Product Overview
GE CMH150TD830RX7S 150W Ceramic Metal Halide Lamp - 3000K Rx7s Base - ANSI M142/E
The GE CMH150TD830RX7S is a high-performance 150W Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lamp featuring Constant Color technology and pulse start ignition. Delivering 14,000 initial lumens of warm white 3000K light with exceptional 90+ CRI color rendering, this Rx7s double-ended CMH lamp is ideal for high-bay industrial lighting, commercial horticulture, and retail applications. With a 15,000-hour rated life and superior lumen maintenance, it outperforms traditional metal halide and HPS alternatives.
Technical Specifications - GE CMH150TD830RX7S
| Manufacturer Part Number | CMH150TD830RX7S |
|---|---|
| UPC Code | 043168925891 |
| Technology | Constant Color Pulse Start CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) |
| ANSI Ballast Code | M142/E |
| Wattage | 150 Watts |
| Base Type | Rx7s (Double-Ended Ceramic) |
| Color Temperature | 3000K (Warm White) |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 90+ (Excellent Color Accuracy) |
| Initial Lumens | 14,000 lm |
| Mean Lumens (Design) | 11,500 lm (82% Lumen Maintenance) |
| Efficacy | 93+ Lumens per Watt |
| Bulb Shape | T7 (Tubular Clear) |
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL) | 5.37 inches (136.5mm) |
| Burning Position | Horizontal ±45° Universal |
| Rated Life | 15,000 Hours (90% survival) |
| Ignition Type | Pulse Start (Hot Restrike Capable) |
| Fixture Requirement | Enclosed Fixtures Only |
| Warm-up Time | 2-4 Minutes to Full Output |
Compatible Ballasts - ANSI M142/E
This GE CMH150TD830RX7S requires specific pulse start ballasts compatible with ANSI M142/E. Using incorrect ballasts will void warranty and reduce lamp life.
| Ballast Type | GE Model Number | Order Code | Input Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| UltraMax Electronic | GEMH150-SLJ-MV | 87576 | 120-277V |
| MultiVolt CWI | GEM15048TLC3D-5 | 86711 | Multi-Tap (120/208/240/277V) |
| Magnetic HID | GEM150MLTLA3D-5 | 86718 | Multi-Tap |
| Tri-Tap Ballast | GEM150TRILC3-5 | 78520 | 120/208/240V |
Recommended Applications
Commercial Horticulture
- Indoor Grow Operations: 3000K spectrum ideal for flowering/bloom phase
- Greenhouse Supplemental: High PAR output for light deprivation setups
- Vertical Farming: Compact T7 size fits tight fixture arrays
- Plant Research: 90+ CRI accurate color assessment for crop monitoring
Industrial & High-Bay
- Warehouse Lighting: 14,000 lumens replaces 250W HPS with better color
- Manufacturing Floors: Excellent color rendering for quality control
- Gymnasiums & Arenas: Instant restrike for sports facilities
- Big Box Retail: 3000K warm white enhances merchandise appearance
Architectural & Retail
- Jewelry & Apparel: Exceptional color rendering (90+ CRI)
- Art Galleries: Stable color consistency throughout lamp life
- Restaurant/Patio: 3000K creates warm ambiance (enclosed fixtures)
- Security Lighting: Superior color identification vs. sodium vapor
CMH vs Traditional HID: Why Choose Ceramic Metal Halide?
| Specification | GE CMH 150W | Standard MH 150W | HPS 150W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Temperature | 3000K (Warm White) | 4000K (Cool White) | 2100K (Amber) |
| CRI (Color Accuracy) | 90+ (Excellent) | 65 (Fair) | 22 (Poor) |
| Lumen Maintenance | 82% at end of life | 55% at end of life | 90% at end of life |
| Lamp Life | 15,000 hours | 10,000 hours | 24,000 hours |
| Hot Restrike | Yes (Pulse Start) | No (15-min cool down) | Yes |
| Best For | Color-critical applications | Budget general lighting | Street/Security only |
Ceramic Metal Halide combines the color quality of Metal Halide with the longevity and efficiency of HPS, making it superior for retail, horticulture, and high-bay applications.
Compatible Replacements & Competition
This GE CMH150TD830RX7S replaces or is equivalent to:
- Philips CDM-TD 150W/830 RX7s
- Osram Powerstar HQI-TS 150W/WDL (warm deluxe)
- Sylvania Metalarc CMH-TD 150W/830
- Plusrite CMH150/TD/UVC/U/830/RX7S
- Any ANSI M142/E rated 150W CMH with Rx7s base
NOT Compatible With:
- Mogul Base (E39) lamps - Requires Rx7s socket
- Single-ended (E27/E26) CMH lamps
- Standard 150W Metal Halide (M102) ballasts
- High Pressure Sodium (HPS) ballasts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CMH and regular Metal Halide?
Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) uses a ceramic discharge tube instead of quartz, allowing higher arc tube temperatures. This produces better color stability (Constant Color), higher CRI (90+ vs 65), and superior lumen maintenance (82% vs 55%) compared to standard Metal Halide. The GE CMH150TD830RX7S maintains its 3000K color temperature throughout its 15,000-hour life, whereas standard MH shifts toward green/blue.
Can I use a standard Metal Halide ballast with this CMH lamp?
No. This lamp requires an ANSI M142/E pulse start ballast. Standard probe start Metal Halide ballasts (ANSI M102) use different starting pulses and will not ignite this lamp or will severely reduce its life. Use only the compatible ballasts listed above or any M142/E rated CWA/PEA ballast.
Is 3000K good for growing plants?
Yes, 3000K is ideal for the flowering/bloom phase of plant growth. While 4000K-5000K is preferred for vegetative growth, the 3000K warm white spectrum of this GE CMH lamp provides the red wavelengths necessary for flowering, fruiting, and resin production. Many growers use 3000K CMH for full-cycle growth or switch to 3000K specifically for bloom.
Why must this lamp be used in enclosed fixtures?
The Rx7s CMH lamps operate at high pressures and temperatures that can cause the arc tube to rupture in rare failure scenarios. Enclosed fixtures contain any fragments and manage heat dissipation. Additionally, CMH lamps emit UV radiation that requires shielding. Operating in open fixtures violates safety codes and voids the warranty.
How long does it take to warm up and restrike?
Initial warm-up is 2-4 minutes to reach full brightness and stable color. As a pulse start lamp, it supports hot restrike (re-ignition while warm) typically within 3-5 minutes after power interruption, compared to 10-15 minutes for standard probe start Metal Halide lamps.
