Commercial LED Stairwell Lights

What are LED Stairwell Lights?

Commercial stairwell lighting includes wall or ceiling-mounted fixtures designed for safe movement in vertical circulation spaces. Linear fixtures suit extended hallways, while round and square options focus light on smaller landings.

LED panels provide uniform coverage for wider areas. Based on our experience with commercial projects, motion sensors and emergency backup systems improve safety and energy efficiency. The drivers support building voltages from 100V to 277V, so compatibility is not a concern.

We stock fixtures in 4000K for neutral white and 5000K for daylight appearance. Many models offer field-adjustable wattage and color temperature for post-installation tuning.

What Are The Benefits of Using LED Lights in Stairwells?

• Energy Efficiency - LED stairwell lights deliver more lumens per watt than fluorescent fixtures, creating brighter, safer stairwells while using 60 percent less electricity.
• Reduced Lighting Bills - Electricity costs drop after installation. Most commercial properties see 50 to 70 percent reductions in stairwell lighting expenses.
• Reduced Maintenance - LED fixtures last 50,000+ hours without lamp replacements. This eliminates ballast failures, frequent bulb changes, and disposal fees for fluorescent tubes.
• Controls Ready - Fixtures integrate with occupancy sensors and dimming systems. Instant response makes motion-activated stairwell lighting effective.
• Instant On - Instant Off - LEDs reach full brightness immediately, even in freezing temperatures. Cold weather does not affect performance or startup time.
• No Humming or Strobing - LED drivers operate silently without the noise and flicker of aging fluorescent ballasts, creating a more comfortable environment.
• Quick Payback / ROI - Most stairwell LED upgrades pay for themselves within 18 to 24 months through energy savings. Higher utility rates can shorten this timeline.
• Safer Areas - Consistent light output maintains visibility in egress areas. LEDs do not dim gradually like metal halide or lose the 30 percent lumen depreciation seen with fluorescent tubes.
• Easy to Install - Most LED stairwell fixtures mount to existing junction boxes or surfaces. Standard connections and included hardware make retrofits straightforward for qualified electricians.

Choosing the Right Wattage and Beam Distribution

Fixture selection depends on ceiling height, stairway width, and foot-candle needs. For 8 to 10-foot ceilings, we recommend 15 to 30-watt fixtures with medium beam angles of 90 to 120 degrees. Higher ceilings from 12 to 16 feet benefit from 40 to 60-watt units with narrower 60 to 80-degree beams to focus light. Emergency stairwells often require a minimum of 1 foot-candle at floor level, while general areas perform well with 5 to 10 foot-candles. Motion sensors can reduce energy use by 70 to 80 percent in low-traffic areas while maintaining code compliance.

Installation and Mounting Considerations

Wall-mounted fixtures are effective on landings and at direction changes to prevent shadows, depending on site conditions. Recommended mounting heights are 7 to 9 feet to reduce tampering and provide good light distribution. Ceiling-mounted options work well in straight stairway runs for uniform coverage. Most commercial installations use 4000K color temperature for balanced visibility and comfort. Surface-mount designs simplify retrofits, while recessed options offer clean aesthetics in new construction. Integral drivers handle voltage fluctuations, supporting both 120V and 277V systems without external transformers.

Motion Sensor and Emergency Lighting Integration

Occupancy sensors extend fixture life and reduce energy costs in stairwells used intermittently. Dual-technology sensors with PIR and microwave detection minimize false triggers and ensure reliable activation. Emergency battery backup maintains illumination during power outages for safe egress per building codes. Sensors are typically set with 15 to 30-minute time delays based on occupancy patterns. Some facilities use partial dimming to 10 to 20 percent output instead of full shutoff, maintaining security while saving energy. 1-10V dimming compatibility allows integration with building automation systems for centralized control.

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications, including DLC Premium for energy efficiency and rebate eligibility, UL Listed for electrical safety, and ETL Listed for product safety compliance. These certifications help ensure safety, performance, and access to utility rebates and tax incentives. DLC Premium certification verifies the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility.

Warranty and Support

All our lights include at least a 5-year warranty (model dependent), with USA-based support. Our experienced team understands the importance of keeping your lighting operational and will work quickly to resolve any warranty issues.

Need Help? Talk to an LED Stairwell Light Expert.

With many options available, it can be challenging to determine which fixture best meets your needs. The sales engineers at LED Lighting Supply have 15+ years of experience in LED stairwell lighting. Share your requirements with us, and we will recommend the best options for your project. We can also provide a free lighting plan to ensure the area is well-lit and balanced.

Commercial LED Stairwell Lights Frequently Asked Questions

What are LED stairwell lights?

LED stairwell lights are wall or ceiling-mounted fixtures designed for safe egress and navigation in vertical circulation spaces. Models include linear, round, square, and panel-style options with drivers that automatically accommodate building voltage from 100V to 277V.

What color temperatures are available for LED stairwell lights?

Fixtures are available in 4000K for neutral white output and 5000K for crisp daylight appearance. Many models include field-adjustable wattage and color temperature settings to fine-tune performance after installation.

What are the benefits of LED stairwell lights over fluorescent?

LED stairwell lights draw 60 percent less electricity than fluorescent fixtures and run for 50,000+ hours without lamp replacements. LEDs reach full brightness immediately, operate silently without flicker, and do not experience the 30 percent lumen depreciation typical of fluorescent tubes.

How do I choose the right wattage for my stairwell?

For 8 to 10-foot ceilings, select 15 to 30-watt fixtures with 90 to 120-degree beam angles. For 12 to 16-foot ceilings, select 40 to 60-watt units with narrower 60 to 80-degree beam patterns to concentrate light where needed.

What foot-candle levels are needed for stairwell lighting?

Emergency stairwells often require a minimum 1 foot-candle at floor level when properly specified, while general circulation areas perform well with 5 to 10 foot-candles.

What mounting heights work best for stairwell fixtures?

Mounting heights between 7 to 9 feet minimize tampering while providing adequate light distribution. Wall-mounted fixtures work well on landings and at direction changes, while ceiling-mounted options excel in straight stairway runs where uniform coverage is essential.

Can LED stairwell lights work with motion sensors?

These fixtures integrate with occupancy sensors and dimming systems with instant response time. Dual-technology sensors combining PIR and microwave detection minimize false triggering, and motion sensors reduce energy consumption by 70 to 80 percent in low-traffic areas.

What dimming options are available?

Fixtures offer 1-10V dimming compatibility for integration with building automation systems. Some facilities prefer partial dimming to 10 to 20 percent output rather than complete shutoff, and sensors can be configured with 15 to 30-minute time delays.

Do LED stairwell lights include emergency backup options?

Emergency battery backup maintains illumination during power outages, supporting safe egress per building codes. Emergency backup systems are available and enhance both safety and energy efficiency.

What certifications do these fixtures carry?

Fixtures carry DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals per listed certifications. DLC Premium certification qualifies your project for utility rebates and tax incentives.

What is the warranty on LED stairwell lights?

All lights come with at least a 5-year warranty (model dependent) with USA-based warranty support.

What voltage do LED stairwell fixtures support?

Integral drivers support both 120V and 277V electrical systems without external transformers. The drivers handle building voltage fluctuations automatically.

How long do LED stairwell lights last?

LED fixtures run for 50,000+ hours without lamp replacements, eliminating ballast failures, frequent bulb changes, and disposal fees for fluorescent tubes.

What is the typical payback period for LED stairwell upgrades?

Most stairwell LED upgrades pay for themselves within 18 to 24 months through energy savings, with properties seeing 50 to 70 percent reductions in stairwell lighting expenses.

Can I get help choosing the right LED stairwell light?

Sales engineers can recommend LED lighting options for your project and provide a free lighting plan to ensure the area is well-lit and lighting is balanced.