Do we really need research to know we need to light a stairwell?
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This is simply a no brainer, isn’t it? Of course we need light in our stairwells to allow us to take advantage of the vision we have. Without good light, we might as well blindfold ourselves when we travel the stairs. Who would do that?
Unfortunately very smart and rational people who have coped with dark stairwells that were built before building codes required a light with switches at top and bottom may not realize how much easier and safer it would be to negotiate stairs if they can see what they are doing. If you know someone like that, show them this video and see if they can recognize themselves!
Good lighting in a stairwell doesn’t cause shadows over the stairwell. This is usually accomplished with lighting at top and bottom or light that is positioned to cast a light a person’s body doesn’t block when they are traveling the stairs.
Light bulbs don’t last forever, so fixtures that are easy to reach are important for stairwell safety too. That way people will replace burnt out bulbs and they will be able to do it without climbing on ladders to reach the light.
In the example today, we knew this homeowner needed to use the handrails we installed, so we expected her hands to be occupied. For additional safety we used a motion sensing light so that she wouldn’t ever have to remember to turn on the light or struggle to reach a switch while balancing with her hands on the handrails. We were careful to select a light that didn’t project into the stairwell in a way that would risk her bumping into it.
Current codes require lighting be controlled at top and bottom unless the light is operated automatically. A qualified electrician can help you determine how to add the switches at the top and bottom of your stairwell and add additional lighting.
Stairwells can be very dangerous, but most of us can’t get around in our homes without using them. In addition to non slip surfaces and good handrails, use lighting to increase your safety.
