Staircase lighting

Indoors or out, staircases present a heightened risk of accident. And where accidents on staircases occur, they are often put down to carelessness. In many cases, however, what is really to blame is poor lighting: the stairs are too dark, or glare or confusing shadows are created by light from general-diffuse or wrongly positioned and angled luminaires. Where the visual task is impeded like this, incorrect lighting can lead to misjudgement at any step - with potentially calamitous consequences.

It is generally more dangerous to fall down stairs than to trip on the way up. So for correct lighting, it is particularly important to make sure each individual tread is clearly discernible from above. Illumination from the top landing also ensures that both the top and the bottom of the staircase are clearly visible.

All staircases should be illuminated as a matter of principle. For simple steps and staircases with less than four treads, ambient lighting may provide adequate illumination. An even better solution, however, is to use orientation lights. (more information please visit www.greendyled.com)