Articles

Stairwell Lighting

Small Space – Big Demands

Why Your Choice of Light Source Makes More Difference Than You Think

Stairwells, corridors, and shafts are areas often overlooked – until something goes wrong.
When the lighting fails, it impacts both safety and security. In many cases, the problems stem from choosing the wrong light source.

Retrofit lamps – a costly choice in the long run

A stairwell can have over 100 switch-ons and switch-offs per day. This means a typical retrofit lamp (e.g., E27) reaches its limit after just a few months. This leads to:

  • Frequent replacements (up to 24 times per light source over 10 years)
  • High maintenance costs
  • Unplanned outages
Fixed LED modules – built for the environment

Our LED modules are designed to withstand over one million switch cycles and up to 100,000 hours of operation. This provides:

  • Long lifespan – even in enclosed fixtures with high temperatures
  • Stable light quality over time (color, intensity)
  • Less maintenance, reduced risk of operational disruptions

Test results: On/Off at 25°C and 85°C
We have tested our modules with repeated switching in both room temperature and 85°C. The result? The LED modules maintain performance long after retrofit lamps have failed. Heat and wear are not an issue—as long as the module is properly integrated.

Smart control systems: Energy-efficient – but demanding

Another challenge in stairwells is avoiding unnecessary energy consumption without compromising safety. This is where lighting controls come into play.

  • PIR – detects movement in open spaces
  • HF – penetrates glass and plastic, ideal for enclosed fixtures
  • Acoustic sensors – respond to sound (e.g., doors, footsteps)
  • Background lighting – keep 10–20% when no one is present = safe + energy-saving

💡 Tip: In buildings with thick walls, DALI is often more reliable than wireless solutions (e.g., Casambi/Zigbee), especially in concrete stairwells.

Recommendation: How to succeed with stairwell lighting

✅ Choose fixed LED modules – not retrofit lamps
✅ Use the right sensor technology for the environment
✅ Ensure proper heat dissipation
✅ Consider signal strength for wireless networks
✅ Measure real-time data with D4i modules (energy consumption, switch cycles, temperature)

Want to learn more?

We are happy to assist with project planning, module customization, or smart solutions tailored to your properties. Together, we create lighting that lasts – for a long time.