Nella 12W surface mounted round downlight

A surface mounted round downlight, 90mm, rated IP65 and IK08. Surface mounted rather than recessed is the whole point of this fitting: it fixes to the underside of a ceiling, a soffit or a beam without a cutout, which is what makes it usable where recessing is impossible concrete slabs, timber-lined ceilings, eaves with no cavity, and rented or heritage spaces where cutting the ceiling is not on the table.

The IP65 rating means it works outside as well as in. Under an eave, in a carport, over an alfresco area or in a bathroom, the same fitting applies.

At 12W and 90mm this is the larger of the two Nella surface mounts, and the one to use where the ceiling is high or the fitting has to do real work rather than mark a space. Over a bathroom vanity, a laundry or an alfresco table it will light the area on its own.

White with the extended mounting base is the combination most often specified for plasterboard and painted ceilings, where the fitting should read as part of the surface rather than as an object fixed to it.

Five colour temperatures, each with its own output

This is a five-step CCT fitting rather than the usual three: 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K and 5700K, selected on the fitting at installation. Output rises across the range 960lm, 970lm, 980lm, 990lm and 1000lm respectively from a 12W draw.

Five steps is genuinely useful when a fitting has to work across different rooms in one job. 2700K suits a bedroom or a warm timber ceiling; 4000K is the neutral choice for a kitchen or bathroom; 5700K suits a garage or a workshop. One part number covers all of them.

Colour rendering above 90 CRI

The Nella is rated above 90 CRI, which is well above what a typical domestic downlight offers. On a ceiling that difference shows on skin tones, timber, paint colours and food the reason to specify it in a kitchen, a bathroom or anywhere people are seen under it.

240V or 12V, and the dimming depends on which

The fitting is made in both 240V mains and 12V DC low-voltage versions, and this listing carries one of each. The 240V versions are Class 1 and require an earth; the 12V versions are Class 3, need no earth at the fitting, and do require a 12V DC driver on the circuit that is not supplied.

Havit states the fitting is Triac dimmable on the 240V models only. If dimming is part of the plan, that decides which version to order a 12V Nella on a dimmed circuit will not behave as expected.

Installation and siting

No cutout is needed, but the mounting base does need a fixing point and a cable entry, so the ceiling still has to be prepared. Rated lamp expectancy is >30,000 hrs and the LED is built in, so there is no globe to buy or replace.

Havit states that aluminium and 304 stainless fittings must not be installed within 5km of any salt water environment. Installation is work for a licensed electrician.

Frequently asked questions

Does it need a ceiling cutout?

No. It is surface mounted, so it fixes to the ceiling face without cutting a hole.

Which version can be dimmed?

Only the 240V models, which are Triac dimmable. The 12V models are not.

Can it be used outdoors?

Yes. It is rated IP65 for dust and jetted water, and IK08 for impact.

How many colour temperatures does it have?

Five 2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K and 5700K selected at installation.

Does the 12V version need a driver?

Yes, a 12V DC driver, and it is not supplied with the fitting.