Brands Guides About
GE CMH70TU/830/G12 70W Metal Halide Bulb — main product image
GE

GE CMH70TU/830/G12 70W Metal Halide Bulb

70W pulse start metal halide lamp with warm 3000K output, 6200 lumens, and 15,000-hour rated life.

$27.63*$31.00Save 10%
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 08, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The GE CMH70TU/830/G12 is a 70-watt pulse start ceramic metal halide lamp designed for commercial, retail, and architectural lighting applications where quality light and energy efficiency are both priorities. Producing 6,200 initial lumens from its compact T6 bulb shape, it delivers a high lumen-per-watt ratio that makes it an efficient choice compared to older probe start metal halide or incandescent alternatives. The 3000 Kelvin warm white color temperature creates an inviting ambiance, while the 83 CRI ensures that colors in merchandise displays, interiors, and signage appear natural and appealing.

The lamp's universal burn position rating provides installation flexibility, allowing it to be mounted in any orientation without affecting performance or life. At just 3.56 inches long and 0.57 inches in diameter, it fits comfortably in compact track heads, recessed downlights, and small enclosed fixtures with G12 sockets. The 15,000-hour rated life means fewer lamp changes and lower ongoing maintenance costs, which is a meaningful advantage in commercial settings with high ceilings or hard-to-access fixtures. This lamp requires a pulse start ballast rated to ANSI code M139/E for proper operation.

Specifications

Brand
GE
Model
CMH70TU/830/G12
Wattage
70W
ANSI Code
M139/E
Bulb Shape
T6
Color Temperature
3000K
CRI
83
Initial Lumens
6200
Rated Life
15,000 hours
Length
3.56 in.
Diameter
0.57 in.
Burn Position
Universal
Base
G12

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 6200 initial lumens from only 70 watts provides strong light output for its wattage class
  • 15,000-hour rated life reduces lamp replacement frequency and maintenance costs
  • Universal burn position allows flexible installation in any fixture orientation
  • 83 CRI at 3000K delivers warm, natural-looking light suitable for retail and display settings
  • Compact T6 bulb shape fits in smaller fixtures and tighter housings

👎 Cons

  • Requires a compatible M139/E pulse start ballast, which adds to installation cost if not already in place
  • G12 base limits compatibility to fixtures specifically designed for that socket type
  • Metal halide lamps require a warm-up period before reaching full brightness
  • Lumen output depreciates over the lamp's life, reducing brightness toward end of rated hours

Frequently Asked Questions

It uses a G12 bi-pin ceramic base, so you'll need a compatible G12 socket fixture to install it.
The lamp produces a warm 3000 Kelvin light with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 83, delivering pleasant and reasonably accurate color rendition.
It is rated for 15,000 hours of life, making it a long-lasting option for commercial and industrial lighting installations.
Yes, it has a universal burn position rating, meaning it can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at any angle.
It requires a pulse start ballast with ANSI code M139/E. It is not compatible with standard probe start ballasts.

Related Products