Replace Large 'E40' Bulbs With LED
The Philips TForce Core LED HPL 36W E40 replaces outdated incandescent, halogen, mercury-vapour (MV), high-pressure sodium (HPS/SON) and metal-halide (HPL/MH) globes. At 36 watts, it delivers up to 6,000 lumens of clean, bright light from the moment you flip the switch.
- Massive energy savings: Uses over 70% less energy than the 125W metal-halide globes.
- Instant full brightness: No warm-up delay; unlike old discharge lamps, it reaches 100% brightness instantly.
- Long service life: Rated for 25,000 hours, or over 8 years running 8 hours a day.
- Mains-powered retrofit: Bypass the existing ballast (if present) and connect directly to mains voltage (240V). An electrician must disconnect the old ballast, capacitor, and ignitor if present.
- Built for tough environments: Glass oval body rated IP65, suitable for dusty, humid or outdoor locations.
- Two colour options: Warm White (3000K) for hospitality and retail; Cool White (4000K) for warehouses, workshops and general industrial use.
Where E40 Globes Are Used
Giant Edison Screw (GES / E40) globes are found in many commercial and industrial light fittings. You'll find them across a wide range of spaces, including:
- Warehouses, factories and logistics facilities
- Retail stores, showrooms and shopping centres
- Carpark entrances, loading docks, and outdoor canopies
- Parks, pedestrian walkways and street lighting
- Agricultural sheds and large outbuildings
- Sports halls and recreational centres
Choosing Between Warm White (3000K) and Cool White (4000K)
Both variants deliver much better light quality than the E40 lights they replace. The difference lies in the tone of the light:
| Variant | Colour Temperature | Light Output | Best For |
| Warm White | 3000K | 5,500 lumens | Hospitality venues, retail showrooms, reception areas, restaurants |
| Cool White | 4000K | 6,000 lumens | Warehouses, workshops, carparks, factories, general commercial |
If you're unsure, Cool White (4000K) is the more popular choice for industrial and commercial work environments. Warm White (3000K) is preferred wherever you want a more welcoming or inviting atmosphere.
Installation Guide: Philips E40 LED Globe (Direct Mains)
This globe is for mains only; it connects directly to 240V. There are two installation scenarios:
1) Existing 'HID' fitting with ballast. This is the standard setup for most fittings running old High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. A licensed electrician must remove or bypass the ballast and wire the lampholder directly to mains. After this one-time modification, the globe screws in like any other bulb.
2) Fitting already wired to mains. If you're replacing an old incandescent, halogen, or LED bulb where there's no ballast, or it's already been bypassed, this globe is a straight swap. Simply unscrew the old globe and screw in the new one.
The E40 base on this globe also fits E39 'Mogul' sockets (common in some older imported fittings). It can be installed in any orientation: base up, base down, or horizontal.
Specifications - Philips TForce E40 LED 36W
| Fitting Type | E40 GES (Giant Edison Screw) |
| Voltage | 220–240V AC |
| Power Usage | 36W |
| Equivalent To | 125W+ HPL (Mercury Vapour / Metal Halide) or 70W+ SON (High Pressure Sodium) |
| Colour Temperature | 3000K (Warm White) or 4000K (Cool White) |
| Light Output | 5,500 lumens (3000K) or 6,000 lumens (4000K) |
| Beam Angle | 300° (omnidirectional, like a traditional globe) |
| Lifetime | 25,000 hours |
| Start Time | Instant (0.5 seconds to full brightness) |
| Dimmable | No |
| IP Rating | IP65 dust-tight and weatherproof |
| Bulb Shape / Material | Oval / Frosted Glass |
| Dimensions | 91.5mm diameter × 234mm overall length |
| Weight | 190g |
| Product Identifiers | Philips TrueForce Core LED HPL 36W E40 FR 830 (for 3000K) or 840 (for 4000K); 929002481402 & 929002481502 (part numbers) |
| Further Details | Spec Sheets: 3000K, 4000K; Install Guide (PDF) |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician to install this E40 globe?
If you're replacing a mains-voltage incandescent, halogen, or LED bulb with an E40 base, then no. You can just screw it in like a normal globe. You can identify these lights as they switch on instantly at full brightness.
High-intensity discharge lamps, on the other hand, will need their control gear removed by an electrician. These lights take a while to 'warm up' to full brightness when switched on each day, and include metal-halide, mercury-vapour, or sodium lamps.
The product ships with a sticker that your electrician can place inside the fitting once converted. It states that the fitting has been modified and now requires this Philips LED or similar to operate.
Can I replace a higher wattage than 125W?
Yes. Philips states this globe delivers equivalent brightness to a 125W HPL (metal halide) or 70W SON (high-pressure sodium) lamp. However, as old 'discharge lamps' degrade severely over time, we've had some customers report equivalent brightness to old 450W metal halide lamps.
Can I install this globe in any orientation?
Yes. Unlike some older HID lamps that required a specific burning position (horizontal, vertical base-up, etc.), this globe can be installed in any orientation - base up, base down, or horizontal - without affecting its performance or lifespan.
What's the difference between an E40 and an E27?
E40 and E27 refer to the diameter of the screw thread on the base of the globe. E40 (this item) has a 40mm diameter thread, and E27 has a 27mm diameter thread. The "E" stands for Edison (the screw-base system invented by Thomas Edison), and the number is simply the width in millimetres.
In practical terms:
- E27 is the standard household screw base. It's used in most table lamps, floor lamps, and other domestic light fittings. It's sometimes called a Medium Edison Screw (MES).
- E40 is roughly 50% wider and is used in large commercial and industrial fittings, such as high-bays, street lights, and carpark luminaires. It's called a Giant Edison Screw (GES) or 'Goliath Edison Screw' in some documentation.
The two bases are not interchangeable unless you have an E27 to E40 adapter.