Product Overview
GE 97616 F26TBX/835/A/ECO – 26W Triple-Tube CFL | 1,800 lm | 3500K Natural White | GX24q-3 4-Pin | Ecolux® | 12,000 Hours
The GE 97616 (F26TBX/835/A/ECO) is a 26W triple-tube compact fluorescent lamp from the GE Ecolux® line, delivering 1,800 initial lumens at 3500K (Natural White) with 82 CRI. It uses a GX24q-3 4-pin base and requires a compatible electronic ballast — it is not a screw-base lamp and will not work in standard sockets. The lamp is TCLP-compliant (reduced mercury content) and is rated for universal operating position. Please verify base type, ballast compatibility, and socket configuration before ordering.
|
Wattage
26W
CFL
|
Lumens
1,800 lm
Initial
|
Color Temp
3500K
Natural White
|
Base
GX24q-3
4-Pin Plug-In
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Rated Life
12,000 hrs
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Technical Specifications
| Brand | Current (formerly GE Lighting) — Ecolux® Series |
| Order Code | 97616 |
| Product Code | F26TBX/835/A/ECO |
| Lamp Type | Triple-Tube Compact Fluorescent (Biax T/E) |
| Base | GX24q-3 (4-Pin Plug-In) — requires ballast; not compatible with 2-pin sockets |
| Wattage | 26W |
| Color Temperature | 3500K (Natural White) |
| Initial Lumens | 1,800 lm |
| Mean Lumens | 1,530 lm |
| CRI | 82 |
| MOL (Max Overall Length) | 5.2″ |
| Rated Life | 12,000 hours |
| Operating Position | Universal |
| Dimmable | Only with a dedicated dimming ballast and compatible 0–10V or phase-control dimmer; not dimmable on standard ballasts |
| TCLP Compliant | Yes — reduced mercury content |
| Mercury Content | Contains mercury (low — TCLP compliant); subject to state lamp disposal regulations |
| Reported Compatible Ballasts | GE GEC226-MVPS; Philips Advance ICF-2S26 electronic (unverified — confirm before specifying) |
Product Overview
The GE 97616 is a 26W triple-tube plug-in compact fluorescent lamp from the Ecolux® line, designed for commercial recessed downlights, wall sconces, and surface-mount fixtures that use GX24q-3 4-pin electronic ballast sockets. At 1,800 initial lumens / 1,530 mean lumens from 26 watts, it delivers strong efficacy for a commercial-grade CFL, and the 3500K color temperature provides a balanced natural white suited to office, retail, and institutional task lighting environments where neither warm nor cool light is preferred.
The GX24q-3 4-pin base designates this lamp for use with programmed-start (or rapid-start) electronic ballasts only — it does not operate on magnetic ballasts and is physically incompatible with 2-pin GX24d sockets or other GX24q pin counts. The triple-tube geometry concentrates output in a compact 5.2″ envelope that fits standard triple-tube downlight trim configurations without modification.
The TCLP-compliant reduced-mercury design simplifies disposal compared to earlier CFL generations and may help meet environmental compliance requirements in commercial and institutional facilities. The lamp contains mercury and must be recycled through a lamp recycling program; it may not be legally disposed of in general waste in many states.
Compatible Applications
- Commercial recessed downlights with GX24q-3 4-pin electronic ballast sockets
- Wall sconces and surface-mount fixtures with compatible plug-in CFL ballasts
- Office and retail task and ambient lighting
- Healthcare, education, and institutional corridor and room lighting
- Industrial and warehouse lighting where plug-in CFL downlights are installed
Before Ordering – Verify
- Base and pin count: This lamp requires a GX24q-3 socket (4-pin, 3-lamp wattage class). It will not fit a GX24q-2 socket (18W lamp) or GX24q-4 socket (32W/42W lamp) even though the housings look similar. Confirm the socket pin count and designation before ordering.
- Ballast required: This is a plug-in CFL — it does not operate without a compatible electronic ballast. Confirm the existing ballast or new ballast is rated for a 26W GX24q-3 lamp. Ballasts noted in the listing (GE GEC226-MVPS, Philips Advance ICF-2S26) are unverified from the manufacturer spec sheet; confirm compatibility with your ballast before specifying.
- Dimming: This lamp is only dimmable when used with a dedicated dimming ballast and a compatible dimmer control. Standard electronic ballasts do not support dimming. Confirm the ballast and dimmer are rated for CFL dimming before specifying.
- This is a 3500K (Natural White) lamp; also confirm whether 3000K (Warm White) or 4100K (Cool White) alternatives are available in the same base/wattage if a different CCT is needed.
- CFL plug-in lamps are not compatible with LED ballast-bypass retrofit drivers without replacing the lamp holder and wiring; if retrofitting to LED, a dedicated LED lamp and driver or LED-compatible luminaire replacement may be required.
Safety and Handling Guidelines
- Disconnect power and allow the fixture to discharge completely before removing or installing the lamp
- This lamp contains mercury. If the lamp breaks, ventilate the area immediately, avoid vacuuming broken pieces (which spreads mercury vapor), and follow EPA fluorescent lamp breakage cleanup guidelines
- Do not dispose of in general waste; recycle through a designated lamp recycling program in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Handle by the base; avoid contact with the glass tubes to prevent premature failure
- Confirm the fixture and ballast are rated for the lamp before installation
Compliance
- TCLP Compliant — reduced mercury content
- Contains mercury — subject to EPA and state fluorescent lamp disposal and recycling regulations; check state-specific restrictions before shipping
- Universal operating position rated
- 4-pin GX24q-3 base for electronic ballast use only
Ordering Information
- Order Code: 97616
- Product Code: F26TBX/835/A/ECO
- Series: GE Ecolux®
- Base: GX24q-3 (4-Pin)
- CCT: 3500K
For wholesale pricing, bulk availability, or help confirming the correct replacement lamp, contact ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.
