Philips MasterColor MHC 50W/4K ALTO Metal Halide Lamp – 4000K Cool White | CRI 92 | ED-17 Coated | E26 Base | FadeBlock | 20,000 Hours

The Philips MasterColor MHC 50W/4K ALTO is a premium 50-watt ceramic metal halide lamp delivering exceptional 4000K deluxe cool white light at CRI 92 — the highest color rendering index in the compact metal halide series. ALTO low-mercury technology, FadeBlock UV protection, superior color stability, 20,000-hour rated life, ANSI M148/E or M110/E pulse-start compatibility, and E26 medium base in a coated ED-17 form factor make this the specification-grade choice for retail downlighting, commercial general lighting, galleries, and any application where color accuracy at a crisp cool white tone with diffused light output is non-negotiable. Order Code 36024-8.

Quick Specs

• Brand: Philips
• Series: MasterColor
• Order Code: 36024-8
• Lamp Code: MHC50/C/U/M/4K/ALTO
• Lamp Type: Ceramic Metal Halide (Coated)
• Wattage: 50W
• ANSI Code: M148/E or M110/E
• Color Temperature: 4000K (Deluxe Cool White)
• CRI: 92 (Exceptional Color Rendering)
• Initial Lumens: Verify with manufacturer specification sheet
• 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 50W/4K ALTO (Order Code 36024-8) delivers premium cool white illumination for commercial applications where exceptional color accuracy, diffused light output, and environmental compliance are critical. This ED-17 coated ceramic metal halide lamp produces crisp 4000K light with CRI 92 color rendering — the highest CRI tier in Philips' compact metal halide lineup — ensuring merchandise, artwork, and architectural details appear vibrant, accurate, 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 and hot spots in downlighting, track lighting, and general commercial 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 M148/E or M110/E pulse-start ballasts, superior color stability over life, 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 92 — exceptional color accuracy: The highest color rendering index in compact metal halide — reveals true product colors, reduces customer returns, and enhances visual appeal in retail and gallery settings.
• 4000K deluxe cool white: Crisp, neutral light quality preferred for showrooms, automotive dealerships, precision retail, and commercial environments where clean color presentation matters.
• FadeBlock UV protection: Integrated UV filtering reduces fading of fabrics, artwork, merchandise, and interior finishes — critical for museums, galleries, and high-end retail.
• Coated ED-17 finish: Diffused light output reduces glare and hot spots in downlighting, track lighting, and general commercial applications for improved visual comfort.
• Superior color stability: Maintains consistent 4000K color temperature throughout 20,000-hour rated life — critical for multi-lamp installations where color matching matters.
• Universal burn position: Installs in any orientation — recessed, track, pendant, or flood fixtures — without affecting performance or rated life.
• 20,000-hour rated life: Extended service life reduces replacement frequency, labor costs, and maintenance disruptions in commercial facilities.
• Up to 95 lm/W efficacy: Energy-efficient alternative to incandescent and halogen sources at 50W output.
• ALTO TCLP-compliant technology: Low-mercury construction supports environmental compliance and simplified end-of-life recycling.
• Dual ANSI compatibility (M148/E or M110/E): Broader ballast compatibility than single-code ceramic metal halide lamps.

Technical Specifications

Applications

The Philips MasterColor MHC 50W/4K ALTO is specified for premium commercial lighting where exceptional color accuracy at a cool white color temperature with diffused light output is required:

• Retail downlighting and general lighting – CRI 92 at 4000K renders electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, and precision merchandise accurately while the coated finish reduces glare in customer-facing spaces.
• Commercial office and workspace lighting – Crisp 4000K light with superior CRI enhances visual comfort and productivity in professional environments where color accuracy supports task performance.
• Art galleries and museums (cool-toned collections) – FadeBlock UV protection and CRI 92 at 4000K support accurate exhibition of photography, contemporary art, and cool-toned works where warm bias would distort intended color presentation.
• Showrooms and precision retail – Exceptional color rendering produces accurate representation of automotive finishes, luxury goods, and technical products at a clean 4000K.
• Track and recessed fixture applications – Universal burn position and enclosed fixture rating support adjustable commercial lighting systems in boutiques, corporate environments, and architectural installations.

Replacing Your Current Compact Metal Halide Lamp?

Confirm the following before ordering to ensure a compatible replacement:

• ANSI code — M148/E or M110/E: Verify your existing ballast carries M148/E or M110/E ANSI designation for 50W ceramic metal halide. Do not install on incompatible ANSI ballasts even if wattage appears similar.
• Color temperature — 4000K cool white: If your current installation uses 3000K or 3500K lamps, confirm the cooler 4000K tone aligns with your lighting design intent.
• CRI comparison: CRI 92 is significantly higher than standard metal halide (CRI 65–70) and higher than standard CMH (CRI 81-82).
• 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 with reduced glare.
• 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: 36024-8
• Lamp Code: MHC50/C/U/M/4K/ALTO
• Series: MasterColor
• Lamp Type: 50W Ceramic Metal Halide (Coated)
• ANSI Code: M148/E or M110/E
• Color Temperature: 4000K Cool 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.