Product Overview
GE CMH150T 150W Ceramic Metal Halide Lamp - G12 Base - 3000K - ANSI M102/C142
The GE CMH150T is a professional-grade 150W Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lamp delivering 14,000 lumens of high-quality 3000K warm white light with 82+ CRI. Featuring a G12 ceramic bi-pin base and ANSI M102/C142 compatibility, this lamp is engineered for high-bay industrial, retail, and commercial applications. With superior lumen maintenance (85% at 12,000 hours) and DLC listing, it provides exceptional efficiency and color stability for demanding professional lighting systems.
Technical Specifications - GE CMH150T
| Manufacturer Part Number | CMH150T |
|---|---|
| Order Code | CMH150T6830 (830 = 3000K) |
| Wattage | 150 Watts |
| Lamp Operating Voltage | 90 Volts (Nominal) |
| Base Type | G12 Ceramic Bi-Pin (IEC 60061-1) |
| ANSI Ballast Codes | M102 / C142 (Probe Start or Pulse Start) |
| Color Temperature | 3000K ±150K (Warm White) |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 82+ (Very Good) |
| Initial Lumens | 14,000 lm (±10%) |
| Efficacy | 93.3 Lumens per Watt |
| Lumen Maintenance | 85% at 12,000 hours |
| Rated Life (L70) | 12,000 Hours |
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL) | 156mm (6.14 inches) |
| Bulb Diameter | 21mm (0.83 inches) - T6 |
| Burning Position | Universal (Any orientation ±90°) |
| Certifications | UL 1573, DLC Listed, RoHS 3, California Title 24 |
Performance Advantages vs Standard Metal Halide
85% vs 60% at end of life for standard MH
93 LPW vs 80 LPW for probe-start MH
12,000 hrs vs 9,000 hrs standard
82 CRI vs 65 CRI standard MH
Compatible Ballast Systems - ANSI M102/C142
⚠️ Important: This 150W CMH requires ANSI M102 or C142 rated ballasts. M102 is probe-start (traditional), C142 is pulse-start (preferred for CMH). Do not use M139 (70W) or M58 (400W) ballasts.
Compatible Ballast Types:
- ANSI M102: Probe start magnetic ballasts (traditional, lower cost)
- ANSI C142: Pulse start electronic or magnetic ballasts (better for CMH, longer life)
- Voltage Options: 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, 347V, 480V (multi-volt or dedicated)
Socket Requirements:
G12 ceramic bi-pin sockets rated for 600°C continuous operation. Do not use plastic or standard porcelain sockets rated below 250°C.
System Requirements
- Ballast: ANSI M102/C142 compliant (150W rated)
- Lamp-Holder: Ceramic G12 bi-pin (600°C rated minimum)
- Fixture: UL 1573 approved enclosed fixtures (IP65 recommended)
- Ambient Temperature: -40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F)
- Operating Position: Universal (any orientation)
- Voltage Rise: Maximum 5V drop from ballast to lamp
Ideal Applications
Industrial & Warehouse
- High-bay manufacturing facilities
- Distribution centers and warehouses
- Loading docks and industrial yards
- Large assembly areas
Commercial & Retail
- Retail track lighting systems (high-output)
- Big-box store general lighting
- Commercial display lighting
- Gymnasiums and sports facilities
Architectural
- Architectural recessed luminaires
- Atrium and lobby lighting
- Security and perimeter lighting
- High-ceiling commercial spaces
Compatible Replacements - 150W CMH G12
This GE CMH150T (150W, G12, 3000K) cross-references to:
| Brand | Part Number | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Philips MasterColor | CDM-T 150W/830 G12 | G12 |
| Osram Powerstar | HCI-T 150W/830 WDL G12 | G12 |
| Sylvania Metalarc | MC150T6/U/G12/830 | G12 |
| Ushio | UM150/G12/TC/830 | G12 |
Safety Information & Compliance
⚠️ UV Radiation Hazard
- Emits UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C radiation during operation
- Requires enclosed fixtures only (UV-Block quartz envelope is supplemental protection)
- IP65 rated fixture requirement for wet/dusty locations
- Risk of skin burns and eye inflammation if outer envelope breaks
- Replace immediately if envelope is damaged
? Operating Safety
- High pressure operation (risk of hot quartz rupture)
- Arc tube operates at extreme temperatures
- Allow 15-minute cool-down before handling
- Use ceramic G12 sockets rated 600°C minimum
- Maintain proper clearances from combustibles
? Compliance Certifications
- UL 1573: Stage and studio lighting equipment
- DLC Listed: DesignLights Consortium (utility rebate eligible)
- RoHS 3: Directive 2015/863/EU compliant
- California Title 24: Energy compliant
- ETL Listed: US and Canada safety standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ANSI M102 and C142 ballasts?
M102 is the traditional probe-start magnetic ballast standard for 150W metal halide. C142 is the pulse-start variant, which provides better starting characteristics and is preferred for Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lamps. This GE CMH150T works with both, but C142 pulse-start ballasts will provide better lamp life and lumen maintenance. Both are 150W rated and use M102/C142 sockets.
Can I use this 150W CMH in a 100W or 175W fixture?
No. This lamp requires specifically 150W rated ballasts (M102/C142). Using a 100W ballast (M90) will provide insufficient power and poor performance. Using a 175W or 250W ballast (M58/M153) will severely overdrive the lamp, causing catastrophic failure and potential safety hazards. Always match lamp wattage exactly to ballast rating. The G12 base is common across wattages, so verify ballast label before installation.
Is 82 CRI good enough for retail lighting?
82 CRI is considered very good for general commercial and industrial lighting. It provides accurate color rendering for warehouses, manufacturing, and general retail. However, for high-end retail, art galleries, or applications requiring precise color discrimination (textiles, paint matching), 90+ CRI CMH lamps are recommended. For big-box retail, warehouses, and industrial high-bay applications, 82 CRI provides excellent value.
What does DLC Listed mean?
DLC (DesignLights Consortium) listing means this lamp meets strict quality and efficiency standards for commercial lighting. DLC qualification makes this lamp eligible for utility rebate programs in many states and municipalities, potentially reducing your purchase cost by 20-50%. Check with your local utility for specific rebate amounts. DLC also ensures minimum lumen maintenance and color quality standards.
Why does this lamp require 600°C rated sockets?
150W Ceramic Metal Halide lamps operate at extreme temperatures. Standard porcelain sockets rated for 250°C will crack and fail under the thermal load. The G12 ceramic bi-pin base on this lamp can reach temperatures up to 600°C (1112°F) at the socket contact point. Using under-rated sockets will cause socket failure, lamp dropout, and potential fire hazards. Always specify high-temperature ceramic sockets for 150W CMH applications.
