In-ground lights: how to choose ground and underwater lights
Choose an in-ground light by kind first, then brightness, light colour, IP rating, body and budget. Match it to a tree, wall, path or water feature before choosing its look. Range numbers below cover 63 lights, recorded on 12 November 2026.
An in-ground light sits in the ground with only its top showing, lighting trees, walls, paths or water from below. It is also called a ground burial light. Browse our in-ground lights collection as you plan.
For lights on stakes among plants, see garden spike lights.
For fittings in step faces or low walls, see foot lights.
Which kind of in-ground light should I choose?
Choose by what needs lighting: a tree, a feature, the ground, a wall or water.
- Round uplight: shines up at a tree, plant, pillar or wall.
- Tiltable or angled beam: directs light towards a wall, tree or statue.
- Path marker: sends light from the sides onto the ground. Our floor wash lights come in 1, 2, 3 and 4 ways.
- In-ground wall washer: a long bar that washes a wall with light.
- Underwater: a fitting for ponds, fountains or pools, subject to its stated rating and intended use.
Round uplights are our largest group; path markers come next. For style, a plain look suits simple paths. A decorative look suits places where the fitting should stand out. Compare the visible rim with nearby paving. Colour and finish options vary, check the product page.
Where should I place a tree uplight or wall light?
Place an uplight near its feature, with room to aim the light and fit the body below ground.
About 30 to 60 cm from a tree trunk is a good starting point for an uplight. To graze a wall's texture, start about 15 to 30 cm from the wall. Check the proposed position before finishing the paving.
Confirm the top size, opening needed and depth of the actual fitting. Size options vary, check the product page. For a replacement, share the existing opening and available depth with our team.
How bright should a ground light for a garden be?
Choose a brightness group for the job, then compare the selected light's beam and placement.
- Soft glow, up to 3 W: a starting choice for gentle accents.
- Everyday, 4 to 9 W: a starting choice for regular garden features.
- Bright, 10 to 18 W: consider for a stronger feature light.
- Very bright, above 18 W: discuss the feature and surroundings before choosing.
These are the ground light finder's groups for uplights, angled beams and path markers. Watts alone do not describe the light pattern. Share a garden photo and the feature you want to light.
Which light colour suits trees, stone and garden paths?
Warm white is a good starting point for trees, stone and homes; cool white suits a crisp modern look.
Consider about 2700K to 3000K for warm white. About 4000K is a neutral white starting point. For cool white, consider about 5000K to 6000K. Compare the choice with nearby lights before ordering.
Some lights offer RGB colours where listed. Light colour options vary, check the product page. Do not assume a light changes colour unless its details say so.
Which IP rating should an inground light have?
Choose the stated IP rating for the actual exposure, especially where water may collect.
IP65 and up is a good starting point for rain and splashes. IP67 and up is a good starting point for paving, lawns and short immersion. For underwater use, an IP68 model intended for that setting is a good starting point.
IP describes protection against dust and water. Options vary, check the product page for the stated rating. A product name does not confirm suitability for water.
How should an in-ground light be fitted?
Plan a flush fitting with drainage below it and sealed cable joints.
A gravel bed under the light helps water drain away. Make every joint in a sealed connector or box. Ask the installer to check the fitting depth and cable route before the ground is finished.
A light can be walked on or driven over only where its product page says so. Flush fitting alone does not confirm either use.
Does a ground light need a driver?
Lights marked 12V or 24V need a matching driver; lights stating 230V connect to the mains directly.
Match the driver's voltage to the light. Outdoors, a driver with a stated IP67 rating is a good starting point, or use a dry, covered box. Confirm the arrangement with your installer and read the LED driver and controls guide.
Use a qualified electrician for outdoor wiring. Run the lights on an RCCB circuit, with cables in a pipe or armoured cable. An RCCB is an earth leakage breaker. Voltage options vary, check the product page.
Which body material should I choose?
Compare stainless steel and die-cast aluminium options after confirming the fitting's rating and supply.
Stainless steel is a body material option; die-cast aluminium is a metal body formed in a mould. Aluminium, including die-cast and plain aluminium, is most common where material is stated in this range.
Confirm the exact body material for the selected model. Material alone does not establish its water rating or whether it can take foot or vehicle traffic.
How much does an in-ground light cost in India?
The median price is about ₹1,850 per light, with the largest group between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000.
These bands cover 63 lights on 12 November 2026. They use each product's lowest variant price, including GST.
The product page shows the current price. Ask for a complete cost including any driver, wiring, connectors and installation needed. Warranty depends on the model.
What should I check before buying an in-ground light?
Confirm the job, fitting details and complete installation cost before placing your order.
- Choose the kind: uplight, angled beam, path marker, wall washer or underwater.
- Compare style and visible finish with the surrounding surface.
- Confirm top size, opening, depth and placement.
- Select brightness and light colour.
- Check the stated IP rating, voltage and body material.
- Confirm drainage, sealed joints, driver and RCCB wiring with the electrician.
- Check explicit walk-over or drive-over permission where needed.
- Confirm current price and model-specific warranty terms.
Questions and answers
The location and stated product details decide which ground light is suitable.
Are ground light, inground light and underground light the same?
Buyers often use these terms for lights recessed into the ground. Check the kind and intended use.
Which ground light for a garden suits a tree?
Start with a round tree uplight or a tiltable beam. Share the tree and surroundings to discuss brightness.
Can I use a driveway ground light under car wheels?
Only choose a light whose product page explicitly permits drive-over use. Ask our team if this is not stated.
Which step light outdoor fitting should I buy?
For step faces and low walls, browse foot lights. A ground path marker lights the surface from its sides.
Can an ordinary ground light be an underwater light?
Choose a stated IP68 model intended for underwater use. Browse underwater lights and confirm the supply before buying.
Can ground lights handle all my landscape lighting?
Match each fitting to its job. Garden bollards are another option for paths and lawns.
Jainsons Lights was founded in 1978 and has four showrooms in Delhi. Browse in-ground lights, use the ground light finder or visit our showrooms. Share your site photos and fitting details for help choosing.