Overview

The CUCA 500 beacon by FARO is an outdoor lamp designed to illuminate paths, access ways, garden borders and landscaped areas where light needs to be close to the ground. Its height of 500 mm places it at a distance from the ground that allows guiding footsteps without causing glare, and its black finish makes the structure disappear into the darkness, leaving only the light visible.

The effect it achieves is simple but very specific: at night, the lamp seems to vanish and the light floats in the air. This result does not depend on visual tricks, but on the material and color of the body, which neither reflects nor draws attention. The lighting remains; the structure does not.

FARO is a company specializing in lighting with a presence in both residential and landscaping projects. The Faro Lab line, to which this beacon belongs, is oriented towards architectural design solutions with refined finishes and durable materials.

Installation and specifications

This lamp operates at 24V direct current, so it requires a transformer or power supply compatible with that voltage. Before installing it, verify that the outdoor installation provides that supply or plan the incorporation of a suitable converter. The fixing is in the ground, so it is necessary to prepare a firm base or an underground anchor to support the rod. It is recommended that the wiring be protected with a buried corrugated conduit and that the final connection be carried out by an electrician.

For maintenance, clean the stainless steel surface with a soft damp cloth and, if necessary, with a product specific to that material. Avoid abrasive products that may scratch the black finish. The opal glass diffuser can be cleaned with water and a lint-free cloth. Do not use solvents or aggressive cleaning products on any of the surfaces.

• Brand: FARO
• Category: Outdoor
• Subcategory: Surface luminaire
• Fixing: Ground
• Body material: Stainless steel
• Diffuser material: Glass
• Body finish: Black
• Diffuser finish: Opal
• Light source energy class: G
• Maximum power (W): 3
• Light source: COB LED
• Light source included: Yes
• Voltage: 24V DC
• Color temperature (K): 2700K
• Height (mm): 500
• Length (mm): 85
• Depth (mm): 85
• Net weight (kg): 0,76
• Gross weight with box (kg): 0,88

Design and use

The CUCA 500 is an outdoor beacon with a slender body and square cross-section of 85 x 85 mm. Stainless steel with a black finish is the main material, giving it solidity without adding excessive weight: the complete unit weighs less than one kilogram. In a garden, that detail matters when you need to move or adjust the position before fixing it permanently.

The opal glass diffuser distributes light evenly to the sides, without creating bright spots or shadow areas. The color temperature is 2700K, which corresponds to a warm light, similar to that of a candle or a traditional incandescent lamp. That tone is especially suitable for outdoor use because it does not distort the natural colors of the garden and creates a calm atmosphere at dusk.

The light source is an included 3W COB LED. With that consumption, the beacon can remain on for hours without significant energy expenditure. The COB LED produces uniform and concentrated illumination which the opal diffuser then softens before projecting it.

In a garden with several pathways, multiple beacons can be placed at regular intervals to create a line of lights that guides the way from the street to the entrance, or from the terrace to the back of the garden. The spacing between units depends on the level of illumination desired and the surface area to be covered. As it is a low-power lantern, it works better as ambient and orientation lighting than as primary task lighting.

In a patio or terrace, a beacon like this can be combined with wall or ceiling lights to complete different lighting planes. Lights at ground level add a layer that high-mounted luminaires do not cover, and that contrast between levels gives the space depth. In areas near a swimming pool, the reflection of lights on the water can be particularly effective with beacons of this type, although it is advisable to verify the suitability of the protection rating for that proximity.

Movement outdoors is something normally associated with presence sensors, but this lamp does not incorporate a sensor, nor is it rechargeable or solar: it is designed for a fixed and permanent mains-connected installation. The absence of a motion sensor means the light is continuous, which is more suitable for decorative areas or areas of constant passage where it is not desirable for the lighting to be interrupted.

For those who want a visually impactful garden beacon without the structure drawing attention, this model fulfills that role. During the day it goes almost unnoticed. At night, the lights do their job and the black lantern disappears into the darkness. It is a result that requires no explanation when seen, and that is difficult to achieve with light-colored luminaires or bulky structures.

Questions and answers

Does this beacon work with a standard 220V domestic electrical installation?

Not directly. The CUCA 500 operates at 24V direct current, so it requires a transformer or power supply that converts the mains voltage to 24V DC before reaching the lamp.

Is the included LED replaceable if it fails?

The COB LED light source comes included from the factory. If you have doubts about replacement in the event of a failure, consult the technical service or an electrician, as access to the component depends on the internal design of the beacon.

Is the 2700K color temperature suitable for illuminating a garden path, or is it too dim?

Light at 2700K is warm and soft, ideal for marking routes and creating atmosphere in the garden. If you are looking for more intense or functional lighting, this beacon is designed primarily for orientation and outdoor decoration, not for task lighting.

After-sales support

If the product arrives with any manufacturing defect, you have 30 days from receipt to report it. Each case is handled individually. For any query related to defects, replacements or incidents, write to us and we will respond with the solution appropriate to your situation.

How delivery works

Martsella works with brands and their partner warehouses across Europe. Your order is sent straight from the warehouse that holds the item, so an order with several items may arrive in separate parcels. Each parcel gets its own tracking link.

14-day returns

Changed your mind? You can cancel within 14 days of delivery without giving a reason. How to send items back and what a return costs is on our Returns & Refunds page. If an item is faulty, damaged or not what you ordered, we cover the cost of returning it.

How to cancel

Email info@martsella.com with your order number before the cancellation period ends, or use the model cancellation form on our Returns & Refunds page. You do not have to use the form.