GE 85086 CMH20T/U830-GU6.5

The GE CMH20T/U/830/GU6.5 (Product Code 85086) is a premium 20W ceramic metal halide lamp engineered for high-end retail display, architectural accent, gallery, and hospitality lighting applications requiring warm white color quality and stable ceramic MH performance in a compact GU6.5 twist-lock format. Delivering 1,615 initial lumens of 3000K warm white output at 81 CRI (capable of up to 94) through a GU6.5 twist-lock base with a 1.18-inch light center length, this ANSI C156/M156-rated lamp provides a 12,000-hour rated service life on compatible LFSW electronic ballasts — with a 3-minute warm-up to 90% output and a 5-minute hot restart interval.

ADL Supply Expert Application & Replacement Guide

The GE CMH20T/U/830/GU6.5 is primarily specified by lighting designers, electrical contractors, and visual merchandising teams for high-end retail jewelry and fashion showcases, museum and gallery accent tracks, luxury hospitality environments, and architectural downlight systems where compact GU6.5 twist-lock ceramic MH fixture platforms are installed. This lamp uses an unprotected arc tube — unlike the protected ED-envelope CDM lamps that carry a secondary outer glass envelope for UV containment, this lamp's arc tube is exposed within the fixture's optical assembly. The fixture must be enclosed and provide complete UV containment — open-face operation is a life safety violation; if the outer envelope is damaged and the arc tube continues to operate, severe UV skin burns and eye inflammation can result. The GU6.5 twist-lock base requires a quarter-turn insertion to lock — confirm correct engagement before powering. This lamp requires a dedicated ANSI C156/M156 LFSW electronic ballast — this is a specific 20W CMH ballast code not interchangeable with the C143, M140, M90, or other CMH ANSI codes used on higher-wattage ceramic MH platforms. GE-compatible ballasts include GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV and GE 63043 GEMH20-MSF-MV, or any ANSI C156/M156 LFSW electronic ballast. The 1.18-inch light center length (LCL) is a precision optical parameter for compact fixture alignment.

Before You Order

Detailed Product Specifications

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Product Line Series: ConstantColor CMH Ceramic Metal Halide — GU6.5 Compact
• Ordering Code: CMH20T/U/830/GU6.5
• GE Product Code (NAED): 85086
• UPC Barcode: 043168850865
• GTIN: 10043168850862
• ANSI Ballast Code: C156 / M156 — LFSW electronic only
• Compatible Ballasts: GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV; GE 63043 GEMH20-MSF-MV; any ANSI C156/M156 LFSW electronic ballast
• Core Technology: Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) — Unprotected Arc Tube, T4 Tubular
• Wattage: 20W
• Initial Lumens: 1,615 lm
• Mean Lumens (at 40% rated life): 1,066 lm
• Luminous Efficacy: 80.75 lm/W (nominal)
• Color Temperature (CCT): 3000K Warm White (830)
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): 81 nominal (capable of up to 94)
• Base Type Configuration: GU6.5 Twist-Lock (2-pin, 6.5mm spacing)
• Bulb Shape: T4 Tubular
• Arc Tube: Unprotected — enclosed fixture with UV containment mandatory
• Maximum Overall Length (MOL): 2.23 inches (56.6mm)
• Bulb Diameter: 0.47 inches (12mm)
• Light Center Length (LCL): 1.18 inches (30mm) ±2mm
• Rated Average Lifespan: 12,000 Hours (based on 11-hour burn cycles)
• Warm-Up Time: 3 minutes to 90% output
• Hot Restart Time: 5 minutes
• Burn Position: Universal — Any Orientation
• Maximum Base Temperature: 250°C (280°C absolute max)
• Maximum Bulb Temperature: 400°C
• Maximum Fixture Voltage Rise: 5V
• Mercury Content: 2.53 mg — recycle per applicable regulations
• LEED-EB MR Credit: 198 pg Hg per mean lumen hour
• Case Quantity: 12 per case

Operation, Safety & Mounting Compliance

Unprotected Arc Tube, UV Hazard & ANSI C156/M156 Ballast

This lamp has an unprotected arc tube — there is no secondary outer glass envelope to contain ultraviolet radiation. If the fixture's outer optical assembly is opened or the lamp is operated outside an enclosed fixture, the unshielded arc tube will emit shortwave UV radiation capable of causing severe skin burns and eye inflammation. The fixture must be fully enclosed and provide complete UV containment at all times during operation. Replace damaged fixture components immediately; do not operate this lamp in any configuration where the arc tube is exposed to occupied spaces. This lamp requires a dedicated ANSI C156/M156 LFSW electronic ballast — the 20W GU6.5 CMH platform uses its own distinct ANSI code and is not electrically interchangeable with the C143, M140, or M90 codes used on other CMH lamp wattages. Following any power interruption, allow a 5-minute hot restart cool-down before the arc can re-ignite.

Mercury Content & Disposal

This lamp contains 2.53 mg of mercury and must be recycled through a certified lamp recycling program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations — do not discard in standard municipal solid waste.

Industry Cross-Reference Data

• Philips: MasterColor CDM-Tm Elite Mini GU6.5 20W/830 1CT (listed cross-reference)
• Osram: HCI-TF 20/830 WDL GU6.5 (listed cross-reference)
• ILCOS: MT/UB-20/30/1B-H/E-GU6.5-13/57 (international lamp coding standard cross-reference)
• Legacy Cross-Reference: Direct replacement for ANSI C156/M156 20W GU6.5 twist-lock ceramic metal halide lamp positions in compact CMH retail display, gallery accent, and architectural downlight fixture installations

Bulk Commercial Lighting Supply & Project Support

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For formal wholesale inquiries, volume pricing modifications, or manufacturer spec sheet documentation, reach our commercial branch directly at 1-800-235-3489. We are your commercial supply partners as an authorized wholesale Lighting Distributor In Doral, Florida.