This review dives into the Thorn Lighting Cetus3 LED downlight, a product praised for its ease of installation and versatile features. We'll explore the unboxing experience, highlighting the build quality and included components, before delving into the straightforward installation process. The Cetus3's innovative plug-and-play design and ample internal space are key aspects we'll examine, comparing its installation simplicity to the challenges often encountered with older fixtures. We'll also assess the performance and functionality of its multiple brightness and color settings, a feature easily adjusted without complex tools.Beyond its ease of use, we'll analyze the Cetus3's emergency lighting capabilities, a crucial safety feature providing ample illumination during power outages. The overall value proposition, encompassing build quality, warranty, and versatile functionality, will be considered. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Thorn Lighting Cetus3 LED downlight, determining whether it truly lives up to its claims and earns its place as a top choice in the market.
Pros And Cons
- Plug and play installation
- Includes cable clasps to hold wiring
- High quality
- 5-year warranty
- Energy-efficient LED lights (compared to twin compact fluorescent lamps)
- Suitable for various ceiling types (plasterboard, thin material, ceiling tiles up to 35 mil)
- Strong wing design for secure ceiling mounting
- Easy color and brightness adjustment via a rotating dial on the front
- Six different settings (two brightness levels and three color profiles)
- Easy installation
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Thorn Lighting Cetus3 LED downlight arrived in its packaging. The packaging included the LED driver, the downlight fitting itself, and instructions. Initial impressions of the build quality were very positive, exceeding expectations for a product of this type. The inclusion of a five-year warranty also boosts confidence in its longevity and reliability.
Key Features and Design
One standout feature is the plug-and-play design. The connection between the driver and the light fitting is simple and secure. Convenient cable clasps inside the fitting securely hold the wiring in place, simplifying installation. The ample space inside the fitting allows for easy wiring and maneuvering.


Installation Process
Removing the old light fitting was more challenging than installing the Cetus3. The installation of the new LED driver was straightforward, with clearly marked live and neutral connections. The earth connection was easily made using a WAGO connector. The cable straps inside the fitting securely hold the cables in place. The final connection between the driver and the fitting is simple and secure. The wings of the fitting easily adjust to fit a variety of ceiling types.
Color and Brightness Settings
The Cetus3 offers six different settings: two brightness levels and three color profiles. Changing these settings is incredibly easy, requiring only a flathead screwdriver to adjust the bezel. This simple mechanism is a significant improvement over other systems that require removing the bezel or taking down the entire light fixture.


Emergency Lighting Functionality
The Cetus3's emergency lighting functionality is exceptionally efficient, providing ample light even in windowless rooms. This ensures safe and calm evacuation during power outages. This feature is a key selling point for safety consciousness.

Conclusion
The Thorn Lighting Cetus3 LED downlight offers exceptional value due to its ease of installation, high-quality build, versatile features, and long warranty period. The simple yet effective design makes it a joy to install, and the color-changing feature and brightness adjustments provide considerable flexibility. The plug-and-play design and robust construction make this downlight a top choice for any lighting project, surpassing many other downlights on the market.