Product Overview
The GE Ecolux 97636 F42TBX/841/A/ECO Triple Biax Lamp is a professional-grade plug-in compact fluorescent (CFL) tube engineered for demanding high-bay commercial, industrial, and large-area applications. Delivering 3,200 initial lumens of stable 4100K cool white performance, this system utilizes a GX24q-4 4-pin plug-in base configuration with TCLP-compliant low-mercury technology to optimize energy efficiency and lifespan parameters across warehouse, retail, parking structure, and institutional fixture frameworks.
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Wattage
42W
Triple Biax CFL
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Initial Lumens
3,200 lm
2,690 lm Mean
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Color Temp
4100K
841 Cool White
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Base Type
GX24q-4
4-Pin Plug-In
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Rated Life
17,000 Hr
82 CRI Quality
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ADL Supply Expert Application & Replacement Guide
The GE F42TBX/841/A/ECO is primarily utilized by electrical contractors and facility managers across high-bay warehouse fixtures, big-box retail ceiling grids, parking garage canopy luminaires, arena concourses, and institutional lobbies where high lumen output, long relamping intervals, and dimmability are operational priorities. This lamp's GX24q-4 4-pin base is keyed exclusively to the 42W wattage class — it will not seat in GX24q-2 (26W), GX24q-3 (32W), or GX24q-5 (57W) sockets, preventing accidental mis-lamping in mixed-wattage facilities.
The 4-pin configuration requires a programmed-start electronic ballast rated for GX24q-4 42W lamps; programmed-start ballasts preheat the cathodes before arc ignition, extending cathode life and achieving the full 17,000-hour Ecolux rating — substituting an instant-start ballast will bypass cathode preheating and substantially shorten lamp life. For dimming applications, a compatible dimming ballast rated for this lamp type must be specified.
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Verify Before Ordering
GX24q-4 Socket & 42W Programmed-Start Ballast Required
This lamp uses a GX24q-4 4-pin base — it is not interchangeable with 26W (GX24q-2), 32W (GX24q-3), or 57W (GX24q-5) plug-in CFL lamps. Confirm your fixture socket is GX24q-4 and your ballast is a programmed-start electronic unit specifically rated for 42W. Instant-start ballasts are not compatible and will significantly reduce lamp life.
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Detailed Product Specifications
- Brand: GE Lighting (Current / Savant)
- Product Line Series: Ecolux® Triple Biax Compact Fluorescent
- Manufacturer Part Number: F42TBX/841/A/ECO
- GE Order Code Catalog SKU: 97636
- UPC Barcode: 043168976367
- ANSI Code Standard: 60901-IEC-7442-2
- Core Technology: Triple Biax T4 Triple-Tube CFL — 360° Light Distribution
- Wattage: 42W
- Operating Voltage Profile: Ballast Dependent (Nominal 135V Lamp Operating Voltage)
- Initial Luminous Flux: 3,200 lm
- Mean Luminous Flux: 2,690 lm
- Luminous Efficacy: 76 lumens per watt
- Color Temperature (CCT): 4100K Cool White (841 Code)
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): 82
- Rated Average Lifespan: 17,000 Hours (Ecolux) / 12,000 Hours (Legacy non-EOL versions)
- Base Type Configuration: GX24q-4 (4-Pin Plug-In Keyed Base)
- Start Type: Programmed Start (4-Pin Pre-Heat Electronic Control)
- Dimmable Status: Yes — requires compatible electronic dimming ballast
- Maximum Overall Length (MOL): 6.4" Inches (162mm)
- Burn / Operating Position: Universal — Any Orientation Allowed
- Equivalent Incandescent Output Class: 190W
- Country of Origin: Hungary
- Standard Wholesaler Case Pack: 10 units per box
Operation, Safety & Mounting Compliance
Ballast & Socket Requirements
This lamp requires a programmed-start electronic ballast specifically rated for GX24q-4 42W plug-in CFL lamps. Programmed-start operation preheats the lamp cathodes prior to arc ignition — this is the correct and required starting method for all 4-pin GX24q plug-in CFL bases and is what enables the full 17,000-hour Ecolux rated lifespan. Do not operate on instant-start ballasts, magnetic ballasts, or ballasts rated for a different wattage class, as these will result in reduced lamp life, non-ignition, or fixture damage. For dimmable installations, specify a ballast explicitly listed as compatible with GX24q-4 42W dimming CFL lamps and verify minimum dimming threshold before installation.
Mercury Content, TCLP Compliance & Disposal
This lamp contains mercury and must be recycled or disposed of through a certified lamp recycling program in full 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. Minimum ballast-dependent starting temperature is typically 32°F (0°C) — confirm ballast cold-weather specifications for outdoor canopy or parking structure installations in unconditioned environments.
Industry Cross-Reference Data
- Osram Sylvania: CF42DT/E/IN/841/ECO (Order Code 20886)
- Philips: PL-T 42W/841/4P/Alto (Order Code 149013)
- Osram: Dulux T/E 42W/841
- Legacy Cross-Reference: Direct high-efficiency replacement for obsolete 42W magnetic-ballast quad-tube and triple-tube CFL configurations requiring programmed-start electronic ballast 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.
