Ground Spots

Why Opt for LED Ground Spots?

Switching to LED technology for ground spots offers numerous advantages, contributing to sustainability, efficiency, and ease of use. LED ground spots have become the modern standard due to their performance and long lifespan.

• Energy-efficient: LED ground spots consume significantly less energy than traditional light sources, resulting in lower electricity bills. The difference is striking, as a low-wattage LED often produces a much higher light output compared to a halogen lamp of several tens of watts.
• Long lifespan: With lifespans reaching tens of thousands of burning hours, you need to replace LED ground spots far less often. This minimizes maintenance and ensures continuous lighting for many years.
• Sustainable: LEDs contain no mercury or other harmful substances, making them a more environmentally friendly choice than conventional lighting. They are robust and better able to withstand vibrations and shocks.
• Instant light output: Once switched on, LED ground spots immediately provide full brightness, with no warm-up time needed.
• Various light colors and options: From atmospheric warm white to functional cool white, LED offers a wide range of color temperatures. Many models are dimmable or can be combined with sensors for added functionality.

Applying Ground Spots in Various Outdoor Spaces

Ground spots are versatile and can be integrated into a variety of outdoor environments. The way they are applied influences both the ambiance and the functionality of the lighting.

• Along driveways and walkways: Ground spots mark the route and offer safety when navigating in the dark. Driveways often require load-bearing variants that can be driven over.
• In terraces and decking: Integrating ground spots into tiles or wooden decks creates a sleek and uninterrupted lighting effect, contributing to a modern appearance.
• Highlighting trees and shrubs: Ground spots placed at the base of trees or large shrubs illuminate the canopy from below, creating a dramatic and deep effect.
• Illuminating facades and walls: Ground spots along the edge of a facade produce a subtle upward-directed light effect, highlighting the texture and architecture of a building.
• Near ponds and water features: Special waterproof ground spots add depth and reflection to ponds, increasing the visual appeal of water features after dark.

Considerations for Specific Locations

Depending on the location, important factors must be taken into account. For ground spots that experience heavy use or mechanical load, such as those on driveways, a high IK rating (impact resistance) is a relevant specification. This indicates how well the fixture can withstand knocks and pressure.

For areas where ground spots come directly into contact with plants or ground covers, good sealing and heat dissipation of the fixture are crucial to avoid overheating. This protects both the lamp’s lifespan and the surrounding vegetation from damage.

IP Ratings and Safety of Ground Spots

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is crucial when selecting outdoor lighting, and especially for ground spots. This classification indicates how well a fixture is protected against dust and water ingress. Since ground spots are in direct contact with moisture and soil, a high IP rating is essential.

For ground spots, a minimum IP rating of IP67 is usually recommended to ensure lasting performance and safety, given their positioning in the ground where water can accumulate.

Installing Ground Spots: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide

Installing ground spots requires accuracy and attention to detail, especially regarding water drainage and electrical connections. The following steps will help ensure correct installation.

1. Determine and prepare the location: Before starting, decide on the precise position of each ground spot. Doing this at dusk or in the dark with a temporarily connected lamp can help you visualize the lighting effect. Avoid the lowest spots in your garden to reduce the risk of water accumulation.

   Dig a hole about 20-30 centimeters deeper and wider than the ground spot itself. This extra space is needed for proper drainage.

2. Ensure proper water drainage: Inadequate drainage is a common cause of water damage to ground spots. Add a 20-30 centimeter layer of coarse gravel or shells at the bottom of the hole. This ensures excess water quickly drains away, preventing the fixture from sitting in standing water. Make sure the ground cable protrudes sufficiently.

3. Cable connections: Most ground spots operate on either 12V (low voltage) or 230V (mains voltage). Check which system your ground spot requires.

   • 12V systems: These require a transformer to convert 230V mains voltage into a safer 12V output. The wiring is less risky and can often be laid closer to the surface, though protection and burial are still advised.
   • 230V systems: These connect directly to the mains and require special double-insulated ground cables (such as YMVK-as), buried at least 50-60 cm deep, and even deeper under paths and driveways for protection.

   Make the connections between the ground cable and the lamp waterproof using waterproof cable connectors or resin-filled junction boxes. Such a box is filled with a special resin that seals the connection completely against moisture. Always test the connection before pouring the resin, as the seal becomes permanent once set.

4. Place and test the ground spot: Secure the ground spot in the prepared hole, on top of the gravel layer. Ensure the top of the spot is level with the surface or deck for a flush finish.

   Connect the power and test whether the spot works correctly. Check for flickering or irregularities in the light. Adjust the connections if necessary. Once everything functions, complete the installation.

5. Finishing the hole: Fill in the hole around the ground spot with the remaining gravel layer and cover with soil, tiles or your desired surface material. Make sure the spot is held firmly and cannot sink.

Preventing Water Damage

Water damage is a common issue with ground spots. It can occur due to an inadequately tightened gland at the bottom of the fixture, a leaking rubber seal between the ring and the glass, or an insufficiently sealed connection box or cable connector. Check these points carefully during installation and periodically thereafter.

Solar Ground Spots: A Wireless Alternative

For locations where wiring is difficult or undesirable, solar ground spots offer a flexible and eco-friendly solution. These lamps charge during the day using an integrated solar panel and automatically turn on at dusk.

Advantages of Solar Ground Spots

• Easy installation: No wiring needed; simply place the spot in the ground using a spike.
• Sustainable and cost-saving: Operate entirely on solar energy, so they do not impact your electricity bill.
• Flexible placement: Can be placed wherever there is sufficient sunlight, without relying on power outlets.

Considerations for Solar Ground Spots

• Dependence on sunlight: Performance depends on the amount of sunlight. On cloudy days or in winter, the burn time may be shorter.
• Lower light output: Generally, solar ground spots offer lower brightness than wired variants, making them more suitable for atmospheric rather than functional lighting.
• Battery lifespan: The integrated battery has a limited lifespan and will become less efficient over time.

Solar ground spots are ideal for accent lighting, creating ambiance in gardens, or marking temporary paths where intensive lighting is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Spots

Selecting and Maintaining Ground Spots

Choosing the right ground spots is an investment in the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space. Pay attention to the IP rating, voltage (12V or 230V), light output (lumens), light color (Kelvin), and the material of the product. By carefully considering these factors, you choose a product that fits your preferences and outdoor conditions.

Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your ground spots. Clean the glass cover periodically to remove dirt, leaves, and limescale, ensuring optimum light output. Also, check the electrical connections and seals annually for wear or damage, especially after periods of extreme weather. This helps detect and prevent issues early on.