Philips 13162-3 MH1500-U

Product Overview

Philips 131623 — 1500W Switch Start Metal Halide Lamp, M48E, 3700K, BT56 Clear, Mogul Base

The Philips 13162-3 is a 1,500-watt switch start quartz metal halide lamp from Philips, designed primarily for high-output sports lighting and large-venue area illumination. With an E39 mogul base, ANSI code M48/E, 3700K color temperature, CRI 60, BT56 clear quartz envelope, universal burn position, and a rated life of 3,000 hours, this lamp delivers high-intensity discharge output for demanding outdoor and large commercial venue applications. Enclosed fixture only. Verify ANSI code, wattage, and fixture enclosure requirements before ordering.

Wattage

1500W

Metal Halide

ANSI Code

M48/E

Enclosed Fixture Only

Color Temp

3700K

CRI 60

Base

E39

Mogul

Rated Life

3,000 hrs

Average Life

Technical Specifications

Brand	Philips
Philips Order Code	13162-3
Lamp Type	Quartz Metal Halide — Switch Start, Clear
Wattage	1500W
ANSI Code	M48/E
CRI	60
Color Temperature	3700K
Operating (Arc) Voltage	268V*
Base Type	E39 Mogul
Bulb Shape	BT56 (Clear)
Burn / Operating Position	Universal*
Rated Average Life	3,000 hours
Max Overall Length (MOL)	15.375"
Diameter	7" (BT56)
Lumen Position Note	Rated lumens are vertical; horizontal orientation yields 6%–10% lower output
Fixture Requirement	Enclosed fixture only
Mercury Content	Contains mercury — dispose per local regulations

*Source listed "Universal Burn Position" alongside a strong horizontal/vertical lumen depreciation note and a warning about needing electrically insulated bulb support "especially in horizontal and nearly horizontal operating positions" — while described as universal, performance is position-sensitive. The 268V figure represents the lamp's operating arc voltage at rated wattage, not the supply line voltage; confirm ballast output voltage matches this rating.

Product Overview

The Philips 13162-3 is a high-wattage quartz metal halide lamp built for sports lighting and other large-venue applications requiring intense, wide-area illumination from a small number of fixtures. At 1,500W with a BT56 clear envelope, this lamp produces substantial luminous output, with rated lumen values measured in the vertical burn orientation — horizontal or near-horizontal mounting reduces output by approximately 6–10%, an important consideration when calculating expected footcandle levels for stadium or field lighting layouts.

The switch start designation means this lamp requires only a standard probe-start or switch-start ballast circuit rather than a pulse-start ignitor system. CRI 60 and 3700K cool white output are typical of this lamp class, prioritizing raw output and efficacy over color accuracy — appropriate for sports and area lighting where visibility, not color rendering, is the primary requirement.

Compatible Applications

Sports lighting — Stadiums, sports fields, and large outdoor athletic venues requiring high-output mogul-base metal halide illumination.
Large-venue and area lighting — High-bay industrial, large parking structures, and other applications requiring substantial lumen output per fixture.

Before Ordering — Verify

ANSI Code: Confirm your ballast is rated for M48/E switch-start metal halide operation.
Wattage: Confirm fixture and ballast are rated for 1500W.
Enclosed Fixture Requirement: This lamp is rated for enclosed fixtures only — confirm your fixture meets this requirement before ordering. Operating an open fixture with this lamp creates a serious UV exposure hazard if the outer envelope breaks.
Base Type: Confirm fixture socket accepts E39 Mogul base.
Burn Position: Although rated universal, confirm your mounting orientation against expected lumen output, since horizontal mounting reduces output by 6–10% versus vertical.
Physical Fit: Confirm 15.375" MOL and 7" diameter fit within your fixture's lamp housing.
Electrically Insulated Support: For horizontal or near-horizontal mounting, confirm the fixture provides electrically insulated bulb support as recommended by the manufacturer.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

Serious UV Hazard Warning: This lamp can cause serious skin burns and eye inflammation from short-wave ultraviolet radiation if the outer envelope is broken or punctured. Do not use where people will remain for more than a few minutes unless adequate shielding or other safety precautions are in place.
Enclosed Fixtures Only: Use only in an enclosed fixture designed to contain lamp fragments and block UV exposure in the event of envelope failure.
FDA Compliance: This lamp complies with FDA radiation performance standard 21 CFR Subchapter J (USA: 21 CFR 1040.30; Canada: SOR/DORS/80-381).
Moisture Warning: Made of heat-resistant glass — breakage may result if moisture contacts the bulb while hot. Use only in well-ventilated housings designed for this lamp type.
Allow Warm-Up and Restrike Time: Allow several minutes for full output after starting; allow a cooling period before hot restrike.
Mercury Content: Contains mercury. Do not dispose of in regular trash. Recycle through an approved lamp recycling program. Visit lamprecycle.org for local options.

Compliance

Complies with FDA radiation performance standard 21 CFR Subchapter J (21 CFR 1040.30; Canada SOR/DORS/80-381).
Contains mercury — subject to applicable lamp recycling and disposal regulations. This product cannot be shipped to CA, CO, HI, ME, MN, OR, RI, or VT due to state mercury lamp regulations.
Verify RoHS compliance status with the Philips manufacturer specification sheet prior to use in regulated installations.