LED Stairwell Lights with Occupancy Sensors: How Bi Level Stairwell Fixtures Work

Stairwell lighting has to be ready day and night, yet the stairs may sit empty for long stretches. That is why LED stairwell lights with occupancy sensors are built for bi level operation: full output when someone opens the door or climbs the stairs, then a dimmed standby level while the stairwell is empty. This guide covers how that works on the fixtures we list, which sensor settings matter, how the emergency driver option fits in, and how the fixtures mount, with the numbers taken from the manufacturer spec sheets.

How a bi level stairwell fixture works

A bi level stairwell fixture is a linear strip light with a built in occupancy sensor that controls the driver through a 0 to 10V dim signal. Instead of switching between on and off, it steps between two light levels:

• High level: the sensor detects motion and the fixture runs at full output.
• Hold time: after the last motion, the fixture stays at full output for the hold time you set.
• Standby level: when the hold time runs out, the fixture dims to the standby level you set and waits for the next person.
• Standby period: the sensor can also be set to switch the light off after a standby period. In a stairwell, confirm the setting keeps the standby light on where your code requires it.

The EDIPAI G4 spec sheet calls this the corridor function and describes three steps: full light, dimmed light, then off, with the hold time and the standby period set separately. A daylight threshold can keep the light from switching on when there is enough natural light, which helps in stairwells with windows.

This guide stays on the stairwell application. For how PIR, microwave and dual technology sensors detect motion, see occupancy sensors: PIR, microwave and dual tech. For how the 0 to 10V signal works, see 0 to 10V dimming explained.

Sensor settings from the EDIPAI G4 sheet

The EDIPAI G4 sheet documents an integrated microwave sensor option. These are the settings it lists. Check the sensor on your exact order code, because sensor models vary by version.

Setting	Options on the sheet	Stairwell note
Hold time	5 s, 30 s, 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 or 30 min	Long enough to cover a slow climb between landings
Standby dimming level	One tenth, one fifth, three tenths or half of full output	Set it high enough to meet the egress light level your code requires
Standby period	From 0 s up to 30 min	Confirm whether your code allows the light to switch off at all
Daylight threshold	2, 10, 30, 50, 80 or 120 lux, or disabled	Useful near stair windows; disable it in a windowless core
Detection	5.8GHz microwave, 30 to 150 degree angle, 3 to 6 m radius	Check coverage at each landing and flight
Mounting height	Up to 15 m (49 ft)	Check against your ceiling or wall mounting height
Programming	Compatible with a remote control	Set the levels from the stair instead of opening each fixture

The sensor runs on 12V DC from the fixture and outputs on and off or 0 to 10V dimming. The JEE ST02 sheet lists a low voltage bi level motion sensor as an option, and the ST02 listings below are listed as sensor base versions; confirm the sensor on the order code with us. Ask us for the sensor settings sheet for your model before you set a building standard.

LED stairwell fixtures compared by spec sheet

These fixtures come from our LED stairwell lights and occupancy sensor fixtures collections, all with a posted price. Wattage and lumens come from the manufacturer sheets; prices are from the product pages at the time of writing and can change. Where the product page and the sheet show a different number, we left the number out.

Fixture	Length	Selectable wattage	Max lumens	Sensor	Price
EDIPAI G4 2ft 30W	2ft	Up to 30W, see sheet	5,000 lm	Sensor base	$23.50
EDIPAI G4 4ft 40W	4ft	20 / 25 / 30 / 35 / 40W	6,000 lm	Sensor base	$24.75
EDIPAI G4 4ft 40W with MC sensor	4ft	20 / 25 / 30 / 35 / 40W	6,000 lm	MC sensor	$32.00
EDIPAI G4 4ft 50W	4ft	25 / 30 / 35 / 40 / 50W	7,500 lm	Sensor base	$24.75
EDIPAI G4 4ft 60W with HD027VCR sensor base	4ft	20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60W	See sheet	HD027VCR sensor base	$39.50
JEE ST02 4ft	4ft	20 / 30 / 45W	5,850 lm	Sensor base	$22.75
EDIPAI G4 8ft 80W	8ft	40 / 50 / 60 / 70 / 80W	12,000 lm	Sensor base	$49.25
EDIPAI G4 8ft 80W with MC sensor	8ft	40 / 50 / 60 / 70 / 80W	12,000 lm	MC sensor	$56.75
JEE ST02 8ft	8ft	70 / 80 / 90W	11,700 lm	Sensor base	$41.75
EDIPAI G4 8ft 150W with emergency driver	8ft	80 / 90 / 100 / 125 / 150W	22,500 lm	Ask us	$160.00

Both families let you set the wattage and the color temperature on the fixture. The EDIPAI G4 sheet lists 120 to 277V, with a 347V version, continuous dimming down to a tenth of full output or below, and an indoor IP20 rating. The JEE ST02 sheet lists 120 to 277V with 120 to 347V optional. For sensor base listings, ask us whether the sensor head ships in the box or is ordered as the separate linear strip sensor kit HD027VCR.

Size the fixture for each landing from the light level you need. Check the target light level in foot candle requirements by space type, then compare lumens per fixture. For color temperature, see 3000K vs 4000K vs 5000K.

Emergency driver options

An emergency driver keeps a stairwell fixture lit for a set time when normal power fails. On these strips it is a separate order code, not a field add on:

• EDIPAI G4: the sheet's emergency LED driver section lists a UL 924 listed, self testing driver with a discharge time of at least 1.5 hours and a 24 hour recharge time, for field or factory installation. We list it on the 8ft 150W G4 with emergency driver. Confirm the emergency output on your order code with us before you lay out the stair.
• JEE ST02: the ordering table shows separate codes for motion sensor only, emergency backup only, both, or neither. Ask us if you need the version with both.

Plan the emergency fixtures with the designer or the local code official, because the required light level, duration and fixture count come from the code your jurisdiction adopted. For battery runtime and testing, see emergency battery backup LED fixtures. For exit signs at the stair doors, see exit signs and emergency lighting requirements.

What the energy codes say about stairwells

The Department of Energy's Building Energy Codes Program lighting resource guide notes that ASHRAE Standard 90.1 lists stairwells among the spaces that require occupancy sensors, and that turning the lights on to full power automatically is allowed in stairwells. Requirements change from one code edition to the next, so check local code and the edition your jurisdiction adopted. Check local code as well for the light level the stair needs while the fixtures are at standby, and confirm the standby setting with the designer or code official.

Mounting a stairwell strip

Both sheets show surface and suspended mounting:

• Wall or ceiling surface mount: the EDIPAI G4 back housing has holes and slots for wall or surface mount, chain or pendant mount. The sheet gives the anchor spacing for surface mount as 12.55" on the 2ft, 36.22" on the 4ft and 83.38" on the 8ft.
• Chain or wire rope: the G4 sheet shows wire rope hangers at 17.79" (2ft), 41.85" (4ft) and 89.80" (8ft) spacing. The JEE ST02 sheet shows surface and suspended installation, with a wire rope accessory.
• Size: the G4 measures 24", 48" or 96" long by 2.93" wide by 3.26" high. The ST02 is 48" or 96" long by 2.95" by 3.27".
• Wiring: line, neutral and ground to the source, plus the 0 to 10V dim leads, per the wiring diagrams on both sheets.

Mount the fixture so the sensor sees the landing and the first treads, not only the wall. On a wall mount over a landing, aim for a clear view of the door and the stair approach.

Check each product page and spec sheet for that fixture's UL, ETL and DLC listings. If you plan to apply for a utility incentive, check the DLC listing for the exact model and options; programs vary, check with your utility. Every line we carry has a minimum 5 year manufacturer warranty.

Before you order

• Count landings and flights and decide where each sensor needs to see.
• Set one standard for hold time, standby level and standby period, and record it for the building.
• Confirm the voltage on the circuit: 120 to 277V, or a 347V version where the sheet lists one.
• Decide on emergency drivers now, because they are separate order codes.
• Check the sensor in the order code: sensor base, MC sensor or HD027VCR.
• Check local code for the standby light level and egress illumination.

Need help with the numbers? See how to read an LED spec sheet or selectable wattage and CCT.

Common questions

What is a bi level stairwell light?

It is a stairwell fixture with an occupancy sensor that runs at full output when someone is in the stairwell and dims to a lower standby level when the stairwell is empty, instead of switching fully off.

What hold time should I set for a stairwell?

Pick a hold time long enough to cover a slow climb between landings. The EDIPAI G4 sheet lists hold times from 5 seconds to 30 minutes. Set the same value on all fixtures in the stair.

How low can the standby level go?

The EDIPAI G4 sheet lists standby levels of one tenth, one fifth, three tenths or half of full output. Check local code for the light level the stair needs at standby.

Can a stairwell strip have an emergency driver?

Yes, as a separate order code. We list an 8ft EDIPAI G4 with an emergency driver, and the JEE ST02 sheet shows emergency backup codes. Ask us for the version you need.

How is shipping handled?

We ship to all 50 states by parcel or LTL freight, direct from the manufacturer's warehouse. Submit your order for a freight quote with the delivery address, and nothing is charged until you approve the final total.

Shop the LED stairwell lights collection or LED fixtures with occupancy sensor, or send your fixture list for a job quote. Questions? Contact us or call (845) 681 2684.