Product Overview
The GE F18TBX/835/A/ECO is a high-efficiency Ecolux® Biax® T/E 18W plug-in compact fluorescent lamp engineered for space-constrained commercial downlights, architectural sconces, and corporate office applications. Delivering 1,200 initial lumens of crisp 3500K natural white performance at 82 CRI, this triple-tube lamp utilizes a GX24q-2 4-pin plug-in base configuration with TCLP-compliant low-mercury Ecolux technology to optimize light quality and lifespan parameters across recessed, corridor, healthcare, and hospitality fixture frameworks.
| Wattage 18W Triple Tube CFL | Color Temp 3500K 835 Natural White | Lumens 1,200 lm 67 LPW Efficacy | Base Type GX24q-2 4-Pin Plug-In | Rated Life 17,000 Hr 82 CRI |
ADL Supply Expert Application & Replacement Guide
The GE F18TBX/835/A/ECO (Order Code 97626) is a commercial facility standard specified for recessed downlights, public corridor fixtures, corporate offices, healthcare centers, reception areas, and upscale hospitality lobbies where 3500K natural white provides a clean, active workspace environment without the blue-shift of 4100K cool white. This lamp's GX24q-2 4-pin base is keyed exclusively to the 18W wattage class — its molded plastic key profile physically blocks insertion into GX24q-1 (13W) or GX24q-3 (26W) sockets, preventing mixed-wattage lamping errors across large multi-fixture properties. The 4-pin configuration requires a shunted GX24q-2 lampholder driven by a programmed-start electronic ballast — the paired pin sets on the 4-pin socket deliver preheat current to both cathode filaments before arc ignition, which is what enables the 17,000-hour extended Ecolux rated life; substituting an instant-start ballast bypasses cathode preheating and will substantially reduce lamp life. For properties with occupancy sensors or daylight harvesting controls, this lamp is fully dimmable when paired with a compatible GX24q-2 electronic dimming ballast.
Before You Order
| Verify Before Ordering GX24q-2 Socket & Programmed-Start Electronic Ballast Required | State Shipping Restrictions Apply This is a 4-pin plug-in lamp — it will not fit into 2-pin sockets and cannot operate on magnetic ballasts. Verify your fixture uses a GX24q-2 4-pin socket and a programmed-start electronic ballast rated for 18W before ordering. |
Detailed Product Specifications
- Brand: GE Lighting (Current / Savant)
- Product Line Series: Ecolux® Biax® T/E Compact Fluorescent
- Manufacturer Part Number: F18TBX/835/A/ECO
- GE Order Code: 97626
- UPC Barcode: 043168976268
- Core Technology: Triple-Tube Compact Fluorescent (CFL) — 3U Configuration
- Ballast Requirement: 18W GX24q-2 Programmed-Start Electronic Ballast (GE GEC213-MVPS series compatible)
- Wattage: 18W
- Lamp Operating Voltage: 80V nominal (ballast dependent)
- Initial Lumens: 1,200 lm
- Mean Lumens: 1,010 lm
- Efficacy: 67 lumens per watt
- Color Temperature (CCT): 3500K Natural White
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): 82
- Base Type Configuration: GX24q-2 (4-Pin Plug-In, Keyed)
- Start Type: Programmed Start (4-Pin Preheat)
- Dimmable: Yes — requires compatible electronic dimming ballast
- Maximum Overall Length (MOL): 4.8 inches (121.9mm)
- Burn Position: Universal — Any Orientation
- Environmental Rating: TCLP Compliant — Ecolux Low-Mercury Formulation
Operation, Safety & Mounting Compliance
Electronic Ballast & Socket Requirements
This lamp must be operated on a programmed-start electronic ballast specifically rated for GX24q-2 18W plug-in CFL lamps. The 4-pin GX24q-2 lampholder is a shunted socket — the paired pin sets deliver preheat current simultaneously to both cathode filaments prior to arc ignition, which is the correct starting method for this lamp type and the mechanism that enables the full 17,000-hour Ecolux rated lifespan. Do not operate on instant-start ballasts, magnetic ballasts, or ballasts rated for a different pin configuration or wattage class. Minimum starting temperature is 32°F (0°C), dependent on ballast specifications — confirm ballast cold-start ratings for installations in unconditioned spaces or exterior-adjacent fixture locations.
Mercury Content, TCLP Compliance & Disposal
This lamp contains mercury and must be recycled or disposed of through a certified lamp recycling program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations — do not discard in standard municipal solid waste streams. The Ecolux® low-mercury formulation is TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) compliant, meaning mercury content falls below EPA hazardous waste thresholds under standard disposal conditions, though proper lamp recycling remains a regulatory requirement in most jurisdictions. Note that this product cannot be shipped to CA, CO, HI, ME, MN, OR, RI, or VT due to state-level mercury lamp regulations.
Industry Cross-Reference Data
- Osram Sylvania: CF18DT/E/IN/835 (Order Code 20877)
- Philips: PL-T 18W/835/4P ALTO (Order Code 458232)
- Osram Dulux: Dulux T/E 18W/835
- Legacy Cross-Reference: Direct high-efficiency replacement for obsolete 18W 2-pin magnetic-ballast CFL configurations requiring programmed-start electronic ballast and GX24q-2 socket upgrade
Bulk Commercial Lighting Supply & Project Support
ADL Supply delivers commercial-volume logistical fulfillment, tiered commercial contractor discounting strategies, and full pallet project quoting options to electrical accounts across the United States.
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.
