Product Overview
GE 20153 CMH39TUVCU830 39W Ceramic Metal Halide Lamp - G12 Base - 3000K - ANSI M130E
The GE 20153 CMH39TUVCU830 is a high-efficiency 39W Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lamp featuring UV Filter Control technology and a G12 bi-pin ceramic base. This PulseArc lamp delivers 3,400 lumens of warm 3000K white light with 81 CRI color rendering, ideal for retail display lighting, commercial downlights, and architectural accent applications. With a 16,500-hour rated life and ANSI M130E compatibility, it provides constant color stability and energy savings over traditional halogen systems.
Technical Specifications - GE 20153
Electrical
| Manufacturer Part Number | 20153 |
|---|---|
| Product Code | CMH39TUVCU830 |
| Wattage | 39 Watts |
| Lamp Operating Voltage | 90 Volts (Nominal) |
| Base Type | G12 Ceramic Bi-Pin (12mm spacing) |
| ANSI Ballast Code | M130 / M130E (Pulse Start) |
| UPC | 043168201537 |
Photometric Performance
| Color Temperature | 3000K (Warm White) |
|---|---|
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 81 (Very Good) |
| Initial Lumens | 3,400 lm |
| Efficacy | 87.2 Lumens per Watt |
| Rated Life (L70) | 16,500 Hours |
| UV Control | UV Filter Technology (UVC in part number) |
Physical & Thermal
| Bulb Designation | T4.5 (Tubular 4.5/8 inch) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL) | 3.56 inches (90.4mm) |
| Bulb Diameter | 0.56 inches (14.2mm) |
| Light Center Length (LCL) | 30mm ± 2mm |
| Burning Position | Universal (Any orientation) |
| Max Base Temperature | 250°C (482°F) |
| Max Bulb Temperature | 400°C (752°F) |
Recommended Ballasts - ANSI M130E
Note: This 39W CMH requires ANSI M130 or M130E rated pulse start ballasts. The "E" denotes electronic ballast compatibility. Do not use M98 (probe start) or M139 (70W) ballasts.
GE Recommended Ballasts:
| Model Number | Type | Input Voltage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEMH39-MSJ-MV | Multi-Volt Electronic | 120-277V | Standard operation |
| GEMH39-MSF-MV | Multi-Volt Electronic | 120-277V | Fused protection |
Compatible Third-Party Ballasts:
- Philips Advance: Xitanium 39W CMH M130 electronic ballasts
- Osram: PT-FIT 35/220-240 I (M130 compatible)
- Sylvania: Quicktronic QTP6C39 (M130 rated)
- Universal Lighting: UC139-M-V-TC (39W CMH)
UV Filter Control Technology
The UVC designation in the part number (CMH39TUVCU830) indicates this lamp features UV Filter Control technology:
- Enhanced ultraviolet filtration in the outer quartz envelope
- Reduces UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C emissions compared to standard CMH
- Still requires enclosed fixture installation (UV filter is supplemental, not primary protection)
- Better protection for light-sensitive materials in display cases
- Safer for museum and retail applications where merchandise fading is a concern
Important: Despite UV filtration, this lamp still requires enclosed fixtures meeting UL standards. Do not use in open fixtures.
Energy Savings: CMH vs Traditional Lighting
| Specification | GE 39W CMH (This Lamp) | 50W Halogen PAR20 | 100W Incandescent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 39W | 50W | 100W |
| Lumens | 3,400 lm | 750 lm | 1,600 lm |
| Efficacy | 87 LPW | 15 LPW | 16 LPW |
| Life Hours | 16,500 hrs | 3,000 hrs | 1,000 hrs |
| Annual Cost* | $17.55 | $22.50 | $45.00 |
*Based on 3,000 hours/year at $0.15/kWh. CMH saves $27.45/year vs 100W incandescent.
Recommended Applications
Retail & Display
- Track lighting systems (G12 compatible heads)
- Display case illumination (UV filter protects merchandise)
- Window display accent lighting
- General merchandise spotlighting
Commercial & Hospitality
- Recessed downlights (4-6 inch)
- Hotel lobby accent fixtures
- Restaurant ambient lighting
- Office reception areas
Museums & Galleries
- Artifact display (UV filter + enclosed fixture)
- Gallery track lighting
- Wall washing applications
- Temporary exhibition lighting
Compatible Replacements - G12 Base
This GE 20153 (39W, G12, 3000K) cross-references to:
| Brand | Part Number | Wattage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips MasterColor | CDM-T 35W/830 G12 | 35W | Compatible with M130 |
| Osram Powerstar | HCI-T 35/830 WDL G12 | 35W | Warm Deluxe 3000K |
| Sylvania Metalarc | MC39T6/U/G12/830 | 39W | Direct equivalent |
| ILCOS | MT/UB-20/30/1B-H/E-G12-13/57 | 35-39W | International standard |
Note: Cross-reference lists 35W equivalents that operate on same M130 ballast systems with similar lumen output (~3,300-3,400 lm).
Safety Information & UV Precautions
⚠️ Critical UV Radiation Warning
This lamp can cause serious skin burns and eye inflammation from shortwave ultraviolet radiation if the outer envelope is broken or punctured while the arc tube continues to operate.
- Do not use where people will remain for more than a few minutes unless adequate shielding is provided
- Use only in properly enclosed fixtures meeting UL 1573 or UL 1598 standards
- Immediately replace lamp if outer envelope is damaged
- Consider auto-extinguishing (endo-coded) lamps for applications with human exposure
- Professional installation recommended
Operating Safety
- Max base temp: 250°C - Use ceramic sockets only
- Max bulb temp: 400°C - Allow 15 min cool-down
- High pressure operation - Handle with care
- Instant restart not possible - 10-15 min cool down required
Fixture Requirements
- Enclosed fixtures mandatory
- Max voltage rise: 5V (short wire runs)
- Universal burn position approved
- Contains mercury - Dispose properly (EPA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "UVC" in the part number mean?
UVC stands for "UV Control" or "UV Filter Control." This GE lamp has enhanced ultraviolet filtration compared to standard CMH lamps. However, it still emits UV radiation and must be used in enclosed fixtures. The UV filter helps protect light-sensitive merchandise and reduces fading in retail applications, but it does not eliminate the enclosed fixture requirement.
What is the difference between M130 and M130E ballasts?
M130 is the ANSI standard code for 35W-39W pulse-start metal halide systems. The "E" suffix (M130E) specifically indicates compatibility with electronic ballasts. This GE 20153 works with both magnetic (M130) and electronic (M130E) ballasts. Recommended GE ballasts GEMH39-MSJ-MV and GEMH39-MSF-MV are electronic M130E types.
Is this lamp 81 CRI or 90 CRI?
The specifications list 81 CRI, which is considered "very good" color rendering. The product description mentions "up to 90 CRI," which may refer to the Constant Color technology line in general. For critical color applications requiring 90+ CRI, verify the specific CRI rating or consider GE's Constant Color Elite series. For general retail and commercial use, 81 CRI provides good color accuracy.
Can I use this 39W lamp in a 35W fixture?
Yes, if the ballast is rated for M130 (35W-39W). Many 35W CMH ballasts (like those for Philips CDM-T 35W) are actually rated for 35W-39W operation. However, verify the ballast label shows "M130" compatibility. This 39W lamp produces slightly more light (3,400 lm) than typical 35W lamps (3,300 lm) and may consume marginally more power. Do not use in fixtures with 70W (M139) ballasts.
Why does the cross-reference list 35W equivalents?
The 35W and 39W CMH lamps are electrically compatible and often interchangeable on the same M130 ballast systems. The industry standard evolved from 35W to 39W for slightly higher output. This GE 39W lamp replaces Philips CDM-T 35W, Osram HCI-T 35W, and Sylvania MC35T6 because they all use G12 bases and M130 ballasts. The 4W difference is typically within ballast tolerance.
