GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV UltraMax eHID Electronic Ballast – 20W ANSI C156 Ceramic Metal Halide | 120–277V

GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV UltraMax eHID Electronic Ballast – 20W ANSI C156 Ceramic Metal Halide | 120–277V

The GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV is an UltraMax eHID low-frequency electronic ballast designed to operate one compatible 20-watt ANSI C156 ceramic metal-halide lamp. It accepts 120–277V input, uses a 130 Hz square-wave operating frequency, and provides normal ballast-factor performance. The ballast includes inherent thermal protection, short-circuit protection, and end-of-lamp-life protection and is suitable for compatible recessed, indoor, and outdoor-rated luminaires. Before ordering, verify the exact ballast model, ANSI lamp code, input voltage, fixture wiring, mounting dimensions, remote-mount distance, and lamp compatibility.

Technical Specifications

Key Features & Benefits

• Designed to operate one compatible 20W ANSI C156 ceramic metal-halide lamp.
• Multi-voltage 120–277V input simplifies use across common commercial electrical systems.
• Low-frequency 130 Hz square-wave operation supports compatible ceramic metal-halide lamps.
• Normal 1.0 ballast factor.
• End-of-lamp-life protection helps shut down the ballast when abnormal lamp behavior is detected.
• Inherent thermal protection and short-circuit protection.
• Tight line regulation helps limit lamp-to-lamp color variation.
• Suitable for recessed installations in approved fixtures.
• Compact metal enclosure with remote mounting permitted up to two meters.
• Sound rating A for compatible indoor commercial applications.

Product Overview

The GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV is a compact UltraMax eHID electronic ballast developed for 20-watt ceramic metal-halide lighting systems. Its low-frequency square-wave circuit is designed to support lamp performance, color stability, and lumen maintenance in compatible commercial fixtures.

The ballast accepts input voltage from 120V through 277V and operates one ANSI C156 lamp. The complete ballast-and-lamp system draws approximately 23 watts and provides a normal 1.0 ballast factor.

The GE specification lists applications including indoor floodlights, spotlights, hospitality, restaurants, retail displays, galleries, and museums. Actual application suitability depends on the luminaire, lamp, thermal conditions, wiring, and local electrical requirements.

Compatible Applications

• Indoor floodlight fixtures designed for 20W C156 ceramic metal-halide lamps
• Indoor spotlight fixtures
• Retail display and merchandise lighting
• Hospitality and restaurant accent lighting
• Gallery and museum lighting
• Compatible recessed HID luminaires
• Maintenance replacement where GE model GEMH20-MSJ-MV is specified

Before Ordering – Verify

• Product code: Confirm GE product code 63042.
• Model number: Verify the complete model GEMH20-MSJ-MV.
• ANSI lamp code: Confirm the fixture uses one compatible C156 ceramic metal-halide lamp.
• Lamp wattage: Verify the fixture requires a 20W ceramic metal-halide system.
• Input voltage: Confirm the branch circuit is within the specified 120–277V range.
• Wiring: Follow the GE wiring diagram for the black line, white neutral, green ground, brown lamp, and red hot-lamp leads.
• Dimensions: Verify the ballast compartment accepts a 3.27-inch by 2.99-inch by 1.56-inch enclosure.
• Case temperature: Ensure the fixture maintains the ballast case at or below 90°C.
• Ambient temperature: Verify the installation remains within -20°C to 55°C.
• Remote mounting: Do not exceed the published two-meter remote-mounting distance.
• Recessed use: Confirm the fixture is designed and approved for the ballast’s thermal and recessed-installation requirements.
• Not interchangeable by wattage alone: Other 20W HID lamps may require different ANSI systems, operating frequencies, voltage, or ignition characteristics.
• Packaging: GE lists one ballast per sales unit and ten ballasts per standard package.

Safety and Installation Guidelines

• Disconnect and lock out electrical power before inspecting, wiring, installing, or removing the ballast.
• Use only with a compatible ANSI C156 ceramic metal-halide lamp.
• Follow the GE wiring diagram and all fixture-manufacturer instructions.
• Ground the ballast and fixture using the green grounding lead.
• Do not install a ballast with damaged wiring, enclosure, insulation, or mounting points.
• Maintain proper fixture ventilation and do not exceed the published case or ambient temperature limits.
• Secure the ballast using suitable mounting hardware.
• Verify all wiring connections before restoring electrical power.
• Do not exceed the two-meter remote-mounting limit.
• Installation and servicing should be performed by qualified electrical personnel.

Compliance

• UL Type 1 Outdoor.
• UL 1029 Listed.
• cUL Listed.
• RoHS compliant.
• FCC Part 18 Class A for EMI and RFI non-consumer limits.
• Complies with ANSI C82.14-2006.
• Inherent thermal protection.
• Short-circuit protection.
• Suitable for recessed use.
• No DLC, ENERGY STAR, Title 20, Title 24, or JA8 claim is identified in the supplied GE datasheet.

Ordering Information

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Product Code: 63042
• Model: GEMH20-MSJ-MV
• Product Family: UltraMax eHID
• Lamp Type: 20W ceramic metal halide
• ANSI Lamp Code: C156
• Lamp Quantity: One
• Input Voltage: 120–277V
• System Watts: 23W
• Operating Frequency: 130 Hz
• Ballast Factor: 1.0
• Sales Unit: One ballast
• Standard Package Quantity: 10 ballasts
• UPC: 043168630429
• Standard Package GTIN: 00043168630429

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