Stair lighting requirement FAQs -

Questions & answers about the requirements, codes & standards for lighting over stairs, in stairways, and along building exits.

This article series provides building code specifications for lighting over stairs, in stairwells, and on landings. The location, switching, and illumination level for stairways are discussed and citations to pertinent codes and standards are included.

Stairway & Lighting & Light Switch Placement Requirement Code FAQs

These questions & answers about the requirements, codes, standards for lighting over stairways were posted originally at LIGHTING OVER STAIRS & AT EXITS - be sure you review the guidelines given there.

Sketch at left of stairway lighting is provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, education & report writing tool company [ carsondunlop.com ].

[Click to enlarge anyimage]

On 2018-06-30 by (mod) - when can stair lights be dimmed?

Brook

Stairway lighting codes in some jurisdictions permit dimming the lights IF nobody is in the stairwell - presuming that a motion detector raises illumination when the stair is occupied or during an emergency.

Removing bulbs "to save electricity" risks leaving the stairs poorly and inadequately-lit, unsafe, risking injury such as a stair fall.

I don't think the issue is specific to landings. All of the walking surfaces throughout the stairwell must be adequately-lit.

In the article above you'll see this example model code citation

NFPA 101 Chapter 7 Emergency Illumination is required as stipulated in chapters 11-43 of this code.

NFPA 101 Chapters & Sections 7.8.1.1, 7.8.1.2, 7.8.1.3, 7.9.1.3, and 7.9.2.1 give the performance requirements, level of illumination such as a minimum lighting of 10 fc (footcandles) (or 108 lux) in stairways, measured at the walking surface (i.e. the stair tread surfaces),

and a minimum of 1 fc (10.8 lux) on floors and walking surfaces (less may be allowed in assembly areas like theatres during the time of the performance).

Both the NFPA 101 section and the IBC spedify that if a power outage occurs, the backup emergency lighting must be on within 10 seconds and must remain available for at least 1 1/2 hours after the initial outage at a minimum of 1 fc at the walking surface.

The code includes additional requirements for exit access and exit signs in NFPA 101 Section 7.10.2 Exits

NFPA 101 Chapter & Section 7.9.1.2 : emergency lighting is only required for the purpose of exit access, which includes only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, and escalators to a defined public way.

you might want to check with the local building department where you live, as they are the final legal authority.

Keep us posted.

On 2018-06-30 by Brooklyn

We are in a 7 floor residential apartment building with an elevator.

The stairwells have very low wattage LED bulbs halfway up the stairs between every floor (equivalent to maybe 15W incandescent bulbs), but the light bulbs on every stairwell landing have been removed to save electricity.

The doors from the stairwell landings to the hallway on each floor have narrow windows inset, so there is some light that comes in from the hallways, but very little (the hallways are well lit). Is this legal, or should there be light bulbs on the landings as well? Thanks.

On 2018-06-06 by (mod) - maximum distance a light switch for stairs can be from the top step?

FC

My opinion is the stair light switch must be readily accessible from the stair top and bottom landings

U.S. NEC section 210.70(A)(2)(a)

In dwelling units, not less than one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet must be installed.

NEC 210.70(A)(2)(c)

Where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more, a wall switch must be located at each floor level and at each landing level that includes an entryway to control the illumination for the stairway

The code does not spell out exact distances or switch heights. The final legal authority is your local electrical code compliance inspector. What will he or she accept?

On 2018-06-06 y Fcormier

Is there a maximum distance a light switch for stairs can be from the top step? Does it have to be immediately at the top step or can it be on the other side of a doorway? Does the switch have to be along the same wall as the bottom step switch?

On 2018-05-22 by (mod) - Does NYC code require lighting to go into a dimming mode

GC

From what I have read it is permitted by some codes, not required.

On 2018-05-22 17:09:22.613210 by gcrawford@gcmellc.com

Does NYC code require lighting to go into a dimming mode when the emergency egress stairs are not occupied ?

On 2018-04-25 by (mod) - how are stair lights fixed at an apartment

Deanna

The landlord would hire a licensed electrician who, starting at the electrical panel, would trace the lighting circuit to find the problem: typically a blown fuse or tripped breaker, damaged or shorted electrical wire, etc.

On 2018-04-25 by Deanna Peer

How does landlord of apartment complex fix all outside stairwell lighting. They went blackout and I really don't think they have a clue how to fix it.

On 2017-06-25 by Diane

I live in an apartment, upstairs. There are 4 units in my section which we all share a stairway. The lighting has been out for over a month in the stairway, what can I do about it? I have asked about it and no reply. Thanks

On 2017-04-12 0 by (mod) - required location of stair lighting outlets

Sounds to me as if either the rail or switch is not properly located.

10.70 Lighting Outlets Required. Lighting outlets shall be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C).

(A) Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.70(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3).

(1) Habital Rooms. At least one wall switch-controlled ligting outlet shall be installed in every habital room and bathroom.

Exception No. 1: In other than kitchens and bathrooms, one or more receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets.

Exception No. 2: Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by occupancy sensors that are (1) in addition to wall switches or (2) located at a customary wall switch location and equipped with a manual override that will allow the sensor to function as a wall switch.

(2) Additional Locations. Additional lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c).

(a) At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.

(b) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garabes with electric power, at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illuminiation on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.

(c) Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more.

Exception to (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c): In hallways, stairways, and at outdoor entrances, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

(3) Storage or Equipment Spaces. For attics, underfloor spaces, utility rooms, and basements, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing.

At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.

On 2017-04-11 by Amy

I am closing on a house in Savannah, Georgia. During the walk thru I questions the light switch at the bottom of the staircase, the hand rail goes over top the switch plate. To turn the light on you have to reach behind the hand rail. Is there an accessibility code pertaining to this?

On 2016-11-03 by (mod) - unprotected Fluorescent Lights, stairways cluttered with trashy

In my view, and in that of stair codes, certainly yes, if/where/when trash and debris could form a trip hazard or a fire hazard.

On 2016-11-02 by Rafael Gonzalez

The building stairway where I reside have fluorescent light fixtures with some of them unprotected. Is it OK?

Shall the stairways be free of any debris or trash?

Question: the vast majority of lakefront homes I have visited are non-compliant

Sept 13, 2012) Curious About Stair Lighting said: The article LIGHTING OVER STAIRS & AT EXITS refers to both interior and exterior stairs ("We provide photographs, sketches, and examples of defects used in inspecting indoor or outdoor stairs, railings, landings, treads, and related conditions for safety and proper construction." )

It goes on to state: "Stairway Lighting is Required, with light switches at top and bottom of the stairway if the stairs encompass more than three stair treads (Canada) or six stair treads (U.S.)."

First of all, should we read the "more than" to apply also to: "six stair treads (U.S.)"? That is to say, does the US requirement apply specifically to stairways of seven or more treads, or six or more treads?

Secondly, taken together, the quoted sections above entail that all exterior stairs (of over the relevant number of treads) require electric lighting switched at the bottom and top of the stairs. Is this correct, or does the necessity for lighting only apply to interior stairs?

I'm thinking in particular of stairs leading down a cliff or embankment to a beach at a lakefront home. In my experience lighting of such stairs is very unusual.

Perhaps that just means that the vast majority of lakefront homes I have visited are non-compliant. I ask only for clarification to the best of your knowledge, aware that local officials may have their say.

Illustration above provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection & education company.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Reply: building-access stairways vs. others

Curious,

Thanks for the question.

The text "more than" was written to mean "more than" (three) or (six) though I find that local officials, who have the final say, vary in their enforcement of those rules.

I am not sure but it sounds as if you are describing lighting on steps that are a landscape feature, not a direct building access stairway.

That may be why local code officials are not requiring lighting on stairs marching down a cliff face. In my OPINION, if it were my property and I expected people to use those stairs in the dark I'd install lighting, railings, &c. not because the law required but for safety of my visitors.

Question: poor stair lighting, fall, injury report argues for passive lighting triggers

(Jan 22, 2013) roy harris said:

On a first floor apartment the light switch is ten feet from a front door. Four feet from the door are two steps down to a landing area which have to be negotiated before reaching the light switch. There is an emergency light that is very dim about twelve feet away on the ceiling and does not light up the two steps.

Late at night 11pm in this instance someone who was leaving the apartment was not aware of the steps and reaching to find the light switch on the left that was set back the other side of brickwork jutting out by four inches fell and had fracture to the pelvis. Surely in this situation lighting triggered by passives on the wall would be the best idea. I would appreciate some advice on this

Reply: Stairway lighting requirements in footcandles

There are lighting requirement specifications for stairways that explicitly state the footcandle or brightness required and where that brightness should be measured. In public stairways an always-on lighting requirement is stated for many jurisdictions; some of these permit automatic dimming when the stairway is not occupied and accept occupancy-detection or motion detection as an allowable switch to return the stairway to required brightness.

Typical footcandle requirements for stairway and corridor lighting ranges from 5 to 30 horizontal in public areas;

The U.S. NFPA and IBC foot candle specifications are in the article above: basically for new stairs the NFPA requirement is 10 footcandles (lux) and IFC/IBC 1 footcandle. Other walking surfaces require different lighting.

Some sources give a separate night time (unoccupied or dimmed) night time lighting level of 1 horizontal and 0.5 vertical measured footcandles for hotels and

A footcandle lighting requirement for hospital stairways of 10 horizontal, 3 vertical

• "Common Footcandle Requirements", Hubbell Lighting Corp., retrieved 2 April 2015, original source: http://www.hubbelllighting.com/content/solutions/retrofit/tools/files/recommended-footcandles.pdf
• International Fire Code®, Chapter 10
• NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code™, Chapter 14
• NFPA 101, Life Safety Code®, Chapter 7

Question:

(May 10, 2014) lights out said:

I have lights at top and bottom of stairs to basement, legal correct ? What if these light are on a timer that shut off ? Is that legal for the light to turn off on the stairs ?

Reply:

Legal correct is a question for your local building inspector.

Indeed one wants a control at stair top and stair bottom. If a light turns off automatically but can be turned back on by stair users at stair top or bottom, AND if the light won't turn off while someone is in mid flight up or down the stairs you should be ok. I like motion sensors that turn on the light in advance.

However you don't say where the stairs are, what sort of occupancy is involved. Some public walkways may require full time lighting.

Question: are motion detected lighting controls accepted in a hotel stairway?

(Mar 14, 2015) dan said:

in a hotel 4 stories has indoor stair cases going to each floor can the lights in those staircases be motion detected instead of switched?

Reply:

Fair question, Dan.

Indeed a switch is normally required at stair top and bottom.

The NEC specifies that at least one *switch-controlled* lighting fixture shall be installed. Here's what I think is the relevant citation and it's one used by others addressing this question:

210.70 Lighting Outlets Required.
Lighting outlets shall be installed where specified in 210.70(A), (B), and (C).

(A) Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.70(A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3).

(1) Habitable Rooms. At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.

(2) Additional Locations. Additional lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with (A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c).

(a) At least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.

(b) For dwelling units, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power, at least one wall switch–controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access.

A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor entrance or exit.

(c) Where one or more lighting outlet(s) are installed for interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level, and landing level that includes an entryway, to control the lighting outlet(s) where the stairway between floor levels has six risers or more.

Watch out: where "always-on" lighting is required for emergency exits and stairwells - e.g. in public buildings - the fire marshal *might* accept either an automatic switch - by occupancy sensor - or a system that dims lights when the stairwell is unoccupied, for example by turning off some of them but leaving enough on that the area is still lit.

Keep in mind too that emergency lighting must come on within 10 seconds when there is a power failure.

1006.1 Illumination required. The means of egress, including the exit discharge, shall be illuminated at all times the building space served by the means of egress is occupied.

Exceptions:

1. Occupancies in Group U.2. Aisle accessways in Group A.3. Dwelling units and sleeping units in Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3.4. Sleeping units of Group I occupancies.

(May 15, 2015) NHFireBear said:

Regarding Dan's March 14, 2015 question on hotel lighting: NFPA 101 Life Safety Code® (2009) does allow use of "motion sensors" for illumination of required means of egress, provided they are designed to "fail safe", i.e., turn the lights on if the sensor control "fails". Most hardware-store motion sensor lights would probably leave the lights off when the sensors fail, which is clearly unacceptable.

The 2015 version of NFPA 101 section 7.8.1.2.2 contains several new requirements for motion-controlled egress lighting. New materials clarify that such a unit must be listed and labeled for use as fail-safe lighting in an egress, not to mention activate the lights with the fire alarm (if there is one) and "when normal power fails" (somewhat like "emergency lighting"), among other things.

Life Safety Code chapters 28 and 29 (New and Existing Hotels) require egress lighting in accordance with 7.8, including 7.8.1. Not all state or local codes adopt NFPA 101 and may have similar or more stringent requirements of their own, especially in multi-storey buildings.

Also see STAIR ILLUMINATION LEVEL DIMMERS discussed at the home page for this topic.

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