The third-generation Chalice family from Thorn introduces a versatile and high-performance range of recessed LED downlights designed to meet a wide variety of commercial, residential, and industrial lighting needs. The range includes three cut-out sizes—100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm—all engineered with a maximum recessed depth of just 100 mm, allowing installation even in narrow ceiling voids. Each downlight delivers robust protection with an IP54 rating against dust, dirt, and moisture as standard, while all models achieve IK09 shock resistance. Offering an energy-efficient alternative to halogen, fluorescent, and early-generation LED downlights, Chalice delivers up to 155 lumens per watt and a long lifetime of 50,000 hours at L90, keeping running and maintenance costs low. The luminaires are designed with strong, durable spring-mounting clips, lightweight aluminium heatsinks, and plug-and-play connectors between the downlights and drivers, ensuring ease of installation and long-term reliability.
Building on the strengths of the previous Chalice and Chalice Pro ranges, the third-generation Chalice provides a highly adaptable family of luminaires suitable for a broad spectrum of applications. The recessed downlights are available in multiple lumen packages and three reflector finishes—Satinbrite silver, Mirrorbrite silver, and White—allowing for aesthetic and functional customization on-site. Mirrorbrite reflectors are specifically optimized for office environments, providing excellent glare control and achieving UGR19 compliance. For enhanced protection in moisture-prone or challenging environments, an optional ultrasonically welded polycarbonate cover increases ingress protection up to IP65. Additionally, a high-ceiling variant delivers 5000 lumens using a custom optic, while two surface-mounted and suspendable versions expand installation options to under-canopy and exposed ceiling applications. Designed and manufactured in Lemgo, Germany, Chalice downlights incorporate circular design principles, allowing professional replacement of both the driver and the LED light engine. The recycled aluminium heatsink contributes to optimal thermal management, prolonged lifetime, and environmental sustainability.
The Chalice family’s focus on comfort, safety, and efficiency is evident in its low-glare performance, achieving UGR <19 in office environments and delivering high-quality illumination for long periods. Recessed downlights can optionally include an ultrasonic welded polycarbonate cover rated to IP65, enabling installation in bathrooms, wet rooms, food preparation areas, and under-canopy ceilings while minimizing weight and cost. Standard recessed and surface-mounted downlights can also be specified with an emergency battery, providing three hours of illumination in the event of a power outage. Thorn utilizes LiFePO4 batteries in these options, offering higher safety through overcharge and thermal protection, as well as greater stability and lifespan compared to traditional emergency batteries.
High-ceiling installations, such as those found in transportation hubs, railway stations, and airports, are supported by the custom high-ceiling downlight, which features a 5000-lumen chip-on-board module and advanced reflector design. Depending on spacing requirements, the high-ceiling downlight can be specified with a Flood or Wide Flood beam, delivering efficient lighting from increased mounting heights. Surface-mounted options with diameters of 125 mm and 180 mm are rated IP43 as standard and are quickly installed using a twist-and-lock bayonet mount. A patented safety screw ensures the luminaire body remains securely attached to the base, while optional ultrasonic welded covers and back gaskets increase ingress protection to IP54 for under-canopy installations.
Chalice has been specifically designed as an ideal refurbishment solution, allowing users to replace inefficient halogen, fluorescent, and early-generation LED downlights with modern, low-power, high-efficiency LED options. Sustainability is embedded in its design, with the aluminium heatsink cast from recycled material, promoting environmental responsibility and future recyclability. The driver and LED light engine are both removable and replaceable by qualified professionals, enabling easy maintenance, upgrades, and long-term adaptability.
The Variable Colour Temperature (VCT) option further enhances the flexibility of Chalice downlights, using CRI 90 LEDs to tune colour temperatures from a warm 2700K to a cool 6500K. VCT can be controlled via Thorn’s basicDIM Wireless app or DALI DT8 lighting management systems, allowing dedicated colour settings for specific areas. basicDIM Wireless integrates seamlessly with sensors, switches, and luminaires, providing wireless control via tablet or smartphone. Users can choose pre-defined lighting scenarios or adjust light levels and colour temperatures manually or automatically. The wireless system is suitable for both new and existing installations, with all necessary technology integrated into the luminaire, eliminating the need for additional wiring.
The Chalice 3 range combines high efficiency and sustainability in three recessed sizes, offering up to 5000 lumens and luminaire efficiency of up to 155 lm/W for reduced energy consumption. Available in 3000K and 4000K with CRI 80 or 90, the range supports lumen packages between 800 and 5000 lm depending on the size. Three smooth reflector finishes—RSB in satinbrite for wide beam, RMB in high-gloss/specular for improved glare control, and RWH in white for wide beam—provide further customization. Installation is tool-free via spring clips, accommodating ceilings from 1 mm to 40 mm in thickness, and the remote pluggable driver allows quick, simple wiring and maintenance, including through-wiring where needed. IP54 is standard, with IP65 available via a pre-mounted cover, while the high-ceiling luminaire and surface-mounted variants offer additional flexibility.
In summary, Chalice 3 represents a high-efficiency, sustainable, and adaptable LED downlight family with compact recessed heights, multiple sizes, advanced reflector options, and integrated control features. With long lifetimes, easy installation, superior ingress and impact protection, and circular design principles, Chalice downlights provide a future-proof lighting solution suitable for office spaces, high-ceiling environments, hospitality, transportation hubs, and refurbishment projects.
https://www.thornlighting.com/en/products/indoor-lighting/downlights/Chalice_3
