In-Ground Lights/Well Lights: Key Features, Types, and Power Source Options

What Materials Are In-Ground / Well Lights Made Of?

In-ground/well lights are prepared using these five materials:

1. Stainless Steel: 316L stainless steel is preferred for use in well lights, as it is resistant to de-icing salt and saltwater, making it rust and corrosion-resistant. IP68-rated steel is mostly used for well fixtures due to its resistance to water and dust. It is able to endure high temperatures ranging from -200°C to 1000°C, making it an ideal choice for outdoor surfaces like walkways, driveways, and patios. Stainless steel offers a high initial cost, but its longevity (50-1000 years) and low maintenance make it a valuable investment. 
2. Brass or Bronze:  Both brass and bronze are used in well fixtures due to their durability. Brass requires more maintenance to prevent corrosion, as brass forms a tarnish layer when exposed to moisture and air. Due to the reaction of copper with air, a blue-green patina forms. These layers often hinder further corrosion, but they change the color of brass. Brass can withstand 400°F temperatures, which makes it a good choice for indoor surfaces. Bronze is naturally corrosion-resistant and withstands temperatures ranging from -450°F to 1200°F, which makes it a suitable choice for outdoor surfaces. 
3. Composite Housings:  These materials offer a lightweight but robust alternative to traditional metal materials like stainless steel. Composites have high tensile strength and are generally resistant to impact, which makes them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. They don’t undergo corrosion or rust when exposed to moisture or air. Composites are constructed from a polymer matrix, which helps them to resist UV radiation. The incorporation of titanium dioxide(TiO2), carbon black, and zinc oxide(ZnO) into the composite aids in its UV resistance property.
4. Tempered Glass Lenses:  The tempered glass lenses undergo a heat treatment process during manufacturing, which forms a layer of compressive stress on them. This layer makes it stronger and resistant to harsh weather than normal glass. The fixtures made up of tempered glass can withstand temperature fluctuations(250°C) and impact, making them a suitable choice for outdoor surfaces. Tempered glass lenses transmit clear and bright light, which amplifies the aesthetic appeal of the area. The breakage of a tempered lens results in shattering into blunt pieces instead of large, sharp shards. 
5. Polyvinyl chloride: PVC is made from ethylene and chloride and is used in well lights to protect them from soil, lawnmowers, and other landscaping equipment. It is resistant to rust and moisture due to its innate chemical properties. PVC is hydrophobic and not susceptible to biological growth like algae and bacteria, which leads to corrosion. 

What are the Types of In-Ground Lights

Here are the four types of in-ground lights:

1. Fixed Beam Well Lights: These lights are also known as in-ground uplights, used to illuminate trees and sculptures, and architectural features. Fixed beam well lights are the type of recessed fixtures that direct light upward and create a focused and consistent illumination effect. The beam angle of 10-25 degrees is recommended for these lights. They are built with IP67 or higher protection, withstand harsh water and weather exposure. LED technology models are able to last up to 50,000 hours with low energy efficiency. 
2. Adjustable Beam Lights: These fixtures allow users to tilt the model and change the angle of the beam. It relies on a rotating lens mechanism that provides flexibility for various lighting moods. Versatile models of these fixtures, like MR16 and MR11, offer a beam angle of 25°-40°, which illuminates larger areas. Advanced models of these fixtures include RGB color control and dimmable drivers for dynamic lighting effects.
3. Recessed Driveway Lights:  These fixtures are installed flush with the driveway surface to provide illumination without creating obstacles. The materials, like stainless steel or die-cast aluminum, are used to build impact-resistant driveway lights. These materials help them to endure high traffic and tough conditions. Modern models of these fixtures are IP67 or IP68 rated for water resistance and use tempered glass lenses to prevent breakage. 
4. Color-Changing RGB Lights: These fixtures contain light-emitting diodes that offer a wide spectrum of light by changing the intensity of green, red, and blue lights. For example, the same quantity of green and red light produces yellow color, while a high ratio of all three colors produces white color. These variations in colors and smooth transitions make them ideal for decorative, architectural, or event lighting. DMX or app-based control enhances their functionality by offering dynamic and programmable effects. 

What are the Power Source Options for In-Ground Lights

In-ground lights are powered by the following four sources:

1. Low Voltage (12V): The fixtures with low-voltage from 12V to 24V are used in residential landscapes. They minimize the danger of electric shock and improve safety in wet areas. They pair with LED fixtures for higher energy efficiency. Due to low voltage requirements, a separate transformer is needed to step down the standard 120V.  
2. Line Voltage (120V): This system connects directly to the main power supply without a transformer, which makes it suitable for commercial or large-scale projects. It utilizes household voltage(120V), offering flexibility in terms of fixture placement. It is commonly used for parking areas, building facadesand floodlightings, where long runs and power illumination are needed.
3. Solar Powered:  These fixtures rely on solar panels to charge during the day and power LEDs at night, which offers an eco-friendly and wiring-free solution. Solar-powered fixtures are simple to install and suitable for remote areas. Their brightness is  50–300 lumens, and run time is 6-10 hours, but it heavily depends on sunlight exposure.
4. Hardwired with Transformer: This setup connects the fixture to the main power supply through a transformer. It automatically steps down the voltage (e.g., from 120V to 12V or 24V) for safe and efficient operation. It ensures consistent brightness, minimal power loss, and supports longer cable runs, which makes it a reliable choice for permanent installations.

How to Choose the Right In-Ground / Well Light

Follow these six steps to select the right in-ground lights:

1. 1. Application Area: Select a fixture according to the lighting goal, pathways, trees, walls, or signage. The fixtures with color-changing RGB property are recommended, as they offer a variety of lighting moods. 
   2. IP Rating: IP is derived from ingress protection, which measures how well the fixture is protected from dust and water. The fixtures with IP67+ are preferred for harsh outdoor areas.
   3. Brightness Level (Lumens): The amount of light produced by a fixture depends on the lumen rate. The fixtures with a lower lumens rate, around 200-400 lumens, create a soft, ambient look for shrubs and pathways. The higher lumen rating, around 800-1200, delivers wider illumination for tall trees and driveways. 
   4. Beam Angle: The beam angle refers to the spread of light emitted from a fixture, indicating how wide the light disperses across a surface. A narrow beam(10°–30°) light is used for focused highlighting, for trees or sculptures. The wider beam around 45°–60° washes larger areas with light, giving softer and more even coverage. The right angle ensures the feature looks prominent without spilling light unnecessarily.
   5. Adjustability: Modern well lights allow the beam to tilt or rotate, which offers flexibility to direct light at the place where it is needed. This feature is useful for landscapes that change with seasons or for highlighting architectural details from different angles, which ensures the lighting design stays effective over time.
   6. Fixture Finish & Style: The finish not only affects longevity but also the whole look of the installation. The fixtures made up of bronze, stainless steel, or powder-coated aluminum provide resistance to corrosion and also make the surroundings visually appealing. 

What is the Installation Process of In-Ground / Well Lights

Follow these six steps to install the well lights efficiently:

1. 1. Site Preparation: Mark the locations for well lights and clear the area of debris or obstacles.
   2. Wiring Setup: Place the low-voltage cable along the planned path and make sure it stays protected and out of high-traffic areas. This step is important to keep the wiring safe and the setup neat.
   3. Housing Placement: Dig a deep hole for housing placement and ensure it has proper drainage at the base. A stable, well-leveled placement keeps the fixture secure and long-lasting.
   4. Light Fixture Connection: Connect the fixture wires to the main power cable using waterproof connectors. Ensure the tight and secure connections to avoid any issues later.
   5. Testing & Waterproofing: Turn on the system to check brightness and alignment before closing everything. Once satisfied, seal all connections to save them from moisture and dirt.
   6. Final Adjustments: Adjust the angle of light and backfill the well with gravel or soil for a smooth finish. This gives the installation a clean, professional look while keeping the fixture stable.

How to Maintain In-Ground / Well Lights

Regularly check the fixtures’ performance for safety. Clear away dirt, leaves, or condensation to keep the lens clean for maximum brightness. Check that seals remain intact and drainage is working efficiently to reduce water buildup. Always inspect connections for any signs of corrosion or damage, as this affects safety and performance. Regularly check the light output to maintain consistent brightness and color quality over time.