Philips MasterColor Protected MHC-P 50W/940 Metal Halide Lamp – 4000K Cool White | CRI 92 | ED17-P | E26 Base | FadeBlock | 20,000 Hours | Order Code 42994-4

The Philips MasterColor Protected MHC-P 50W/940 is a 50-watt ceramic metal halide lamp delivering 4000K cool white light at an exceptional CRI 92 — the highest color rendering index in the compact metal halide series. ALTO technology, FadeBlock UV protection, 20,000-hour rated life, M148/O or M110/O ANSI compatibility, and E26 medium base in a protected ED17-P form factor make this the specification-grade choice for showrooms, galleries, commercial retail, and any application where color accuracy at a cooler white tone is non-negotiable. Order Code 42994-4.

Quick Specs

• Brand: Philips
• Series: MasterColor Protected
• Order Code: 42994-4
• Lamp Code: MHC P 50W/940 E26 ED17P U ALTO+FB
• Lamp Type: Protected Ceramic Metal Halide
• Wattage: 50W
• ANSI Code: M148/O or M110/O
• 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: ED17-P (Protected)
• Burn Position: Universal
• Fixture Compatibility: Enclosed or Outdoor Fixtures
• Overall Length: 5.43 inches
• Special Features: ALTO Technology (low mercury, TCLP compliant), FadeBlock™ UV protection

Product Overview

The Philips MasterColor Protected MHC-P 50W/940 (Order Code 42994-4) is the 4000K cool white counterpart to the 3000K MasterColor Elite, delivering the same premium ALTO and FadeBlock platform at a crisper, cooler color temperature. With CRI 92 — exceptionally high for any HID lamp technology — this lamp renders colors with near-natural accuracy, producing light quality that approaches the visual performance of high-CRI LED sources while maintaining the output characteristics of compact ceramic metal halide.

At 4000K, this lamp occupies the neutral-to-cool white range preferred for retail environments where product colors need to appear clean and accurate without the warmth bias of 3000K. CRI 92 at 4000K is the specification demanded by showrooms, automotive dealerships, precision retail, scientific and laboratory environments, and galleries displaying cool-toned artwork or photography where the source must not introduce color bias into the displayed materials.

FadeBlock UV filtering protects sensitive merchandise, artwork, and interior finishes from UV-induced fading — the same technology that makes the MasterColor platform appropriate for gallery and museum applications, now applied at 4000K for environments where cooler color quality is specified alongside UV protection. ALTO technology ensures TCLP-compliant low-mercury construction for simplified commercial disposal compliance.

Why Choose This Product

• CRI 92 — the highest color rendering in compact metal halide: Exceeds the CRI 85 of the 3000K MasterColor Elite — producing near-natural color accuracy in a compact 50W ceramic metal halide source. Appropriate for any application where color fidelity at CRI 90+ is required.
• 4000K cool white — crisp, neutral color quality: Clean, neutral light quality at 4000K without the warmth bias of 3000K — specified for retail environments, showrooms, automotive, precision manufacturing, and gallery applications where color neutrality is the priority.
• FadeBlock UV protection: Integrated UV filtering reduces fading of fabrics, artwork, merchandise, photography, and interior finishes.
• Open and outdoor fixture rated: Rated for enclosed and outdoor fixtures — supports both indoor commercial and exterior flood and area lighting applications.
• Universal burn position: Installs in any orientation without affecting lamp performance or rated life.
• 20,000-hour rated life: Long service life reduces replacement frequency and maintenance cost.
• Up to 95 lm/W efficacy: Premium efficacy for compact ceramic metal halide at 50W.
• ALTO TCLP-compliant low-mercury technology: Supports commercial facility disposal compliance and environmental purchasing standards.
• M148/O or M110/O dual ANSI compatibility: Broader ballast compatibility than single-ANSI-code ceramic metal halide lamps.

Technical Specifications

MasterColor 50W Platform Comparison

ADL Supply offers both color temperature variants of the Philips MasterColor 50W ceramic metal halide platform. Use this comparison to select the correct lamp for your application:

Applications

The Philips MasterColor Protected MHC-P 50W/940 4000K CRI 92 is specified for premium commercial lighting where near-natural color accuracy at a cool white color temperature is required:

• Showrooms and automotive dealerships – CRI 92 at 4000K renders vehicle paint colors, finishes, and interior materials accurately under a neutral cool white source.
• High-end retail and jewelry – CRI 92 produces exceptional diamond, gemstone, and precious metal rendering at a clean 4000K.
• 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 3000K warm bias would distort the intended color presentation.
• Commercial retail and task lighting – CRI 92 and 4000K provide accurate color in retail general areas, service desks, fitting rooms, and commercial work environments.
• Outdoor commercial flood and area lighting – Universal burn position and outdoor fixture rating support building perimeter, signage, and entrance flood lighting.

Replacing Your Current Compact Metal Halide Lamp?

Confirm the following before ordering to ensure a compatible replacement:

• ANSI code — M148/O or M110/O: Verify your existing ballast carries M148/O or M110/O ANSI designation. Do not install on other ANSI metal halide ballasts even if wattage appears similar.
• Color temperature — 4000K cool white: If your current installation uses 3000K warm white MasterColor lamps (Order Code 36891-0), note the cooler color shift. For mixed installations, confirm all lamps in the same space are the same color temperature.
• CRI comparison: CRI 92 is significantly higher than standard metal halide (CRI 65–70) and higher than the 3000K MasterColor Elite (CRI 85).
• Base type — E26 medium screw: Verify your fixture socket accepts E26 medium base lamps.
• Fixture type: Rated for enclosed and outdoor fixtures.
• 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: 42994-4
• Lamp Code: MHC P 50W/940 E26 ED17P U ALTO+FB
• Series: MasterColor Protected
• Lamp Type: 50W Protected Ceramic Metal Halide
• ANSI Code: M148/O or M110/O
• 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.
• 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. Replace damaged lamps immediately.
• 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.
• 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.

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