Overview

CUCA 500 is an outdoor spike light designed to illuminate paths, gardens and entrances from ground level. It is driven or fixed directly into the ground, with no need for complex anchoring, and provides light exactly where it is most needed: at ground level, guiding footsteps and creating atmosphere on the exterior of the home.

What makes this luminaire special is its matte black finish. At night, the structure visually disappears and only the light remains. The effect is clean: it looks as though the light floats alone above the ground, with the element producing it invisible. For gardens with a carefully considered design or terraces where a neat aesthetic is desired, this detail makes all the difference.

FARO is a Spanish brand with decades of experience in lighting. Its FARO Lab line brings together the proposals with the greatest design focus, conceived for those who want every piece to have its own role within the space.

Installation and specifications

Preparation and installation. This spike is installed directly in the ground, in soil or soft substrate. Before placing it, check that there are no buried cables or pipes in the area. The system operates at 24V, so it requires a compatible external transformer. Connect the wiring before inserting the spike into the ground and make sure the connections are protected from moisture. If the ground is very compact, prepare a small pilot hole to avoid forcing the structure.

Use and maintenance. Clean the stainless steel surface with a damp cloth and, if necessary, with a neutral product. Avoid abrasive scourers or products containing chlorine that may damage the black finish. The opal glass diffuser can be cleaned with a soft cloth and water. Check the external connections at the start of each season to ensure they remain in good condition.

• Brand: FARO
• Category: Outdoor
• Subcategory: Surface luminaire
• Fixing: Ground
• Body material: Stainless steel
• Diffuser material: Glass
• Body colour: Black
• Diffuser finish: Opal
• Light source energy class: G
• Maximum power (W): 3
• Light source: COB LED
• Light source included: Yes
• Voltage: 220V-240V
• Colour temperature (K): 2700K
• Height (mm): 500
• Length (mm): 85
• Depth (mm): 85
• Net weight (kg): 1.67
• System voltage: 24V

Design and use

The CUCA 500 spike by FARO is made from stainless steel, a material that withstands continuous outdoor exposure well, including rain and temperature changes. The black finish covers the entire structure and gives it a uniform appearance that integrates easily into environments with vegetation, dark paving or gravel. It does not draw attention during the day, but at night it fulfils its function clearly.

The diffuser is made of opal glass. This type of glass distributes light gently, without intense bright spots or shadowed areas. The colour temperature is 2700K, which translates into warm light, similar to that of a candle or a traditional indoor lamp. That tone is not harsh outdoors and helps to create a calm atmosphere in the garden or patio.

The light source is a 3W COB LED, included with the product. This type of LED concentrates several diodes in a small area and produces compact, uniform light. It comes integrated into the luminaire, so there is no need to worry about compatibility with external bulbs.

At 500 mm in height, the spike sits at a functional level: sufficient to guide footsteps and create atmosphere without interfering with sightlines or the surrounding vegetation. The base dimensions are 85 x 85 mm, which gives it stability in the ground without taking up too much space.

This model adapts well to different outdoor contexts. In a garden, it can be placed along an access path, as bollards distributed at regular intervals, to mark the route from the entrance to the door. It also works well along the edges of a terrace, where grazing light defines the boundary of the space without the need for a larger lantern. In an interior courtyard with plants, several units of these lights create visual depth and make the space appear larger at night.

The aesthetic of the FARO Lab line ensures that the focus of attention is the light, not the support. This is why the black body disappears when there is no natural light: the light projector becomes invisible and all that is perceived is the warm glow on the ground. This effect is especially visible in gardens with dark paving or in areas with dense surrounding vegetation.

In terms of integration with other elements, the black stainless steel finish pairs well with natural materials such as wood or stone, as well as with modern metallic finishes. If the home has exterior joinery in black or dark grey, these spike lights reinforce the visual coherence of the overall scheme without needing to find exact colour matches.

Questions and answers

Does this spike work directly from the domestic mains supply or does it require an additional component?

The system operates at 24V, so it requires an external transformer to convert the 220V-240V from the mains to that voltage. The transformer is not included and must be purchased separately, ensuring it is compatible with the total wattage of the connected luminaires.

Does the opal glass diffuser hold up well for outdoor use in rain or temperature changes?

The diffuser is made of glass, a material that does not deform or yellow over time as some plastics do. Being designed specifically for outdoor use, the luminaire is prepared for typical usage conditions, including moisture and temperature variations characteristic of outdoor environments.

Can the included COB LED light source be replaced if it fails?

The LED light source comes integrated into the luminaire. If you experience any issues with it, it is best to consult technical support before attempting to replace it, as the mounting system may differ from that of a conventional bulb.

After-sales support

If the product shows any defect upon receipt, you have 30 days to report it and arrange the return. We review each case individually to find the most appropriate solution: replacement, part substitution or refund, as applicable.

For any queries related to defects or exchanges, write to us. We respond as quickly as possible and seek a practical resolution without unnecessary formalities.

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.