minimum lighting requirements for commercial stairs

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malachi constant

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I did a search on the forum and came across this thread, which has always been my understanding of the subject:
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=91875

To summarize the thread, building codes require one footcandle at egress stairs (maybe average, maybe minimum depending on how you slice it, for my purposes I can just assume average).

In the last couple months I've had a lighting vendor and an Owner cite the fire code as requiring five footcandles in the stairwell. Any idea if this is true, and if so when it would apply?

I ask because some clients are very sensitive to w/sf and utility bills. One solution a client came up with (and I tested out in model and in field) was to put (1)17W strip lamp at each stair landing, instead of the typical (2)32W lamps people use. These are left on 24-7 and provide one footcandle minimum at the stairs.

I had a discussion with a client last week who wanted me to reduce w/sf by a hair. I suggested the above for their stairs, which are not open to the public and will rarely be accessed even by their staff (just for going down into library basement which contains only phone/elec/mech equipment). They were pretty sure I needed 5 FC and wanted me to keep using those "stair occ sensor fixtures" - the ones with (2)32W lamps plus occ sensor override that leaves on a single 17W lamp on during unoccupied use. I think it's a waste of their money. They agreed if code doesn't require 5FC they would want my solution of only the (1)17W lamp.

So...anyone ever run into this 5FC-at-the-stairs requirement? Seems like overkill to me. Thanks!
 
To quote the code, IBC Section 1006.2, Illumination Level: "The means of egress illumination level shal not be less than 1 foot-candle at the floor level."

Note this is a minimum value, not average. It is at the floor, not at +2.5 feet. The exception to the level is for auditoriums, theaters, and similar. There are some occupancy exceptions as well.

Section 1009 discusses when stairways may be used as part of the means of egress.
 
Stair Lighting

Stair Lighting

Lighting each step separately is a great way to ensure each step has adequate light but 17 watts per step is a tremendous amount of power. The Reactive Lighting line of stair lights has many options that are 0.24 watts per step. This would allow the entire stairwell to be lit for under 12 watts of power. Depending on the power cost in the installation area this should be under $10 per year to run 24 hours a day.

I just want to be up front here and say that I am part owner in Reactive Lighting which is why I didn't provide a link in case this is against protocol here. I am simply truing to be helpful. The site is the name with a dot com at the end.
 
I typically put a flourescent fixture at each landing and intermediate landing.

All fixtures are either on a generator or internal battery back-up, typically at reduced light output.

Don't like stairways to be dark. Avoids potential tripping down the stairs.

RC
 
In NYC, we need enough light to comply with building code, but also to energize the photoluminescent markings. Usually 1 fc is enough, but when the marking has only been tested with 2fc, then we need 2fc. NYC Building Code SECTION BC 1006
MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION
 
Sounds like you folks are not running into the 5FC requirement. Good. I think it is probably bogus. Will still try to get to the bottom of it but will assume 1FC min at the floor. If I make any headway I will post it here.

Clarifications: My proposed solution to the Owner is (1)17W 2-foot flourescent lamp at each stair landing, and by that I also mean each intermediate landing as well as main landings. (Certainly not at each step!) Not sure what the correct terminology is but that should clear it up a little.

Thanks!
 
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