LEGACY REFERENCE
Philips PL-Q 38W/835/4P
DETAILED REFERENCE
How to identify and replace Philips PL-Q 38W/835/4P
This page documents the Philips PL-Q 38W/835/4P, a 38W PL-Q lamp using a 4-pin GR10q base. The catalog record identifies color code 835 (3,500 K in this catalog record) and 2,750 initial lumens. Manufacturer order code 927939483540 provides another high-value identifier when it is present on the lamp or packaging.
For a replacement decision, use the complete combination of markings rather than one feature. A lamp with the same base can still differ in wattage, keying, color, pin configuration, ballast requirements, or other electrical characteristics.
MANUFACTURER FAMILY NOTES
Philips PL-Q 4-pin / GR10q family guidance
These notes come from the Philips/Signify PL-Q family source and add operating context for PL-Q 38W/835/4P. They do not make another GR10q lamp an automatic substitute.
- Signify identifies PL-Q as a square-shaped compact fluorescent family using the four-pin GR10q base; GR10q is distinct from GX10q-4.
- The manufacturer states that the 4-pin PL-Q version is designed for electronic control gear and supports dimming; operating conditions and applied HF control gear can influence lamp characteristics.
- Signify positions PL-Q for low-profile decorative ceiling and wall fixtures and lists corridors, toilets, stairwells and reception areas among typical applications.
- The manufacturer family spans multiple wattages and color codes, so the shared GR10q base does not establish interchangeability. Match the complete lamp marking, wattage, color code and fixture/control-gear requirements.
Manufacturer source: Signify — PL-Q 4 Pin product-family leaflet
Identification checklist
- Read the full lamp marking.Look for PL-Q 38W/835/4P and order code 927939483540 rather than relying only on the shape.
- Confirm the base and pins.This record uses 4-pin GR10q. A similar-looking keyed base or a different pin count should be treated as a different lamp until verified.
- Match wattage and color identity.Reference values here are 38W and color code 835. Color codes that look similar can identify different variants.
- Check the fixture electronics.Verify ballast/control gear, supply voltage, socket keying, and manufacturer instructions before installing a fluorescent substitute or LED retrofit.
Search names and aliases
Older lamps are often listed under shortened model strings, base-first descriptions, or manufacturer order codes. These are the aliases currently indexed for this record.
Before buying a replacement
- Match the exact GR10q base and 4-pin configuration.
- Confirm the original 38W rating and the fixture's approved lamp range.
- Match color code 835 when maintaining the same light color is important.
- Use order code 927939483540 as a strong cross-check when a seller provides it.
- For LED conversions, confirm whether the replacement is ballast-compatible, ballast-bypass, or otherwise requires a specific wiring method.
The Replacement Index separates reference specifications from retailer listings. A product appearing for sale does not by itself establish compatibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is GR10q enough to identify a replacement?
No. Match the complete lamp identity, including base, pins, wattage, color information, and the fixture's electrical requirements.
Can I replace PL-Q 38W/835/4P with LED?
Possibly, but only with an LED product designed for the exact socket and electrical configuration. Some retrofits use a compatible ballast and others require different wiring.
What should I compare first?
Start with manufacturer order code 927939483540 when it is visible, then confirm the full model, base, wattage, pins, and color code.
Source provenance
The specifications above come from the source records attached to this catalog entry. Retail marketplace data is maintained separately.
- Signify / PhilipsPL-Q 4 Pin — Product Family Leaflet · supports specifications and series guidance · accessed 2026-09-09
Related PL-Q reference pages
These nearby catalog entries are useful for comparing markings and variants. They are not automatically interchangeable.