GE UltraMax 94135 Electronic Metal Halide Ballast - 70W ANSI M98/C98/M139/C139 120V Low Frequency

Professional-Grade Low-Frequency Electronic HID Ballast for Recessed and Commercial Metal Halide Lighting

Compatible Metal Halide Lamps (ANSI Codes)

This electronic ballast is specifically designed to operate the following 70-watt ANSI-rated metal halide lamps:

• ANSI M98 - 70W Metal Halide (Quartz) - Standard probe-start configuration
• ANSI C98 - 70W Ceramic Metal Halide - Enhanced color rendering and efficiency
• ANSI M139 - 70W Metal Halide (Quartz) - Alternate configuration for specific fixtures
• ANSI C139 - 70W Ceramic Metal Halide - High-performance ceramic arc tube technology

Universal Lamp Support: Compatible with both traditional quartz metal halide (M98/M139) and advanced ceramic metal halide (C98/C139) lamps for maximum flexibility.

Critical Warning: NOT compatible with High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps or other ANSI codes. Always verify ANSI designation printed on lamp before installation to prevent equipment damage.

Performance Specifications

Advanced Technology & Protection Features

• Low-Frequency Operation (275 Hz): Dramatically extends lamp life compared to high-frequency ballasts by reducing lamp stress and minimizing electrode erosion
• End-of-Lamp-Life Protection (EOL): Intelligent circuitry automatically detects and shuts down when lamp reaches end of life, preventing destructive cycling and ballast damage
• Thermal Protection: Built-in over-temperature safeguard monitors case temperature and shuts down at 90°C to prevent overheating damage
• Side Wire Exit Design: Optimal for tight installation spaces and recessed fixtures where bottom-exit ballasts won't fit
• UL 1439 Recessed Fixture Rated: Certified safe for use in recessed downlights, troffers, and enclosed fixtures
• High Power Factor (95%+): Reduces reactive power and improves electrical system efficiency, lowering utility costs
• Low Total Harmonic Distortion (<10%): Clean power delivery minimizes electrical noise and interference with other equipment
• Universal Frequency (50/60 Hz): Compatible with both North American (60Hz) and international (50Hz) electrical systems
• Integrated Ignitor: Built-in starting circuit eliminates need for separate ignitor components
• Cold Weather Starting: Reliable lamp ignition down to 5°F (-15°C) for outdoor and unheated applications

Safety Certifications & Standards Compliance

• UL 1029 Listed: Certified to UL ballast safety standard for commercial HID applications
• cUL Listed: Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved for Canadian installations
• UL 1439 Housing Compliance: Meets requirements for recessed fixture installation (suitable for recessed use)
• RoHS Compliant: Lead-free, environmentally responsible construction meets EU material restriction requirements
• Class A Sound Rating: Ultra-quiet operation (<24 dB) certified for noise-sensitive environments
• FCC Compliant: Meets electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI) standards

Low-Frequency Technology: Superior Performance Benefits

The GE 94135 utilizes advanced 275Hz low-frequency technology, delivering significant advantages over high-frequency electronic ballasts:

Extended Lamp Life

• Reduced Electrode Erosion: Lower operating frequency (275Hz vs. 20-40kHz) dramatically reduces stress on lamp electrodes
• 50-100% Longer Lamp Life: Metal halide lamps last significantly longer on low-frequency ballasts compared to high-frequency designs
• Fewer Lamp Replacements: Extended lamp life reduces maintenance costs and labor for hard-to-reach installations

Superior Light Quality

• Reduced Flicker: Low-frequency operation provides more stable arc and less visible flicker
• Better Color Consistency: Improved lamp stability maintains consistent color temperature throughout lamp life
• Optimal Acoustic Resonance: 275Hz frequency avoids acoustic resonance issues that can affect lamp performance

Enhanced Reliability

• Proven Technology: Low-frequency ballasts have decades of proven reliability in demanding commercial applications
• Better Lamp Compatibility: Works with wider range of metal halide lamp designs and manufacturers
• Predictable Performance: Consistent operation across different lamp types and environmental conditions

Ideal Applications & Commercial Use Cases

The GE UltraMax 94135 is engineered for professional lighting installations requiring reliability, long lamp life, and recessed fixture compatibility:

Commercial Indoor Lighting

• Retail Store Downlights: Recessed 70W metal halide accent lighting for merchandise displays
• Office Building Recessed Fixtures: Professional overhead lighting in lobbies, corridors, and common areas
• Restaurant & Hospitality: Dimmable-quality light output for dining areas and reception spaces
• Showroom Lighting: High-quality metal halide illumination for automotive, furniture, and product displays
• Museum & Gallery Lighting: Excellent color rendering with ceramic metal halide lamps for artwork illumination

Industrial & Warehouse Applications

• Low-Bay Fixtures (12-20 ft): Efficient 70W lighting for moderate ceiling heights
• Assembly Areas: Task lighting requiring good color rendering for quality control
• Storage Facilities: Reliable lighting with extended lamp life reduces maintenance in storage aisles
• Manufacturing Plants: Durable metal housing withstands industrial environments

Recessed Fixture Applications

• Recessed Downlights: UL 1439 rated for safe use in recessed housings and ceiling cavities
• Troffer Fixtures: Compact side-exit design fits standard 2x2 and 2x4 troffers
• Compact Canopy Fixtures: Space-saving dimensions ideal for recessed canopy downlights
• Architectural Recessed Fixtures: Professional-grade reliability for architectural lighting designs

Specialty Applications

• Display Case Lighting: Internal jewelry case and museum display case illumination
• Refrigerated Case Lighting: Cold temperature starting capability (5°F/-15°C) for refrigerated displays
• Parking Garage Interior: Reliable lighting for covered parking structures with moderate temperatures
• Stairwell & Exit Corridor Lighting: Long lamp life reduces maintenance in difficult-to-access locations

Professional Installation Requirements & Guidelines

Pre-Installation Verification Checklist

• ✓ Verify Lamp ANSI Code: Confirm lamp is rated M98, C98, M139, or C139 only (NOT M143 or other codes)
• ✓ Confirm Input Voltage: Ensure electrical supply is 120V AC (108-132V with ±10% tolerance)
• ✓ Check Fixture Rating: Verify fixture is UL-listed for electronic ballasts and rated for 122°F (50°C) ambient
• ✓ Review Wiring Diagram: Consult wiring diagram WD-eHID SLJ (provided with ballast or on label)
• ✓ Inspect Enclosure: Ensure adequate ventilation around ballast - do not block airflow
• ✓ Measure Lamp Distance: Verify lamp is within maximum 8-foot remote mounting distance
• ✓ Select Wire Gauge: Use minimum 18 AWG wire for all connections if extending leads

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure

1. Disconnect Power: Turn off circuit breaker and verify power is off with voltage tester
2. Mount Ballast: Secure ballast to fixture using mounting bracket and provided slots (5.24" × 1.13" mounting pattern)
3. Orient for Cooling: Position ballast with side exit leads accessible and adequate air circulation around metal housing
4. Strip Wire Leads: Strip 3/8" of insulation from each lead wire (White, Black, Green, Red, Brown)
5. Connect Input Power:
   • Connect Black lead to 120V hot line (circuit breaker)
   • Connect White lead to neutral
   • Connect Green lead to ground (fixture ground screw or green ground wire)