Overview

The Hella Marine 8543 is a completely sealed LED baitwell light for 12V DC systems, built for wet compartments like live bait tanks and fish boxes. Power draw is 0.5W (<0.04A @ 12V), so it can be left on during a long night without putting much load on the battery.

The housing is polycarbonate and the light is rated IP67 (completely sealed). It mounts through a single hole with a threaded body and nut, and it suits tank walls up to 26 mm (1.02 in) thick. Plan for clearance behind the mounting surface: the face is 50 mm (1.97 in) diameter and the body depth is 40 mm (1.57 in).

A 120 mm (4.7 in) cable lead is pre-attached for simple splicing into an existing 12V lighting circuit. This is a good fit for anglers who want quick visibility in a bait tank, and for boaters adding a small courtesy light in lockers and other splash-prone areas.

Key features

• 12V DC operation with 0.5W consumption (<0.04A @ 12V) for low electrical load
• IP67 (completely sealed) construction for wet, washdown-prone compartments
• Fits mounting surfaces up to 26 mm (1.02 in) thick
• 50 mm (1.97 in) face diameter with 40 mm (1.57 in) body depth to help confirm clearance
• Polycarbonate housing
• Pre-wired with 120 mm (4.7 in) cable lead for clean splices and service access

Variants

This light is offered in multiple configurations based on light color.

The only change between variants is the emitted light color. The mounting style, 12V DC power requirement, and sealed construction remain consistent.

• 998543001: Amber light color. A warm output that keeps glare down when checking the tank at night.
• 998543021: Red light color. Useful when you want light in the tank without a bright white glow in the cockpit.
• 998543031: Blue light color. A cooler look that is often used for baitwells and wet lockers.
• 998543051: White light color. Best for general visibility when sorting bait or inspecting the tank.

What’s included

• LED baitwell light with attached 120 mm (4.7 in) cable lead
• Plastic mounting nut
• Rubber gaskets

Installation and setup

Mounting is a simple through-hole install. Feed the light body through the opening from the wet side, seat the rubber gaskets on clean, flat surfaces, then tighten the nut from the back side to compress the seal evenly. The body depth is 40 mm (1.57 in), so confirm you have room behind the panel or tank wall before drilling.

Route the lead so it is protected from chafe and cannot be pinched by the lid or plumbing. Make splices in a drier area when possible, and use marine-grade connectors and heat-shrink to keep corrosion out of the joint.

Electrical and on-board use

This is a 12V DC light, so it belongs on a 12V lighting circuit with appropriate circuit protection. It works well in livewells, bait tanks, fish boxes, and other compartments where the light may see spray, rinse-downs, and vibration.