PHILIPS METAL HALIDE | 70W M98/E Clear Pulse Start | 4000K E26 Medium Base

The Philips MH70/U/M/PS  P/N #137505  is a 70-watt pulse start metal halide lamp with a clear BD17 bulb and an E26 medium screw base. It produces 5,500 initial lumens at 4000K with a rated average life of 12,000 hours, giving you bright, crisp white light from a compact lamp. It operates on ANSI M98/E pulse start ballasts, so it suits low-bay fixtures, downlights, wall packs, and other enclosed luminaires in commercial and industrial spaces.

Product Overview

Pulse start technology gives this 70W lamp higher efficacy and longer life than standard probe start (switch start) metal halide. The clear BD17 bulb keeps the light source compact for good optical control in reflectors and refractors, and the universal burn position lets you mount it in nearly any orientation. Philips rates the lamp at about 3,300 mean lumens, or roughly 60% of initial output at 40% of rated life. Because it is a pulse start lamp, it must be used with an approved pulse start ballast with a metal halide ignitor, and it will not work on a switch start (probe start) ballast.

• Pulse Start Efficiency: 79 lumens per watt for more light per watt than probe start metal halide.
• Long 12,000-Hour Life: Fewer relamping trips for hard-to-reach fixtures.
• Compact Clear BD17 Bulb: Fits small fixtures and delivers precise beam control.
• Universal Burn Position: Works in any mounting orientation.
• Cool 4000K Light: Crisp white light that gives good visibility for work, retail, and security areas.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Philips Lighting
• Ordering Code: MH70/U/M/PS
• Product Number: 137505
• ANSI Designation: M98/E
• Lamp Type: Metal Halide, Pulse Start
• Wattage: 70W
• Base Type: E26 (Medium Screw Base)
• Bulb Shape / Finish: BD17 / Clear
• Color Temperature (CCT): 4000K
• CRI: 60
• Initial Lumens: 5,500 lm
• Mean Lumens (approx.): 3,300 lm
• Efficacy: 79 lumens per watt
• Rated Average Life: 12,000 Hours
• Max Overall Length (MOL): 5 7/16 in (138 mm)
• Light Center Length (LCL): 3 7/16 in (86 mm)
• Arc Length: 0.34 in (9 mm)
• Arc Tube Material: Quartz
• Burn Position: Universal
• Max Bulb Temperature: 400°C (752°F)
• Max Base Temperature: 190°C (374°F)

Electrical & Ballast Requirements

• Ballast Type: ANSI M98/E pulse start metal halide ballast with ignitor
• Lamp Operating Voltage: 85V nominal (75V–100V initial range)
• Lamp Operating Current: 0.9 A nominal
• Max Starting Current: 1.5 A
• Ignition Pulse: 3,000V minimum, 4,000V maximum
• Socket Rating: Must be rated to withstand a 4,000V pulse
• Warm-Up Time: About 2 minutes to 95% of operating voltage
• Hot Re-Strike Time: About 10 minutes
• Minimum Operating Temperature: -30°C
• Maximum Lamp Watts: 84W

Safety & Installation Guide

• Pulse Start Ballast Only: Use only in a fixture with a pulse start metal halide ballast designed for pulse start lamps. Do not use on a probe start (switch start) ballast.
• Enclosed Fixtures: Use only in an enclosed fixture that can contain glass particles at temperatures up to 1000°C, unless the lamp is specifically noted otherwise.
• UV Warning: This lamp emits UV radiation. If the outer bulb is broken or punctured, turn it off at once and replace it. Do not use it where people will stay more than a few minutes unless the fixture provides adequate shielding.
• Weekly Off Time: If the lamp runs 24/7, turn it off for at least 15 minutes once a week to reduce the risk of arc tube rupture.
• Relamp on Time: Replace the lamp at or before the end of its rated life. Running a lamp until it fails increases the risk of arc tube rupture.
• Cool Down First: Shut off power and let the lamp and fixture cool before installing or replacing the lamp.
• Power Interruptions: After a power interruption, expect 10 to 20 minutes before the lamp relights.
• Color Stabilization: Lamp color can take several hours of operation to settle, and it may vary slightly from lamp to lamp.

Ideal Applications

• Commercial Downlighting: Lobbies, corridors, and retail floor spaces.
• Industrial Lighting: Low-bay warehouses and workshops.
• Exterior Lighting: Wall packs, security lighting, signage, and building accents.
• Public Spaces: Gymnasiums, indoor malls, and large common areas.

Before Ordering – Verify

• Confirm your fixture has an ANSI M98/E pulse start ballast with an ignitor. Check the ballast label for “pulse start” and 70W.
• Confirm the fixture is enclosed and the socket is rated for a 4,000V pulse.
• Confirm the bulb shape and length (BD17, 5 7/16 in MOL) fit your fixture.

Need Help Choosing?

If you aren't sure this lamp matches your ballast or fixture, send us the lamp or ballast label and our team will help you confirm the right replacement. Call ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.