Lights in stair risers, architectural lighting.

[Christophers]

Client wants a 2.5 watt light in the middle of every stair leading to a basement. I've never wired stairs themselves before. Do I run the wire under the stairs and then cover them with a sheet of 5/8ths to meet code? I tried to look it up but couldn't find it. I'm sure they would prefer nothing visible since it is open concept. No walls on either side.

 

[mopowr steve]

Client wants a 2.5 watt light in the middle of every stair leading to a basement. I've never wired stairs themselves before. Do I run the wire under the stairs and then cover them with a sheet of 5/8ths to meet code? I tried to look it up but couldn't find it. I'm sure they would prefer nothing visible since it is open concept. No walls on either side.

A tread light in every step————- sounds expensive.
I guess your onto something with the plywood though since you won’t have any walls to run wiring.

 

[mtnelect]

Why not Low Voltage ... LED. Sorry "Light Emitting Diode"

 

[Buck Parrish]

Client wants a 2.5 watt light in the middle of every stair leading to a basement. I've never wired stairs themselves before. Do I run the wire under the stairs and then cover them with a sheet of 5/8ths to meet code? I tried to look it up but couldn't find it. I'm sure they would prefer nothing visible since it is open concept. No walls on either side.

I agree with steve and mt man.
If you use 120 volt or LV you'll want to physically protect it . If nothing else, for the longevity of the stair lights.
If it's open concept you're going to want to discuss how to hide the wires with the owner / engineer or contractor.
(The Pic below is a Generic pic of a open concept stairs for beinifit of one wondering).
We do similar installs using LV LED's I try to mount them on the walls. But if you do not have walls. I'm perplexed...

 

[Christophers]

Thanks for the replies. It's a tough one. The only things I could find is life code about stairwells only having wiring runs for the stairs themselves in commercial and the prohibition on overcurrent devices under a stair. I guess you can staple a wire under a stair. It's just never come up. Is there a conduit or raceway solution? Low voltage may be a good choice too depending on availability. Good stuff is often sold out locally.

Hopefully I will not be the one who gets stair wiring put into the code.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Do you have a diagram of the stairs? Or is it similar to the one I posted?

 

[Christophers]

It a basement from the 60's being turned into a home gym. It will be sanded, painted and get new treads. So old there are no lights in the stairwell.

 

[Buck Parrish]

I have used these. I put them in the side wall. I had them come on via motin detector from either direction. This was in addition to the required 3 way switch light above the stairs.
In your case . I would put a regular cheap light on the wall or basement cieling,

 

[Fred B]

I would use low voltage louvered pucks or under tread edge led strips and wire mold to protect the cable. Like these:

 

[winnie]

IMHO this would be just like running wire exposed under the joists in a basement.

I'd be comfortable with exposed NM stapled to the bottom of the steps with a running board to provide mechanical protection.

However I think low voltage lights make more sense. Something you can feed with 18ga wire is going to be much easier to install than 14ga NM.

Jon

 

[RumRunner]

Client wants a 2.5 watt light in the middle of every stair leading to a basement. I've never wired stairs themselves before. Do I run the wire under the stairs and then cover them with a sheet of 5/8ths to meet code? I tried to look it up but couldn't find it. I'm sure they would prefer nothing visible since it is open concept. No walls on either side.

Have you looked at FIBER Optic Light Systems? Here are several types you can adapt to your application.

I have them installed on my terraced steps up front of the house; that I can turn on with my garage front lights.

They are not expensive--low voltage at 12 volts.

Your open type stair case would be perfect by using the stringer (center support) to hide the #18 wires.

Here is the website:

https://www.amazon.com/MECCANIXITY-...optical+fiber+lighting&qid=1665005836&sr=8-61.

“A stair stinger is a structural member that is installed on either side or at the center of a flight of stairs with threads and risers fixed. The primary function of the stringer is to provide a framework or support to the tread & risers and to hide the edge of the stairs exposing the tread profile.”

 

[Amps]

Run PVC Wiremold down the center of the stairs, or 1x3 pine, use small PVC low voltage Jboxes (Amazon) on each step behind each light fixture. Splices in Jboxes, main wiring up to top step then head over to the wall. Check outdoor deck step lights, wiring etc.