Ushio

Ushio BC8853 CF18DE/841 18W CFL Bulb 4100K

4.3 (5 reviews)
18W

Energy-efficient 18W CFL bulb delivering 1200 lumens of cool white light with a 10,000-hour rated lifespan.

$9.50*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Ushio BC8853 CF18DE/841 is an 18-watt compact fluorescent lamp designed for use in commercial and institutional lighting fixtures equipped with a G24q-2 four-pin socket. Producing 1200 lumens of cool white light at a 4100K color temperature, it delivers efficient illumination that works well in offices, retail environments, hallways, and other spaces where neutral, even lighting is preferred. The bulb draws just 18 watts while achieving a light output comparable to much higher-wattage incandescent sources, making it a practical choice for energy-conscious applications.

With a rated average lifetime of 10,000 hours and a CRI of 82, this CFL provides reliable, reasonably color-accurate light over an extended period. It is important to note that the CF18DE/841 requires an external ballast to operate — it cannot be used in standard screw-in sockets without an adapter and ballast combination. This makes it best suited as a direct replacement in existing fluorescent fixtures that already have the appropriate ballast in place. The four-pin design ensures a stable electrical connection and supports both electronic and magnetic ballast operation.

Key Features

Color/finish: cool white

Color temperature: 4,100K

Average lifetime: 10000 hours

Lumens (light output): 1200

Requires separate ballast to operate

Specifications

Brand
Ushio
Model
BC8853
Wattage
18W
Lamp Type
CFL (Compact Fluorescent)
Base Type
G24q-2 (4-Pin)
Color Temperature
4100K (Cool White)
Lumens (Initial)
1200
CRI
82
Average Lifetime
10,000 hours
Ballast Required
Yes (separate ballast)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • High lumen output of 1200 lumens from only 18 watts of power consumption
  • Long 10,000-hour rated lifespan reduces replacement frequency
  • 4100K cool white temperature is well-suited for commercial and task lighting environments
  • G24q-2 four-pin base provides a secure and reliable connection to compatible fixtures

👎 Cons

  • Requires a separate compatible ballast, adding cost if one is not already installed
  • CRI of 82 may not be sufficient for color-critical applications like photography or design work
  • As a CFL, it contains a small amount of mercury and requires proper disposal
  • Does not offer dimming capability without a compatible dimming ballast

Frequently Asked Questions

It uses a G24q-2 (4-pin) base, which is a standard compact fluorescent plug-in configuration.
Yes, the CF18DE/841 requires a compatible external ballast — it will not work plugged directly into a standard socket.
It produces a 4100K cool white light, which is a neutral tone suitable for offices, retail spaces, and task lighting.
It delivers 1200 initial lumens, providing strong light output relative to its low wattage.
The Color Rendering Index is 82, which provides good but not exceptional color accuracy for general-purpose lighting.