Overview

The Hella Marine Apelo EuroLED75 RGB/W downlight is a recessed RGBW LED light for 12V DC boats that adds full-colour lighting plus a dedicated 5000K white mode in the same fixture.

It runs on 9-16V DC and produces 150 lumens (white). The sealed housing is rated IP6K7 and IP6K9K for areas that get regular washdowns, and it comes with a 120 mm tinned marine cable pigtail and a flexible 6-wire connection for RGB and white control.

Fit is straightforward on refits: the face trim is 75 mm (3 in) diameter, and the body fits a 50 mm (2 in) cutout for screw mounting or a 54 mm (2.2 in) cutout when using spring clips. Allow about 21 mm (0.9 in) of clearance behind the panel, plus space for the wiring bend.

Key features

• RGB plus dedicated 5000K white output in one downlight
• 12V DC only operation (9-16V DC)
• 150 lumens measured output on the white channel
• Recess mount with screw or spring mounting options
• 75 mm (3 in) trim face with 50 mm (2 in) screw-mount cutout, or 54 mm (2.2 in) cutout for spring clips
• IP6K7 and IP6K9K sealing for submersion in operation and high pressure washdowns
• 120 mm tinned marine cable and a flexible 6-wire connection for RGBW integration
• Reverse polarity protected and intended to be fuse protected up to 3 A maximum
• EMC limits aligned to EN60945, IEC61547, and CISPR15

Variants

This downlight is offered with different round trim finishes to match the surrounding joinery and onboard hardware.

The trim material changes between variants, while the core fit, 12V operating range, RGBW light output, and recessed mounting remain the same.

• 017884001: Round trim in white plastic. This finish blends into white liners and light headliners, keeping the fixture visually low-key in cabins and enclosed spaces.
• 017884011: Round trim in stainless steel. This finish matches common stainless fittings and stays looking clean around galleys, cockpits, and other areas that see frequent wipe-downs.

Installation and setup

Plan the mounting method before cutting. For screw mounting, the fixture fits a 50 mm (2 in) cutout. For spring mounting, the cutout increases to 54 mm (2.2 in). Keep the back of the mounting surface clear for roughly 21 mm (0.9 in) of fixture depth and for routing the cable without tight bends.

Because the housing is sealed, installation comes down to a clean cutout and secure mounting so the trim sits flat. If you are replacing an older 50 mm downlight, the 75 mm (3 in) trim face can also help cover minor edge marks from the previous fixture.

Electrical and system integration

This light uses a 6-wire connection for RGB and white control and is intended to be run as part of an Apelo Light Controller system for colour selection and mode control. Confirm you have a controller and wiring plan that supports separate RGB channels plus a white channel.

Protect the circuit with a fuse rated at 3 A maximum, and use marine-grade terminations with sealed heat-shrink where splices are required. The lamp is polarity conscious, and reverse polarity will stop operation without damaging the unit.

Use cases on board

This is a practical choice for 12V cabins, saloons, and covered cockpit areas where you want one light that can switch between task-oriented white light and colour lighting for evening ambience. It also suits boats that are building a multi-zone RGBW setup across interior and exterior covered spaces using an Apelo controller.

Maintenance and care

Wipe the trim and lens with mild soap and fresh water, especially after salt exposure. Avoid abrasive pads on the lens and trim to prevent dulling the surface finish.