This is the 18W Nella in the extension body the largest output in the tri-colour surface mounted family, in a housing that stands well clear of the ceiling. It is the fitting to specify when a room needs real light from a surface mount and you want the fitting to read as a deliberate cylinder rather than disappear into the plane above.

Both white and black finishes are covered by this listing, and both perform identically; the finish is a styling decision.

Semi-frosted glass, not plastic

Havit specifies this body with a semi frosted glass diffuser, which is the detail that separates this generation from the five-colour Nella range running plastic. Glass holds its clarity instead of yellowing under sustained heat and wipes clean without scratching worth having in a kitchen or bathroom where the fitting gets washed rather than dusted. The trade-off is impact resistance: this body is rated IK07 against IK08 for the plastic-diffused models, so it is the softer choice for a garage or workshop ceiling.

Output, and which setting is brightest

Three colour settings are built in and chosen at installation, and the brightest is not the coolest: 1,380lm at 3000K, 1,430lm at 4000K and 1,305lm at 5500K. Output peaks at 4000K and falls away above it, so if you want the most light on the floor, 4000K is the setting and 5500K costs you around 125lm for the cooler colour. Colour rendering is CRI>80.

Installation

No cutout is required. The fitting attaches to a mounting base against the ceiling surface, so it works on concrete, render and timber linings, and in renovations where the ceiling cavity cannot be reached. Allow for the depth of the extension housing when you check clearance in circulation areas.

It runs on 240V AC wired directly to mains with no driver in the circuit. It is Protection ClassI, so an earth connection is required, and fittings are wired in parallel across a run. Dimming is Triac, and Havit lists the HV9625 Triac Dimmer as the matching control. The IP54 rating covers dust and splashing water from any direction bathroom ceilings and under-cover outdoor areas but not immersion or high-pressure water.

Lamp expectancy is over 30,000 hours and the warranty is 3 years replacement. Lights For You lists the 7W, 12W and 18W extension bodies together so the step up in output can be weighed against the extra size before a ceiling is committed to one of them.

Questions

Which colour setting gives the most light?

4000K, at 1,430lm. Output does not keep rising as the light gets cooler on this fitting 5500K produces 1,305lm, around 125lm less than the middle setting. It is a common assumption that cooler means brighter, and here it does not hold.

What is the diffuser made of?

Semi frosted glass, which is what separates this body from the five-colour Nella range and its plastic diffuser. Glass does not yellow under sustained heat and can be wiped clean without scratching. In exchange the impact rating is IK07 rather than IK08.

Is there a cutout to make?

No. It is surface mounted and fixes to a mounting base against the ceiling, so there is no hole to cut and no access needed above the ceiling line.

Does it need a driver or transformer?

No. This is the 240V AC model and it wires straight to mains. It is Protection Class I so an earth connection is required, making it a licensed electrician’s installation.

How far does it project below the ceiling?

This is the extension body, so it stands noticeably clear of the ceiling rather than sitting close to it. Check the drop against your ceiling height, and against head height in any circulation space beneath it.

Can it be dimmed?

Yes Triac dimming, with Havit’s HV9625 Triac Dimmer listed as the compatible control. Use an LED-rated dimmer and check its minimum load against the number of fittings on the circuit.

Can I use it in a bathroom or under an eave?

IP54 protects against dust and splashing water from any direction, which suits bathroom ceilings and covered outdoor areas such as eaves. It is not rated for immersion or high-pressure water, so confirm the zone with your electrician.