In a stairwell during an emergency, every visible step counts. If the general lighting fails, emergency lighting must keep escape routes, landings, changes of direction, and exits visible. That is why many people look for clear answers about emergency lighting in the stairwell and the applicable regulations. The important thing is: there is no universal rule that applies to every building. Whether safety lighting is mandatory depends on the use, size, escape route, fire safety concept, and applicable standards. The overview below helps you quickly see what matters in practice.
Comprehensive background information on standards, placement, and maintenance can be found in the article All about emergency lighting - what you need to know.
When safety lighting is required in the stairwell
Safety lighting becomes relevant when the stairwell forms part of the escape and rescue route and people would be at risk in the event of a power outage. This often applies to workplaces, publicly accessible buildings, accommodation facilities, educational institutions, healthcare environments, or larger residential and commercial properties with a clearly regulated escape route concept. In such cases, it is not just about brightness, but about safe orientation, recognizing steps, and quickly finding the exit.
For smaller or exclusively private-use buildings, an obligation does not automatically apply. Nevertheless, emergency lighting in the stairwell can be useful, for example in apartment buildings with dark indoor stairs, in open stairwells, or wherever residents, visitors, or emergency services need to be able to get outside quickly and safely in an emergency.Ultimately, the object-specific assessment is always decisive.
Which emergency lighting regulations are important in the stairwell
Anyone looking for regulations regarding emergency lighting in the stairwell is in practice usually referring to an interplay of standards, workplace regulations, and building law requirements. DIN EN 1838 is particularly important for lighting requirements. Depending on the building and its use, regulations such as DIN EN 50172 or DIN VDE 0108-100, relevant ASR guidelines, and the respective fire safety concept also apply. The same requirements do not always apply to residential buildings, special buildings, and commercially used properties.
| Regulation or subject | Practical significance in the stairwell |
|---|---|
| DIN EN 1838 | Defines the basic lighting requirements such as illuminance, uniformity, glare limitation, and escape route signage. |
| DIN EN 50172/DIN VDE 0108-100 | Governs the planning, operation, inspection, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems. |
| ASR and occupational safety | Important when the stairwell is part of a workplace and individuals must be able to evacuate safely in the event of a power outage. |
| Fire safety concept and building regulations | Determines if and where safety lighting and escape route signage are required in the specific building. |
For a binding interpretation, you should always coordinate the requirements with a specialized planner, an electrical contractor, or the fire safety officer of the facility.
The most important technical requirements at a glance
Sufficient illuminance on steps and walkways
Along escape routes, emergency lighting must enable safe orientation. As an important guideline, a minimum of 1 lux along the centerline of the escape route is often maintained, measured close to the floor. In practice, this means for the stairwell: not only the floor at the entrance, but also every walking zone, every landing, and every change of direction must remain reliably recognizable. On stairs in particular, shadows, dark step edges, or excessive light-dark contrasts are critical, as they significantly increase the risk of tripping.
Uniformity, glare, and color recognition
Bright pools of light with dark areas in between create an unsafe look in the stairwell. Therefore, the uniformity of the lighting plays an important role. A guideline often mentioned is a maximum-to-minimum illuminance ratio of at most 40:1. Equally important is a low level of glare. Fixtures must not be positioned in a way that causes glare when looking up or down the stairs, which would make steps, handrails, or escape route indications less visible. Color recognition also matters: safety symbols, markings, and exits must remain clearly perceptible in an emergency situation.
Operating time, switch-over time, and power supply
Following a power outage, the emergency lighting in the stairwell must switch on quickly and continue to operate for the required duration.Many designs assume a minimum operating time of one hour, though more may be required depending on the object. Technically, luminaires with a built-in battery or central emergency power systems are suitable for this purpose. For small and medium-sized buildings, luminaires with an integrated battery are often the simpler solution for retrofitting. For larger installations, central systems are generally easier to monitor. Self-test or auto-test functions are also practical, ensuring that faults do not only come to light in an emergency.
What to look out for when choosing stairwell luminaires
Targeted illumination of steps, landings, and changes in direction
In a stairwell, simply placing an emergency luminaire on the ceiling somewhere is not sufficient.A good plan takes the geometry of the stairs into account: the start and end of the stairs, intermediate landings, doors, changes in direction, and areas near the handrail require clear visual guidance. Especially with dark wall colors, natural stone, glossy tiles, or open stairs, it pays to carefully choose the position of the fixtures to avoid harsh cast shadows on the steps.
For lateral, low-glare lighting, wall lights with sensor are suitable.
Don't forget emergency exit sign luminaires
Where exits, emergency exits, or changes in direction need to be marked, emergency exit sign luminaires are an essential part of the overall system. They are helpful not only in long corridors, but also in the stairwell itself, for example at the exit to the outside or at the transition to the next escape route.In many projects, emergency escape route luminaires are planned for continuous operation so that orientation is always maintained. Standard-compliant signage and an appropriate viewing distance are therefore just as important as the pure brightness of the emergency lighting.
Motion detectors are useful, but do not replace emergency lighting
During normal operation, many modern stairwells operate with LED luminaires and sensors. This saves energy and increases comfort. However, a motion detector alone is not sufficient for emergencies. In the event of a power failure, the safety function must continue to operate independently. Therefore, combined solutions are practical in everyday use: efficient general lighting for daily use, emergency lighting mode during power outages, and an automatic test function if required. This keeps the stairwell practical for daily use while remaining safe.
During normal operation, sensor downlights for corridors and stairs are a comfortable and energy-efficient solution.
Practical checklist for selection
- Is the stairwell part of the escape or rescue route?
- Is there a fire safety concept for the property or are there government regulations?
- Are steps, landings, doors, and changes in direction clearly recognizable in an emergency?
- Are emergency exit sign luminaires also required?
- Is a self-contained battery luminaire sufficient, or is a central system advisable?
- What operating duration and testing requirements apply to the building?
- Do the degree of protection, impact resistance, and mounting method suit the environment?
- Does the general lighting need to be combined with sensor technology?
Frequently asked questions about emergency lighting in the stairwell
When is emergency lighting mandatory in the stairwell?
There is no general requirement for every stairwell.The use of the building, the number of occupants, the escape route concept, occupational safety, and building regulations are decisive factors. It is required much more frequently in workplaces, special buildings, and buildings with high public traffic than in a small private building.
What lighting does a stairwell need during normal operation?
For daily use, a stairwell primarily requires good general lighting with safe illumination of steps and landings. Emergency lighting is added to this as well. It takes over in the event of a normal power failure or permanently provides illuminated escape route signage.
How long must emergency lighting in the stairwell operate?
A minimum operating duration of one hour is commonly assumed. Depending on the facility, its use, and the escape route concept, a longer duration may also be required.Doorslaggevend is altijd het ontwerp dat voor het gebouw geldt, en niet één algemene richtwaarde van internet.
Is een bewegingsmelder voldoende als noodverlichting in het trappenhuis?
Nee. Een bewegingsmelder stuurt alleen de normale verlichting aan. Echte noodverlichting heeft een onafhankelijke stroomvoorziening of een noodlichtsysteem nodig dat bij uitval van de netspanning automatisch overneemt. Sensortechniek is zinvol, maar alleen als aanvulling.
Wat is het verschil tussen veiligheidsverlichting en vervangingsverlichting?
Veiligheidsverlichting dient ter bescherming van personen, dus voor oriëntatie, vlucht en het lokaliseren van veiligheidsrelevante voorzieningen. Vervangingsverlichting is er juist op gericht normale werkzaamheden in beperkte mate mogelijk te houden. In het trappenhuis staat vrijwel altijd de veiligheidsfunctie centraal.
Does the same apply to a stairwell?
Yes. Stairwell is the term commonly used in Austria for a stairwell. The technical requirement remains the same: safe orientation on stairs and landings in the event of a power outage.
If you are looking for suitable LED emergency lighting fixtures, escape route exit signs, or a combination of stair lighting and safety lighting, MeinLED is happy to help you make your choice. In the shop, you will find a wide assortment, and for larger projects, we can provide technical advice, lighting calculations, and project-specific support upon request.
A wide selection of LED emergency lighting is also available online.
