What are LED Stairwell Lights?

Commercial stairwell lighting consists of wall or ceiling-mounted fixtures designed for safe egress and navigation in vertical circulation spaces. Linear fixtures work well for extended hallway areas, while round and square options provide focused illumination for smaller landings.

Panel-style fixtures deliver uniform distribution across wider areas. Based on our experience with commercial projects, motion sensors and emergency backup systems enhance both safety and energy efficiency. The drivers automatically accommodate building voltage from 100V to 277V, eliminating compatibility concerns.

We stock fixtures 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 Using LED Lights in Stairwells?

• Energy Efficiency: LED stairwell lights deliver more lumens per watt than traditional fluorescent fixtures. This enhanced efficiency creates brighter, safer stairwells while drawing 60 percent less electricity from your building's power grid.
• Reduced Lighting Bills: Your monthly electricity costs drop immediately after installation. Most commercial properties see 50 to 70 percent reductions in their stairwell lighting expenses.
• Reduced Maintenance: LED fixtures run for 50,000+ hours without lamp replacements. You eliminate ballast failures, frequent bulb changes, and costly disposal fees for fluorescent tubes.
• Controls Ready: These fixtures integrate seamlessly with occupancy sensors and dimming systems. The instant response time makes motion-activated stairwell lighting highly effective.
• Instant on - instant off: LEDs reach full brightness immediately, even in freezing temperatures. Unlike fluorescent lights, cold weather never affects performance or startup time.
• No humming or strobing: LED drivers operate silently without the electrical noise and flicker common in aging fluorescent ballasts. This creates a more comfortable environment for building occupants.
• Quick Pay Back / ROI: Most stairwell LED upgrades pay for themselves within 18 to 24 months through energy savings. Higher utility rates accelerate this payback timeline significantly.
• Safer Areas: Consistent light output over the fixture's entire lifespan maintains optimal visibility in critical egress areas. LEDs don't dim gradually like metal halide or experience the 30 percent lumen depreciation typical of fluorescent tubes.
• Easy to install: Most LED stairwell fixtures mount directly to existing junction boxes or surfaces. Standard electrical connections and included mounting hardware make retrofits straightforward for qualified electricians.

Choosing the Right Wattage and Beam Distribution

Stairwell fixture selection depends on ceiling height, stairway width, and foot-candle requirements. For standard 8 to 10-foot ceilings, we typically recommend 15 to 30-watt fixtures with medium beam angles around 90 to 120 degrees. Higher ceilings from 12 to 16 feet benefit from 40 to 60-watt units with narrower 60 to 80-degree beam patterns to concentrate light where needed. Emergency stairwells often require a minimum 1 foot-candle at floor level, while general circulation areas perform well with 5 to 10 foot-candles. Motion sensors reduce energy consumption by 70 to 80 percent in low-traffic areas while maintaining code compliance.

Installation and Mounting Considerations

Wall-mounted fixtures work best on landings and at direction changes where direct illumination prevents shadows. We recommend mounting heights between 7 to 9 feet to minimize tampering while providing adequate light distribution. Ceiling-mounted options excel in straight stairway runs where uniform coverage is essential. Most commercial installations utilize 4000K color temperature to balance visibility with visual comfort. Surface-mount designs simplify retrofits in existing buildings, while recessed options provide clean aesthetics in new construction. The integral drivers handle building voltage fluctuations automatically, supporting both 120V and 277V electrical systems without external transformers.

Motion Sensor and Emergency Lighting Integration

Occupancy sensors extend fixture life while reducing energy costs in intermittently used stairwells. Dual-technology sensors combining PIR and microwave detection minimize false triggering while ensuring reliable activation. Emergency battery backup maintains illumination during power outages, supporting safe egress per building codes. We configure sensors with 15 to 30-minute time delays based on typical occupancy patterns. Some facilities prefer partial dimming to 10 to 20 percent output rather than complete shutoff, maintaining security while saving energy. The 1-10V dimming compatibility allows integration with building automation systems for centralized control and monitoring.

Safety and Performance Certifications

All our fixtures carry essential certifications, including DLC Premium, UL Listed, and ETL Listed approvals. These certifications ensure safety, performance, and energy efficiency while qualifying your project for utility rebates and tax incentives. DLC Premium certification guarantees the highest efficiency standards and maximum rebate eligibility.

Warranty and Warranty Support

All our lights come with at least a 5-year warranty, and all warranty support is based in the USA. We take customer support seriously, and helping you with a warranty claim is important to us. Our experienced support 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 so many options and fixtures available, it's challenging to determine which one will best meet your needs and requirements. The sales engineers of LED Lighting Supply are experts in LED Stairwell Lighting. Utilize our expertise and share your needs with us, and we will recommend the best LED lighting options for your project or application. We can provide you with a free lighting plan to make sure the area is well-lit and the lighting is balanced.

LED Stairwell Lights FAQs

Do LED Stairwell Lights Offer Automatic Lighting Controls?

They can. By far, the most popular is motion sensing.

What Are OSHA Standards for Stairwell Lighting?

According to OSHA, light levels should be at least 1 foot-candle or higher in stairwells.

How Many Lights Should a Stairwell Have?

As much as it is needed to meet the required standards to provide adequate lighting in commercial buildings. More is always better for a safe stairwell. We recommend you start with a lighting plan to help you determine how many lights you need.

Is it Better to Use a Round or Linear / Strip Fixture in a Stairway?

It depends on the type of stairwell and where the fixtures need to be mounted. The most commonly seen fixtures are strips.

Are Motion Sensors Available So That The Lights Are Not Always On?

Yes, we offer motion sensors that can do that. This is a significant source of energy savings in office buildings and a residential building.

Are Emergency Backup (EMBs) an Option with Stairwell Fixtures?

Some of our stairwell fixtures offer EMB options.

Is It Easy to Install Stairwell Lighting Fixtures?

Your electrician or in-house maintenance team will know how to effectively mount your stairwell lighting. The fixtures allow for surface mounting, and there are only three wires you'll need to hook up (line, neutral, and ground).