Sylvania Metalarc Powerball 20W Ceramic Metal Halide Lamp Part #: 68842

ANSI C156/E | 3000K Warm White | 85 CRI | GU6.5 Twist-Lock Base

Technical Specifications

Product CodeMC20TF/U/GU6.5/830

Ordering Code68842 (also 64977)

ANSI CodeC156/E

Wattage20W

Operating Voltage95V

Lamp Current0.24 Amps

Lamp TypeT4 Ceramic Metal Halide (Clear)

Base TypeGU6.5 Twist-Lock (6.5mm center-to-center)

Color Temperature3000K (830) Warm White

Color Rendering Index (CRI)85

Initial Lumen Output1,700 lumens

Luminous Efficacy85 lm/W

Maximum Overall Length (MOL)2.24 inches (57mm)

Light Center Length (LCL)1.38 inches (35mm)

Bulb Diameter0.51 inches (13mm) - T4

Rated Average Life15,000 hours

Burn PositionUniversal

Operating ModePulse Start (Electronic Control Gear Only)

UV ProtectionUV-Stop Quartz (reduced UV output)

OriginMade in Germany

Product Identification & Ballast Information

DescriptionMC20TF/U/GU6.5/830

UPC Code046135688423

Alternative Part Number64977

Recommended BallastsSylvania 51987 (QTP1X20MH SM UNV J) or 51988 (QTP1X20MH SM UNV F)

Spec SheetDownload PDF

Installation Requirements

Enclosed Fixtures Only: Rated for use in enclosed luminaires only (E-type classification)
Thermally Protected Ballast: Requires thermally protected ballast for safety
Pulse-Rated Sockets: Use with 4000V pulse-rated sockets only
Minimum Open-Circuit Voltage: 209V RMS (230V nominal) without ignitor; higher with ignitor
Overcurrent Protection: Circuit must include appropriate overcurrent protection
Electronic Control Gear: Pulse start operation requires compatible electronic ballast

Critical Safety Warning

WARNING: These lamps can cause serious skin burns and eye inflammation from shortwave 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 used. Certain lamps that will automatically extinguish when the outer envelope is broken or punctured are commercially available.

This lamp complies with FDA radiation performance standard 21 CFR Subchapter J (USA: 21 CFR 1040.30, Canada: SOR/DORS/80-381).

Mandatory Safety Precautions

Do not use where people remain for long periods without adequate UV shielding
Ensure protective shielding is installed and intact at all times
Consider auto-extinguishing lamps in high-risk areas
Fixture must be suitably enclosed (E-type rating)
Use only with pulse-rated sockets rated for 4000V

Recommended Applications

Ideal for display lighting, accent lighting, and architectural applications where compact size, high efficacy, and excellent color rendering are required.

Retail display lighting (jewelry stores, galleries, museums)
Accent and track lighting systems
Architectural highlighting
Commercial downlights
Display case illumination
General commercial lighting

Key Features & Benefits

Pulse Start Technology: Faster warm-up and better lumen maintenance than probe start lamps
Excellent Color Rendering: 85 CRI for good color accuracy in retail and display applications
Long Life: 15,000 hour rated life reduces maintenance costs
Stable Color: Reduced color temperature shift over lamp life
High Efficacy: 85 lumens per watt for energy efficiency
Universal Operation: Can be operated in any burn position
Secure Mounting: GU6.5 twist-lock base provides accurate positioning for luminaire design
UV Protection: UV-Stop quartz construction for reduced UV output
Ceramic Arc Tube: Powerball technology for consistent performance