An in-ground spot (ground spot) adds beautiful lighting around your home. You can highlight a tree, light a pathway after dark, or add subtle light along planting. Before we explain exactly how to install a ground spot, we’ll share some key tips and choices to make first.

Choosing your ground spot

Ground spots are typically round or square and come in various colours and materials. You can select by design, but also by light source: models with integrated LED or versions where you fit your own GU10 or GU5.3 lamp. Selecting your own bulb lets you choose a dimmable or smart lamp so you can adjust brightness or control it remotely.

Placement: what to consider

If installed outdoors, your ground spot will be exposed to rain and moisture. Choose at least an IP65 rated fixture for year-round outdoor use. Place the spot on a flat surface (soil or paving) and avoid the lowest point where water pools. Backfill the area around the housing with gravel (≈20 cm) to promote drainage around the spot.

Which voltage should you choose?

Ground spots are available in 230V and 12V. A 230V model connects directly to mains. A 12V model requires a 12V transformer between the supply and the coupling system, converting 230V to 12V.

Tools you’ll need

Gather your tools before you start; you may not need them all, but having them ready keeps the job smooth.

- Voltage tester
- Wire stripper / side cutters / cable knife
- Screwdriver (flat & Phillips)
- IP-rated junction box (IP68 recommended) and couplers (2-way / 3-way)
- Ground/installation cable (230V) or low-voltage cable (12V)
- Gravel for drainage backfill
- Drill, wall plugs and screws (if mounting in paving or decking)
- Optional: additional connector blocks / lever connectors

Ready-made connection kits

Already know how many ground spots you want to install? Use our ready-made connection kits for one or multiple spots—pick the number of spots and receive everything you need for installation.

Note: the kit is supplied without a daisy-chain lead because the length depends on the spacing you want between fixtures.

Step-by-step installation guide

Install multiple ground spots (daisy-chain)

Installing several ground spots is easiest when you daisy-chain them. Below is a schematic approach using couplers.

As you’ll see, connecting three ground spots is simply a matter of daisy-chaining:

Ground spot 1: Use a 3-way coupler. It has three openings. Insert the incoming supply lead into the left opening, the lead of ground spot 1 into the top opening, and the daisy-chain lead to the next spot into the right opening.

Ground spot 2: Again use a 3-way coupler. Left: the daisy-chain lead from spot 1. Top: the lead of spot 2. Right: the daisy-chain lead heading to spot 3.

Ground spot 3: The final spot doesn’t continue onward, so use a 2-way coupler. Bottom: the daisy-chain lead from spot 2. Top: the lead of spot 3.

Connect a single ground spot

For a single spot you only need a supply lead and an end coupler (2-way). Insert the supply lead into the bottom opening of the end coupler and the spot’s lead into the top opening—ready to use.

Connecting a 12V ground spot

Using a 12V spot? Place a 12V transformer between the supply lead and the coupling piece. Enclose the transformer outdoors in a waterproof junction box. Otherwise, wiring works the same as with 230V.

How to size the 12V transformer

Add up the wattage of all connected spots and add 10% headroom. Example: 4 ground spots × 5W = 20W → 20W + 10% (2W) = minimum 22W transformer.

Where should you place ground spots?

Ground spots are most often used in gardens—set directly into lawn, paving, or timber decking. Use them to guide pathways, brighten dark areas, or highlight a beautiful tree or plant.

Safety first

Always switch off power before working. Use properly rated outdoor components (IP65+), keep connections waterproof (IP68 for buried joints), and ensure good drainage beneath/around the housing. If you’re unsure about 230V work, consult a qualified electrician.