Product Overview
GE 35W CMH G12 Ceramic Metal Halide Lamp - 3000K - ANSI M130 - T4.5
The GE ConstantColor 35W CMH is a high-efficiency Ceramic Metal Halide lamp featuring a G12 single-ended ceramic base and ANSI M130 ballast compatibility. Delivering 3,400 lumens of warm 3000K white light with 81 CRI color rendering, this T4.5 tubular lamp is ideal for commercial display lighting, retail accent applications, and architectural illumination. With a 16,500-hour rated life and integrated UV filtration, it offers superior performance and reduced maintenance compared to halogen alternatives.
Technical Specifications - GE 35W CMH G12
Electrical Characteristics
| Wattage | 35 Watts |
|---|---|
| Lamp Operating Voltage | 90 Volts (Nominal) |
| Base Type | G12 Single-Ended Ceramic Bi-Pin (12mm spacing) |
| ANSI Ballast Code | M130 / M130/O (Pulse Start Required) |
| Starting Method | Pulse Start (3.5-5.0 kV ignition pulse) |
Photometric Performance
| Color Temperature | 3000K (Warm White) |
|---|---|
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 81 (Very Good) |
| Initial Lumens | 3,400 lm |
| Efficacy | 97 Lumens per Watt |
| Designation | T4.5 (Tubular 4.5/8 inch diameter) |
Physical & Thermal
| Rated Life | 16,500 Hours (L70, 50% survival) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL) | 3.56 inches (90.4mm) |
| Bulb Diameter | 0.56 inches (14.2mm) - T4.5 |
| Light Center Length (LCL) | 30mm ± 2mm (1.18 inches) |
| Burning Position | Universal (Any orientation) |
| Maximum Base Temperature | 250°C (482°F) |
| Maximum Bulb Temperature | 400°C (752°F) |
Compatible Ballast Systems - ANSI M130
Important: This 35W CMH requires ANSI M130 rated pulse start ballasts. Do not use M139 (70W) or standard metal halide (M98) ballasts. Operating with incorrect ballasts will cause immediate failure and void warranty.
Compatible Ballast Types:
- Electronic Ballasts: GE GEMH39 series, Philips Advance Xitanium 35W CMH, Osram PT-FIT 35
- Magnetic Ballasts: CWA (Constant Wattage Autotransformer) types rated M130
- Voltage Options: 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V (multi-volt or dedicated)
Recommended GE Ballasts:
- GEMH39-MSJ-MV (Electronic, 120-277V)
- GEMH39-MSF-MV (Electronic with fuse protection)
GE CMH 35W vs Halogen: Energy Savings Analysis
| Specification | GE 35W CMH (This Lamp) | 50W Halogen MR16 | 75W Halogen PAR30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 35W | 50W | 75W |
| Lumen Output | 3,400 lm | 750 lm | 1,100 lm |
| Efficacy | 97 LPW | 15 LPW | 14.7 LPW |
| Lamp Life | 16,500 hrs | 3,000 hrs | 2,500 hrs |
| Annual Energy Cost* | $15.75 | $22.50 | $33.75 |
| Relamping (5 years) | 1 lamp | 5+ lamps | 6+ lamps |
*Based on 3,000 hours/year at $0.15/kWh. System cost includes ballast losses (typically 3-5W).
Savings: The GE 35W CMH delivers 4.5x more light than 50W halogen while using 30% less energy, with 5.5x longer life.
Professional Applications for 35W G12 CMH
Retail & Display
- Track Lighting: G12 base compatible with commercial track systems
- Display Cases: Compact T4.5 size fits tight fixture enclosures
- Window Displays: 3,400 lumens cut through ambient street light
- Accent Spotting: Point source allows precise optical control
- Jewelry/Merchandise: 81 CRI provides good color rendering for mid-range retail
Commercial & Institutional
- Recessed Downlights: 4-6 inch commercial downlight retrofits
- Office Reception: 3000K warm white creates welcoming ambiance
- Hotel Lobbies: 16,500-hour life reduces high-ceiling maintenance
- Museum Lighting: UV filter protects sensitive exhibits (when properly enclosed)
Architectural
- Wall Washing: Uniform illumination for textured surfaces
- Facade Lighting: Compact size for architectural detail accents
- Landscape Integration: Suitable for enclosed outdoor accent fixtures
- Art Galleries: Color stability for rotating exhibitions
Compatible Replacements & Industry Equivalents
This GE 35W CMH G12 replaces or cross-references to:
| Brand | Part Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Philips MasterColor | CDM-T 35W/830 G12 | 3000K, 3,300-3,400 lm |
| Osram Powerstar | HCI-T 35W/830 WDL G12 | Warm Deluxe, 3,400 lm |
| Sylvania Metalarc | MC35T6/U/G12/830 | T6 shape equivalent |
| Ushio | UM35/G12/TC/830 | T4.5 tubular, 3000K |
| Plusrite | CMH35/T/G12/830 | Economy alternative |
Note: All listed lamps operate on ANSI M130 ballasts and provide equivalent 3,300-3,400 lumens at 3000K.
ConstantColor Technology Features
- UV Filter Control: Integrated ultraviolet filtration reduces UV emissions (enclosed fixture still required)
- Color Consistency: ConstantColor technology maintains 3000K ±200K throughout lamp life, preventing the green shift common in standard metal halide
- Ceramic Arc Tube: Polycrystalline alumina discharge tube provides better color stability and lumen maintenance than quartz
- Universal Position: Operates reliably in base-up, base-down, or horizontal orientations
- Pulse Start Efficiency: Faster warm-up (2-3 minutes) and better lumen maintenance than probe-start systems
- Long Life: 16,500-hour rated life reduces relamping frequency in hard-to-reach fixtures
- Energy Efficiency: 97 LPW efficacy saves 60-70% versus halogen alternatives
Safety Information & Compliance
⚠️ UV Radiation Hazard
- Emits UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C radiation during operation
- Must use in enclosed fixtures with UV-filtering lens or glass
- Risk of skin burns and eye inflammation if outer envelope breaks while operating
- Not recommended for residential living spaces
- Consider auto-extinguishing (endo-coded) lamps for applications with human exposure
? Thermal Management
- Arc tube operates at extremely high pressure and temperature
- Allow 15-minute cool-down before handling
- Maximum base temperature: 250°C (482°F)
- Maximum bulb surface: 400°C (752°F)
- Use only ceramic G12 sockets rated for high temperature
- Maintain 3+ inch clearance from combustibles
? Installation Requirements
- Enclosed fixtures only (UL 1571/1574 compliance recommended)
- Max voltage drop: 5V from ballast to lamp
- Use pulse-start ballasts rated ANSI M130
- Professional installation recommended
- Dispose of properly through EPA-compliant recycling (contains mercury)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between G12 and G8.5 bases for CMH lamps?
The G12 base (12mm pin spacing) on this GE 35W lamp is larger than G8.5 (8.5mm spacing). G12 is typically used for 35W-150W T-type tubular CMH lamps, while G8.5 is for 20W-70W compact TC-type lamps. They are not interchangeable. Verify your fixture socket has 12mm spacing before ordering.
Can I use a 35W CMH in a fixture that had a 70W lamp?
Only if the ballast is rated for M130 (35W). Most 70W fixtures use M139 ballasts which will overdrive a 35W lamp, causing catastrophic failure. However, if the 70W fixture has a multi-tap or 35W/70W compatible ballast, it may work. Always verify the ballast ANSI code. The 35W lamp will produce less light (3,400 lm vs 6,000+ lm).
Is 81 CRI good enough for retail lighting?
81 CRI is considered very good for general commercial and mid-range retail lighting. The scale runs 0-100, with 80+ considered "good" and 90+ considered "excellent." While high-end jewelry and art galleries may prefer 90+ CRI, this 81 CRI GE lamp provides accurate color rendering for general merchandise, apparel, and commercial spaces at a more economical price point than premium 90+ CRI alternatives.
Why does my CMH lamp take several minutes to reach full brightness?
This is normal for all Ceramic Metal Halide lamps. The warm-up period of 2-4 minutes allows the metal halide salts in the arc tube to vaporize and reach operating temperature. Unlike incandescent or LED, CMH cannot provide instant full output. If power is interrupted, hot restrike requires 10-15 minutes for the arc tube to cool before reignition. Plan lighting schedules accordingly or use instant-start alternatives for critical safety lighting.
What does "ConstantColor" mean compared to standard Metal Halide?
GE's ConstantColor technology uses a ceramic (polycrystalline alumina) arc tube instead of quartz. Standard quartz metal halide lamps shift color toward green/blue as they age due to chemical changes. ConstantColor maintains stable chemical composition, keeping the 3000K warm white color consistent within ±200K throughout the 16,500-hour life. This provides predictable, stable lighting for retail and display applications where color consistency affects sales.
