Product Overview
GE 90352 CMH39TC830 39W Ceramic Metal Halide Lamp - G8.5 Base 3000K
The GE 90352 CMH39TC830 is a high-output 39W Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lamp featuring a G8.5 2-pin base and ANSI M130 compliance. Delivering an impressive 3,400 lumens of 3000K warm white light with exceptional color stability, this compact CMH retrofit lamp is ideal for retail display lighting, museums, and architectural accent applications. With a 16,500-hour rated life and superior efficacy of 87 lumens per watt, it outperforms traditional halogen and standard metal halide alternatives.
Technical Specifications - GE CMH39TC830
| Manufacturer Part Number | 90352 |
|---|---|
| Product Code | CMH39TC830 |
| Wattage | 39 Watts |
| Technology | Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) - Constant Color |
| Base Type | G8.5 (2-Pin Ceramic) |
| ANSI Ballast Code | M130 (Pulse Start) |
| Color Temperature | 3000K (Warm White) |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 90+ (Excellent Color Rendering) |
| Initial Lumens | 3,400 lm |
| Efficacy | 87 Lumens per Watt |
| Rated Life | 16,500 Hours (L70, 50% survival) |
| Bulb Shape | T6 (Tubular Clear) |
| Maximum Overall Length (MOL) | 3.37 inches (85.6mm) |
| Bulb Diameter | 0.56 inches (14.2mm) - T6 |
| Burning Position | Universal (Horizontal ±45° or Base Up/Down) |
| Hot Restrike | Yes (15-minute cool down required) |
| Warm-up Time | 3-5 minutes to full brightness |
| Fixture Requirement | Enclosed Luminaires with UV Filter |
| Operating Voltage | 85-100V (Lamp Operating) via M130 Ballast |
Compatible Ballast Systems - ANSI M130 Required
⚠️ Critical: This lamp requires specific ANSI M130 rated pulse start ballasts. Using incorrect ballasts will cause immediate failure and void warranty.
GE Recommended Ballasts:
| GE Model Number | Part Number | Type | Input Voltage | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEMH39-MSJ-MV | 63044 | Multi-Volt | 120-277V | Standard Electronic |
| GEMH39-MSF-MV | 63045 | Multi-Volt | 120-277V | Fused Protection |
Third-Party Compatible Ballasts:
- Philips Advance: Xieon 39W M130 electronic ballasts
- Osram/Sylvania: QUICKTRONIC QT-M-HS 39W M130
- Universal Lighting: UC139-M-V-TC (M130 rated)
- Robertson: CMH139 (M130 compliant)
CMH vs Halogen: Performance Comparison
| Specification | GE CMH39TC830 (39W) | 75W Halogen MR16 | 50W Halogen PAR20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 39W | 75W | 50W |
| Lumen Output | 3,400 lm | 1,200 lm | 700 lm |
| Efficacy | 87 LPW | 16 LPW | 14 LPW |
| Color Temperature | 3000K (Stable) | 3000K | 3000K |
| CRI | 90+ | 100 | 100 |
| Lamp Life | 16,500 hrs | 3,000 hrs | 2,500 hrs |
| Annual Energy Cost* | $17.10 | $32.85 | $21.90 |
*Based on 3,000 hours/year at $0.15/kWh. System cost includes ballast losses.
Advantage: The GE CMH delivers 3x the light output of 75W halogen while using 48% less energy, with 5.5x longer life.
Professional Applications for G8.5 CMH
High-End Retail
- Jewelry Display Cases: 90+ CRI shows true diamond fire and metal brilliance
- Fashion Merchandising: 3000K warm white enhances fabric textures and skin tones
- Luxury Goods: Compact G8.5 size fits small accent fixtures; high lumen output cuts through store ambient light
- Window Displays: 3,400 lumens provide punch for street-facing exhibits
Museums & Galleries
- Artwork Illumination: Constant Color technology maintains 3000K throughout lamp life (no green shift)
- Sculpture Lighting: G8.5 base allows precise beam control in track systems
- Artifact Preservation: UV-filtered enclosed fixtures protect sensitive materials
- Temporary Exhibits: 16,500-hour life covers extended show runs without relamping
Architectural & Commercial
- Accent Lighting: High CBCP (Center Beam Candlepower) for highlighting architectural details
- Hospitality: Hotel lobbies and restaurant accent lighting with consistent color
- Display Cases: Museums, retail, and corporate reception areas
- Landscape Accent: Suitable for enclosed outdoor luminaires (check fixture rating)
Safety Requirements & UV Considerations
⚠️ Enclosed Fixture Mandate
This CMH lamp emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation during operation. Must be used only in:
- Fully enclosed luminaires with UV-filtering glass or polycarbonate lens
- Fixtures rated for Ceramic Metal Halide use
- Commercial/industrial applications only
Never use in: Open track lighting, bare bulb fixtures, or residential living spaces with prolonged human exposure.
? Handling & Operating Safety
- Allow 15-minute cool-down before handling (arc tube operates at 900°C+)
- Do not operate if outer envelope is scratched or compromised
- Use thermal-protected ballasts only
- Maintain minimum 3-inch clearance from combustible materials
- End-of-life protection prevents rupture, but lamp will extinguish when rated life reached
? ANSI Compliance
Fully compliant with ANSI M130 standards for 39W Ceramic Metal Halide systems. Requires M130-rated ballast with proper ignition pulse (3-5kV). Operating with non-compliant ballasts creates fire and explosion risks.
Compatible Replacements & Industry Equivalents
This GE CMH39TC830 (90352) replaces or is equivalent to:
- Philips CDM-TC 35W/830 G8.5 (when M130 ballasted)
- Osram Powerball HCI-TC 35W/830 WDL G8.5
- Sylvania Metalarc Ceramalux 35W/830 G8.5
- Ushio UM35/G8.5/TC/830
- Plusrite CMH35/TC/G8.5/830
Note: While labeled 35W by some manufacturers, these are electrically compatible with 39W M130 systems. Verify lumens (3,400 vs 3,300) and dimensions match your fixture requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between G8.5 and GU7.9 bases?
The G8.5 base (used on this GE CMH) has 8.5mm pin spacing and is designed for 35W-70W CMH lamps. The GU7.9 has 7.9mm spacing and is typically for lower wattage (20W) or different technologies. These are not interchangeable. Verify your fixture socket marking before ordering. Using the wrong base type will damage the socket or lamp.
Can I use this 39W CMH in a 35W fixture?
Only if the ballast is rated for M130 (39W). Some 35W fixtures use M81 ballasts, which are incompatible. However, many 35W commercial fixtures actually use M130 ballasts to accommodate both 35W and 39W lamps. Check your existing ballast label for "M130" or "M81" marking. The physical size (3.37" x 0.56") is standard for 35W-39W TC CMH lamps.
Why does this lamp require an enclosed fixture?
Ceramic Metal Halide lamps emit significant UV-A and UV-B radiation that can damage skin and eyes with prolonged exposure. Additionally, the ceramic arc tube operates under high pressure (34 atmospheres) and temperature. The enclosed fixture provides UV filtering and containment in the rare event of arc tube rupture at end-of-life. Open fixture rated CMH lamps have special shrouds or filters—this model does not.
How long does it take to warm up and restrike?
Initial warm-up is 3-5 minutes to reach full brightness and stable color temperature. If power is interrupted, hot restrike requires approximately 10-15 minutes for the arc tube to cool sufficiently to reignite. This is standard for all Ceramic Metal Halide lamps and faster than traditional probe-start metal halide (which can take 15-20 minutes).
What does "Constant Color" mean?
GE's Constant Color technology uses a ceramic discharge tube (instead of quartz) that maintains consistent chemical composition throughout the lamp's 16,500-hour life. Standard metal halide lamps shift toward green/blue as they age due to chemical changes in the arc tube. This CMH maintains its 3000K warm white color and 90+ CRI from first use to end-of-life, crucial for retail and museum applications where color consistency is critical.
