5 lamps — verify ballast compatibility before ordering.
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Wattage
57W
Quad Biax CFL
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Lumens
4,300 lm
74–77 lm/W
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Color Temp
3500K
CRI 82
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Base
GX24q-5
4-Pin
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Rated Life
17,000–20,000 hrs
3h / 12h Cycle
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Technical Specifications
| Brand | GE Lighting — Ecolux |
| Product Code | 48863 |
| Ordering Code | F57QBX/835/A/4P/EOL |
| LongLast Equivalent | F57QBX/835/A/4P/LL |
| Lamp Type | Quad Biax Q/E High Output CFL — T4 Quad Tube |
| Wattage | 57W (56W rated on electronic gear) |
| Lamp Voltage | 175V (on electronic gear) |
| Lamp Current | 0.32A |
| Base Type | GX24q-5 (4-Pin Plug-In) |
| CRI | 82 |
| Color Temperature | 3500K Natural White (835 Code) |
| Initial Lumens | 4,300 lm |
| Mean Lumens | 3,700 lm (at 40% rated life) |
| Luminous Efficacy | 74–77 lm/W |
| Rated Life | 17,000 hrs (3h cycle) / 20,000 hrs (12h cycle) |
| Lumen Maintenance | 80% at 20,000 hours |
| Max Overall Length (MOL) | 7.11" (180.7mm) |
| Diameter | 2.3" (58.3mm) plastic shell / 2.0" (51mm) max tube |
| Lighted Length | 5.3" (134.5mm) |
| Operating Position | Universal — same output in any position |
| Starting Temperature | -10°C to +55°C (for 90% light output) |
| Warm-up Time | 140 seconds to 80% light output |
| Mercury Content | 3.0 mg |
| Energy Consumption | 21 kWh per 1,000 hours |
| EU Energy Class | B |
| Packaging | 10 per case |
| UPC | 043168488631 |
Product Overview
The GE F57QBX/835/A/4P/EOL uses amalgam technology, replacing the liquid mercury found in standard CFLs with a solid mercury-alloy amalgam. This stabilizes light output regardless of burning position — horizontal, vertical, or base up/down all deliver the same output, unlike standard CFLs which can lose significant lumen output in unfavorable orientations. The amalgam design also extends the usable operating temperature range, maintaining 90% light output from -10°C to +55°C, making this lamp suitable for outdoor canopy and other temperature-variable applications where standard CFLs would underperform.
This lamp includes built-in end-of-life (EOL) protection using a titanium-hydride safety system, and must be operated only with EOL-equipped electronic ballasts. The 4-pin GX24q-5 base is designed for high-frequency electronic ballast operation only — this lamp is not compatible with magnetic ballasts. The ultra-compact quad-tube design allows this 57W, 4,300-lumen lamp to fit into smaller luminaires than older twin-tube CFL designs of comparable output.
Compatible Applications
- High bay industrial lighting — High lumen output and wide operating temperature range suit warehouse and industrial ceiling fixtures.
- Arena and sports facilities — Stable output and long rated life for large commercial venues.
- Outdoor canopy lighting — Wide -10°C to +55°C operating range supports outdoor temperature variation.
- Big box retail and commercial ceiling fixtures — High output CFL for large-format retail spaces.
- Reception areas, lobbies, and office buildings — Natural white 3500K with good color rendering for general commercial use.
- Parking garages — Wide temperature tolerance and universal burn position suit varied garage fixture orientations.
- Schools and healthcare facilities — General-purpose commercial lighting application.
Before Ordering — Verify
- Ballast Compatibility: This lamp requires an electronic ballast rated specifically for 57W GX24q-5 lamps with end-of-life (EOL) protection. A 42W-rated ballast may not provide proper operation — confirm ballast wattage rating matches 57W before ordering.
- Ballast Type: Confirm your ballast is electronic, not magnetic — this lamp is not compatible with magnetic ballast systems.
- Base Type: Confirm fixture socket accepts GX24q-5 (4-pin).
- Switching Cycle Expectations: Rated life varies by switching frequency — 17,000 hours on a 3-hour cycle versus 20,000 hours on a 12-hour cycle. Consider your application's typical on/off pattern.
- Physical Fit: Confirm 7.11" MOL and 2.3" diameter fit within your fixture's lamp compartment.
Safety and Handling Guidelines
- Electronic Ballast Only: Do not use with magnetic ballasts. Operate only with EOL-protection-equipped electronic ballasts rated for this lamp.
- Maximum Cap Temperature: 140°C — confirm fixture ventilation supports this rating.
- Maximum Preheat Current: 0.55A.
- If the Lamp Breaks: Ventilate the area for 30 minutes before cleanup. Contains mercury amalgam — follow standard CFL breakage cleanup procedures.
- Allow Cooling: Allow the lamp to cool before handling or replacement.
- Disconnect Power: Turn off power before installing or removing the lamp.
Compliance
- Contains 3.0 mg mercury (amalgam) — dispose of properly per local regulations. This product cannot be shipped to CA, CO, HI, ME, MN, OR, RI, or VT due to state mercury lamp regulations.
- EU Energy Class B.
- Low-mercury amalgam design — may qualify for LEED-EB MR Credit; verify current LEED criteria and project requirements independently, as LEED standards are updated periodically.
- Verify RoHS and additional compliance details with the GE manufacturer specification sheet prior to use in regulated installations.
Ordering Information
- Brand: GE Lighting — Ecolux
- Product Code: 48863
- Ordering Code: F57QBX/835/A/4P/EOL
- Also Sold As: F57QBX/835/A/4P/LL (LongLast version, up to 20,000-hour rated life)
- Wattage / CCT: 57W / 3500K
- Base: GX24q-5 (4-Pin)
- Packaging: 10 per case.
- Case quantities and bulk pricing: Contact ADL Supply for volume orders.
Note: This lamp is also identified under the codes CFM57W/GX24q/835 and CF57DT/E/IN/835. Lamps of similar wattage, base type, and color temperature are available from other manufacturers (e.g., Sylvania, Philips, Osram) but are separate products with their own specifications — they are not GE-branded equivalents and should not be assumed interchangeable without independent verification.
For wholesale pricing, bulk availability, or help confirming the correct replacement lamp, contact ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.