Philips Ceramic Discharge Metal-Halide (CDM) 315w Lamps

What Are The Philips Ceramic Discharge Metal-Halide (CDM) 315W Grow Lamps?

Ceramic Metal Halide lamp technology is slightly modified from existing HID units. A ceramic, rather than quartz igniter is used as well as a new mix of metallic elements and compounds. The ratio of elements included in the lamp denotes the spectral output. The inclusion of ceramic rather than quartz allows for a much higher operating temperature, which leads to a more stable and rounded spectral output.

Philips daylight CDM lamps are extremely efficient ceramic metal halide lamps with a spectral output close to natural sunlight. As a result, plants form more lateral branches, have smaller inter-nodal spacing, more flowering sites, and larger root systems, culminating in strong, healthy growth and high-quality yields.

Philips CDM bulbs have an amazing operating life. They maintain their high output for a lifespan of 30,000hrs on average.

Ceramic metal halide lamps are known by several names within the horticultural industry, all essentially describing the same technology, including:

• Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH)
• Ceramic Discharge Metal Halide (CDM)
• Light Emitting Ceramic (LEC) LEC is a trademark name for the Sun System 315W LEC – a premium reflector purpose made to get the highest performance out of the 315W CDM bulb. Despite it being a trademark name, it utilises the same technology as other 315W CDM fixtures, just with a stronger output due to the higher reflectance.

What Philips Grow Lights Are Available?

Philips 315W CDM 942 (blue)

The Philips 942 Blue lamps output is extremely close to the spectrum of sunlight so its great for veg.

It's an extremely efficient bulb producing 1.7 micromoles (µmol) per Watt

The graph below shows the spectral output of the Philips 942 (Blue) 315W CDM

Philips 315W CDM 930 (red)

The Red lamp has a higher output in the red side of the spectrum so it's better for flowering.

The 930 trades some of the varied spectral output for a higher intensity - producing 1.9 micromoles (µmol) per Watt

The graph below shows the spectral output of the Philips 930 (Red) 315W CDM

Which Reflectors Can I Use With Ceramic Discharge Metal Halide Grow Light Bulbs?

There's an increasing number of options for those wishing to use 315W CMH lamps in their space

• 315W CMH Focus Light Kit
• 315W CMH Horizon Light Kit
• Sun System 315W LEC

How Do I Use Philips Ceramic Discharge Metal-Halide (CDM) 315W Grow Lamps?

Philips 315W CDM bulbs can be used as standalone lighting or as supplementary lighting between existing HID units. The CDM's full spectrum will provide colours in the spectrum that are missing in traditional HID fixtures like blues, greens, and UV.

Only use these bulbs with a ballast designed for powering 315W CDM units – failure to do so may cause the lamp to explode.

Bedding In CDM Grow Lights

When you first switch on your 315W grow lights, make sure you leave it on for at least 15 minutes to let the mix of metals inside the lamp properly fuse. Failure to properly ‘bed’ your lamp will result in the warranty being voided and could lead to the lamp failing.

Installation Issues

If you’re having trouble installing your lamp into the reflector, make sure that it’s around the correct way as one of the connections is a different shape, preventing the lamp from being installed incorrectly. Sometimes it can be a bit tricky to properly install the bulb – make sure you've pushed the legs of the lamp fully into the holes before turning.

Make sure you use a clean cloth to hold the bulb when installing it into the reflector. Any scratches or residues on the bulb may cause it to shatter.

Due to the partial vacuum between the outer and inner glass sheaths, glass may fly if the outer envelope is broken. Discontinue use if the bulb is broken, cracked, or scratched. Discontinue use if the outer envelope gets blemished, it may stop filtering harmful UVC light.