Why illuminated handrails aren’t just for hospitals, and the power of lit stair nosings

Traditionally considered a safety feature of hospitals and nursing homes, illuminated handrails, bump rails and wall protection systems present a number of contemporary applications in building design.

Beyond the obvious practical safety benefits, illuminated handrails are increasingly being incorporated into buildings of all purposes, to imp

rove environmental efficiency and complement interior design. Here we outline some of the lesser-known advantages of using handrails as a lightsource and other potential applications.

Reducing glare

Glare becomes an issue when bright lighting impedes vision. As eyesight adapts to the brightest level of light in an area, it becomes comparatively more difficult to see darker, or less pronounced, areas — despite the presence of ample lighting. On stairways, areas with mixed level flooring or reflective surfaces, glare can present a safety risk to pedestrians.

Illuminated handrails provide a gentle light source for such locations, eliminating danger or discomfort caused by glare. These systems allow hand/bump rails to be seen clearly, whilst the fanning effect of the light source helps to identify any changes to flooring elevation or surface finish.

This non-obtrusive light source is also useful for minimising disruption caused through excessive light in areas where people may be sleeping (such as hotels or boarding houses), or where aesthetic appearance might be spoilt.

Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability

Illuminated handrails are long-life light sources reliant on low-cost LED systems. They provide an energy efficient alternative to other lighting sources that would ordinarily be considered for the same space, resulting in lower electricity costs and reductions in greenhouse emissions. Illuminated handrail lighting is also easy and inexpensive to replace should burn out or damage occur, but a typical system is expected to last between 20,000 to 40,000 hours.

To ensure you are using an energy efficient product, avoid those which use cheap, low quality LED systems, which are likely to flicker, malfunction or burn out prematurely; it’s best to stick to a trusted, tested and high quality brand.

Aesthetic design and ambience

While a practical solution may not always be the most adventurous choice, illuminated handrail and step lighting can provide opportunity to extend creative scope. Doubling as both a safety mechanism and lighting feature, illuminated systems can be harnessed to enhance building design and decor; their unique and subtle lighting effect adding an element of elegance, drama or ambiance to an area. Latham handrail lighting is remotely dimmable, so that it can easily adapt to changing lighting conditions or time of day.

Aside from hospitals, dormitories and care facilities, illuminated handrails provide an interesting and innovative form of light source for buildings such as:

• Cinemas
• Bars
• Concert venues
• Theatres
• Nightclubs
• Museums and galleries
• Ships and yachts

Judging by the list above, it's clear that illuminated hand railing is particularly useful in entertainment venues - not just where pedestrian safety is paramount, but where the appearance and integrity of interior design must also be maintained.

LED lighting in stairs

Of course, illuminated handrails are not the only way of providing safe, visually pleasing pedestrian thoroughfare. Soft, LED lighting systems can also be incorporated into stairways and walkways through the installation of stair tread lighting (also known as LED stair lights, step lighting and illuminated nosing). These multi-purpose floor products are designed to create both a slip-resistant, high traction surface for foot traffic, as well as enhance visibility where changes to floor levels/elevation may occur.

Latham’s Tredlite 2 Asbraloy LED Decorative nosings and Tredlite 2 Asbrabronz LED Decorative nosings have been specifically developed for this purpose using safe, low voltage 24V LED lighting technology, which is cheap and efficient to run and creates a stunning but practical visual effect in any building — whether it be an office, entertainment venue or health care facility.



To find out more about Latham products, please visit www.latham-australia.com. To talk to a Latham product expert, call 1300 LATHAM (528 426) or email sales@latham-australia.com.