Philips MasterColor MHC 70W/3K ALTO Metal Halide Lamp – 3000K Warm White | CRI 85 | ED-17 Coated | E26 Base | FadeBlock | 20,000 Hours | Order Code 20887-6

The Philips MasterColor MHC 70W/3K ALTO is a premium 70-watt ceramic metal halide lamp delivering exceptional 3000K deluxe warm white light at CRI 85 — superior color rendering for commercial HID applications. ALTO low-mercury technology, FadeBlock UV protection, 5,800 initial lumens, 20,000-hour rated life, ANSI M143/E or M98/E pulse-start compatibility, and E26 medium base in a coated ED-17 form factor make this the specification-grade choice for retail downlighting, hospitality, commercial general lighting, and any application where warm white color quality, UV protection, and extended service life are required. Order Code 20887-6.

Quick Specs

• Brand: Philips
• Series: MasterColor
• Order Code: 20887-6
• Lamp Code: MHC70/C/U/M/3K/ALTO
• Lamp Type: Ceramic Metal Halide (Coated)
• Wattage: 70W
• ANSI Code: M143/E or M98/E
• Color Temperature: 3000K (Deluxe Warm White)
• CRI: 85 (Excellent Color Rendering)
• Initial Lumens: 5,800 lm
• Lamp Efficacy: Up to 95 lumens per watt
• Rated Life: 20,000 hours
• Base Type: E26 Medium Screw-In
• Bulb Shape: ED-17 Coated
• Burn Position: Universal
• Fixture Compatibility: Enclosed Fixtures Only
• Maximum Overall Length: 5.43 inches
• Bulb Diameter: 2.125 inches
• Special Features: ALTO Technology (low mercury, TCLP compliant), FadeBlock™ UV protection, Superior Color Stability, Coated Finish for Diffused Light

Product Overview

The Philips MasterColor MHC 70W/3K ALTO (Order Code 20887-6) delivers premium warm white illumination for commercial applications where color quality, reliability, and environmental compliance matter. This ED-17 coated ceramic metal halide lamp produces inviting 3000K light with CRI 85 color rendering, ensuring merchandise, interiors, and architectural details appear vibrant and true to life.

Engineered for professional installations, this replacement lamp features integrated FadeBlock UV filtering to protect sensitive fabrics, artwork, and finishes from ultraviolet-induced fading. The coated bulb finish provides diffused light output that reduces glare in downlighting and general lighting applications. ALTO low-mercury technology ensures TCLP-compliant construction for simplified commercial disposal and alignment with environmental purchasing standards.

With universal burn position approval, compatibility with ANSI M143/E or M98/E pulse-start ballasts, and an industry-leading 20,000-hour rated life, this lamp supports flexible fixture configurations while minimizing maintenance costs for facility managers and lighting specifiers.

Why Choose This Product

• CRI 85 — excellent color rendering: Reveals true product colors in retail environments, enhances visual comfort in hospitality spaces, and supports accurate color evaluation in commercial applications.
• 3000K deluxe warm white: Inviting, comfortable light quality preferred for fashion retail, restaurants, hotel lobbies, and residential-style commercial interiors.
• FadeBlock UV protection: Integrated UV filtering reduces fading of fabrics, artwork, merchandise, and interior finishes — critical for galleries, museums, and high-end retail.
• 20,000-hour rated life: Extended service life reduces replacement frequency, labor costs, and maintenance disruptions compared to standard metal halide lamps.
• Coated ED-17 finish: Diffused light output reduces glare and hot spots in downlighting, track lighting, and general commercial applications.
• Universal burn position: Installs in any orientation — recessed, track, pendant, or flood fixtures — without affecting performance or rated life.
• Up to 95 lm/W efficacy: Energy-efficient alternative to incandescent and halogen sources at 70W output.
• ALTO TCLP-compliant technology: Low-mercury construction supports environmental compliance and simplified end-of-life recycling.
• Dual ANSI compatibility (M143/E or M98/E): Broader ballast compatibility than single-code ceramic metal halide lamps.

Technical Specifications

Applications

The Philips MasterColor MHC 70W/3K ALTO is specified for premium commercial lighting where warm white color quality, UV protection, and extended service life are required:

• Retail downlighting and general lighting – CRI 85 at 3000K renders apparel, cosmetics, and merchandise accurately while the coated finish reduces glare in customer-facing spaces.
• Hospitality and restaurant lighting – Warm white light enhances ambiance in hotel lobbies, fine dining spaces, and guest areas where comfort and visual appeal matter.
• Commercial office and lobby spaces – Reliable 20,000-hour life and excellent color rendering support professional environments where lighting quality impacts occupant experience.
• Art galleries and museums (warm-toned collections) – FadeBlock UV protection and CRI 85 support accurate exhibition of paintings, textiles, and warm-toned artwork while reducing UV-induced fading.
• Track and recessed fixture applications – Universal burn position and enclosed fixture rating support adjustable commercial lighting systems in boutiques, showrooms, and corporate environments.

Replacing Your Current Compact Metal Halide Lamp?

Confirm the following before ordering to ensure a compatible replacement:

• ANSI code — M143/E or M98/E: Verify your existing ballast carries M143/E or M98/E ANSI designation for 70W ceramic metal halide. Do not install on incompatible ANSI ballasts even if wattage appears similar.
• Color temperature — 3000K warm white: If your current installation uses 3500K or 4000K lamps, confirm the warmer 3000K tone aligns with your lighting design intent.
• Base type — E26 medium screw: Verify your fixture socket accepts E26 medium base lamps rated for high-temperature operation.
• Fixture type: Rated for enclosed fixtures only. Verify fixture enclosure meets safety requirements for UV-emitting lamps.
• Bulb finish: This lamp features a coated ED-17 finish for diffused light output. If replacing a clear bulb, expect slightly softer light distribution.
• Burn position: Universal — no orientation restriction.
• Warm-up and re-ignition: Ceramic metal halide lamps require a warm-up period to reach full output and a cool-down period before re-striking after hot extinguishing.

Ordering Information

• Brand: Philips
• Order Code: 20887-6
• Lamp Code: MHC70/C/U/M/3K/ALTO
• Series: MasterColor
• Lamp Type: 70W Ceramic Metal Halide (Coated)
• ANSI Code: M143/E or M98/E
• Color Temperature: 3000K Warm White
• Base: E26 Medium Screw
• Case quantities and bulk pricing: Contact ADL Supply for volume orders.

Compliance and Safety

• Philips ALTO Low-Mercury Technology: Yes — TCLP-compliant low-mercury manufacturing
• FDA 21 CFR 1040.30 Compliant: Yes — UV radiation performance standards for ultraviolet radiation-emitting products (USA)
• Canada SOR/DORS/80-381 Compliant: Yes — Canadian Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations
• UV Radiation Warning: ⚠️ Exposure to UV radiation from a broken or punctured outer envelope may cause serious skin burns and eye inflammation. Use only in appropriate fixture enclosures with adequate shielding. Replace damaged lamps immediately. Do not use where people will remain for more than a few minutes unless safety precautions are implemented.
• Mercury disposal: This lamp contains mercury. Dispose of in accordance with local and state lamp recycling regulations. Do not dispose of in general waste. For lamp recycling information, visit lamprecycle.org.
• Verify RoHS compliance status with manufacturer specification sheet.
• Verify California Title 20 / T24 compliance with manufacturer specification sheet.
• Verify Prop 65 warning requirements with manufacturer specification sheet.

ADL Supply recommends confirming all applicable compliance data, dimensions, and performance specifications with the Philips official product data sheet prior to specification or installation.