Article Contents
Industry Insight: Led Stairs Strip Lights
H2 LED Stair Strip Lights: From After-Thought to Code-Critical Component
H3 Why the Railing is Now a Luminaire
In modern commercial builds the stairway is no longer lit by a ceiling troffer twenty steps away; it is the hand-rail, the nosing, or the stringer itself that is expected to deliver 50–100 lx on the tread while meeting IBC §1008, NFPA 101 and local 0–10 V emergency dimming protocols.
Architects want a 1–2 mm sight-line, contractors want a plug-and-play harness, and facility managers want a 50 000 h L70 that will not trigger a call-back.
That is why the LED stair strip has migrated from “decorative option” to “code-listed safety device” and why the importer’s first filter is no longer price-per-metre but “Does it carry the mark?”
H3 Certification ≠ Paperwork—It Is Your Risk Mitigation
A stair strip that is trodden on, bent around a 50 mm radius, and potted in polyurethane must still pass:
UL 2108 / CSA C22.2 #250.0 (low-voltage lighting systems)
IEC/EN 60598-2-20 (chain/rope lights)
IEC 61347-2-13 (LED control gear)
EN 62031:2014 + A1:2020 (LED modules)
60 °C, 75 °C, 90 °C conductor temperature limits
A reel that cannot produce the above on demand is automatically rejected by EU notified bodies and by North-American AHJs.
The cost of a single job-site red-tag (removed railing, re-inspection, crane re-hire) routinely exceeds the entire purchase price of the LED strip.
Conclusion: ETL / TUV CE is not marketing—it is insurance.
H2 Beauty (STC) Manufacturing—Industrial-Grade Strips Since 1998
| Corporate Snapshot | Data |
|---|---|
| Plant founded | 1998, Jiangmen, Guangdong |
| ISO status | ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 |
| Certifications held | ETL/cETL (UL 2108), TUV CE, RoHS, REACH, SAA, RCM |
| Production lines | 8 SMT lines (Yamaha & Juki), 3 silicone-extrusion lines, 2 PU vacuum-potting lines |
| Monthly capacity | 1.2 million metres flexible strip, 60 000 pcs aluminium channels |
| Export footprint | 50+ countries, >600 OEM SKUs in service |
H3 What “Veteran” Means Technically
25 years of thermal data: we publish de-rating tables at 25 °C, 40 °C, 55 °C ambient—no extrapolation.
In-house spectroradiometer and 2 m integrating sphere; every batch LM-80 report available for 3000 K, 4000 K, 6500 K.
UL recognised insulation system (Class B, 130 °C) so the strip can be embedded in wood or metal without additional spacing.
Patent CN2135169U: strain-relief end-cap for 6 mm-thick stair profiles—eliminates solder-joint fatigue on vibrating steel staircases.
H3 OEM/ODM Capability—No MOQ on Engineered Versions
PCB width 4 mm – 25 mm, copper weight 1 – 4 oz, single-colour, CCT-tunable, DMX, DALI, CASAMBI.
Silicone colour matched to RAL within ΔE ≤ 1.0 for discrete railing integration.
Pre-terminated 18 AWG Teflon leads, IP67/IP68/IP69K on request.
Laser-etched part number & date code every 0.5 m for traceability in litigation-sensitive projects.
H2 Spec Summary – Standard Commercial Stair Strip (ETL File E510884)
| Parameter | 12 VDC | 24 VDC |
|---|---|---|
| LED type | 2835, 120 LED/m, 3-step MacAdam bin | |
| Power / m | 9.6 W | 14.4 W |
| Nominal flux / m | 1200 lm | 1800 lm |
| Efficacy | 125 lm/W @ 4000 K, Tj = 65 °C | |
| CRI | Ra ≥ 90 optional, R9 > 50 | |
| Cuttable pitch | 25 mm (every 3 LED) | 50 mm (every 6 LED) |
| Min bend radius | 30 mm (silicone sleeve) | |
| Operating temp | –40 °C to +60 °C | |
| Lifetime (L70, Ta = 45 °C) | 54 000 h per TM-21 | |
| IP rating | IP65 as stock, IP67 with co-extruded gasket | |
| Flame class | UL 94 V-0 silicone, IEC 60332-1-2 vertical burn | |
| Cable | 0.75 mm² (18 AWG) 300 V, 105 °C, VW-1 | |
| Compliance mark | ETL/cETL, CE, RoHS, REACH, SAA |
H2 Take-away for Distributors, Contractors & Specifiers
- Specify the mark first, lumens second—an un-listed strip invalidates the entire staircase inspection.
- Ask for the UL/CCA file number and the TUV CE report annex—Beauty STC issues both within 2 h.
- Use a supplier whose end-cap and strain-relief is tooled for stair loading, not living-room coves.
- Lock in 24 V for runs > 4 m to keep conductor losses < 5 % without doubling copper weight.
- Request LM-80 and TM-21 data at the actual case temperature (usually 55–60 °C inside an aluminium hand-rail in Dubai).
For project quotations, test samples or OEM drawings, contact:
[email protected] | +86-13902885704
Technical Specs & Certifications (ETL/CE)
Technical Specifications & Quality Standards for LED Stair Lighting Systems
As a manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in LED lighting solutions, Beauty STC Lighting adheres to stringent technical standards to ensure reliability and safety in commercial stair applications. Our products are engineered to meet the exacting demands of global distributors, contractors, and architects, with a focus on performance metrics that exceed industry benchmarks.
Core Performance Metrics for Commercial Applications
Luminous efficacy (lumens per watt), color rendering index (CRI), ingress protection (IP) ratings, and PCB construction are critical parameters for stair lighting systems. These factors directly impact installation longevity, energy efficiency, and compliance with international safety standards.
Lumens per Watt: Beauty STC stair lighting systems utilize high-efficiency LED chips and optimized thermal management to achieve 120–140 lumens per watt. This performance level significantly surpasses generic alternatives, which typically deliver 80–100 lm/W. Higher efficacy translates to reduced operational costs without compromising illumination quality.
Color Rendering Index (CRI): All products maintain CRI values exceeding 90 (typically Ra 95+), ensuring accurate color representation in stairwell environments. This is essential for safety and aesthetic applications, whereas generic solutions often employ LEDs with CRI values of 80–85, leading to distorted color perception and reduced visual clarity.
IP Ratings: Each system is certified to IP65 or higher per IEC 60529 standards, with rigorous testing for dust ingress and water resistance (10-minute spray test at 6.3L/min). Generic products frequently advertise unverified IP ratings or offer only IP20 for indoor use, resulting in premature failure in wet or dusty conditions.
PCB Design & Manufacturing Rigor
Beauty STC employs 1.0mm+ thick FR-4 PCBs with 2oz copper weight for superior thermal dissipation and mechanical stability. Every PCB undergoes automated optical inspection (AOI) and thermal imaging during production to ensure uniform soldering and minimal voltage drop across runs exceeding 10 meters. In contrast, generic manufacturers commonly use 0.5mm PCBs with 1oz copper, causing hotspots and inconsistent brightness over extended installations.
Certified Compliance for Global Markets
All LED stair lighting products are certified by ETL (USA/Canada) and TUV CE (Europe), complying with IEC 60598 and UL 1598 standards. This includes flame resistance testing (UL 94 V-0), electrical safety checks, and accelerated lifetime testing. Generic solutions often lack third-party certifications, creating compliance risks in Western markets and potential liability for end-users.
Consistency Through Rigorous Quality Control
Beauty STC’s vertically integrated manufacturing process ensures batch-to-batch consistency through:
100% L70 testing for lumen maintenance
Thermal profiling at 60°C ambient conditions
Automated binning of LED chips by color temperature (ΔE < 3)
ISO 9001-aligned quality management systems
This commitment to precision engineering allows us to deliver OEM/ODM solutions that meet exact project specifications without compromising certification standards.
| Feature | Generic Market Quality | Beauty STC Certified Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Luminous Efficacy | 80–100 lm/W | 120–140 lm/W |
| CRI (Ra) | 80–85 | >90 (typically 95+) |
| IP Rating | IP20 (indoor) or uncertified IP65 | IP65/IP67 certified (IEC 60529) |
| PCB Specifications | 0.5mm FR-4, 1oz copper | 1.0mm+ FR-4, 2oz copper |
| Safety Certifications | Often self-certified or missing | ETL Listed, TUV CE (EN 60598) |
With a manufacturing heritage dating to 1998, Beauty STC Lighting provides global distributors and contractors with technically verified LED solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. For project-specific technical documentation or OEM customization inquiries, contact us at [email protected] or +86 13902885704.
Factory Tour: Manufacturing Excellence
Manufacturing Process & OEM Services
Beauty (STC) Manufacturing Co., Ltd. – Jiangmen, Guangdong
1. Factory Footprint & Legacy
| Item | Data |
|---|---|
| Plant location | 41 Caihong Rd., Jianghai High-tech Zone, Jiangmen, CN |
| Built-up area | 18 000 m² (two bonded warehouses + R&D annexe) |
| Since | 1998 – 25 consecutive years ISO-9001 audited |
| Export markets served | 50+ countries with ETL/cETL & TUV CE files on file |
We retain in-house control of extrusion, SMT, silicone extrusion, and packaging under one roof—no subcontracting of critical steps.
2. SMT & LED Mounting Line
| Line | Equipment Qty | Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha/ASM high-speed mounters | 6 lines (12 heads each) | 0805 LED to 0.5 mm pitch IC, 120 000 cph |
| Solder-jet printer | DEK Horizon 03iX | ±12 µm repeatability |
| 10-zone convection reflow | Heller 1912 MK7 | 240 °C peak, N₂ option for lead-free |
| SPI & AOI | Koh Young & Mirtec | 3-D paste & component placement check |
Every strip reel is 100 % AOI-scanned; defect data is logged by bar-code for traceability to die lot.
3. IP-Rated Encapsulation
Extruded PU / silicone co-extrusion line – 30 m oven, 4 MPa vacuum
Secondary IP68 over-moulding for stair tread kits (cable entry & end-cap)
UV-stable PU formulation passes 1 000 h Q-UVB ΔE < 3 (ASTM G154)
4. Aging & Reliability Protocol
| Test | Specification | Duration | Pass Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line burn-in | 24 V rated, 45 °C ambient | 8 h | 0 % dead LED |
| Switch cycle | 30 s on / 30 s off | 1 000 cycles | L70 ≥ 90 % |
| Thermal shock | –40 °C↔+85 °C | 100 cycles | No solder crack |
| Salt mist | 5 % NaCl, 35 °C | 48 h | No corrosion > 5 % area |
ETL & CE witness-test reports are updated annually; files are available for distributor due-diligence packages.
5. QC Documentation Flow
Incoming IQC → SMT AOI → Encapsulation IPQC → 100 % hi-pot 1 500 V DC → FQC (lumen, CCT, CRI) → OQC (drop, carton burst).
All test records archived ≥ 10 years for project callbacks.
6. OEM / ODM Capability Matrix
| Customisable Feature | Factory Option | MOQ | Lead-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length per reel | 100 mm – 50 m cut | 500 m | 10 days |
| CCT binning | 1800 K – 6500 K, 2-step MacAdam | 100 m | 7 days |
| PCB width | 5 mm – 28 mm, 1 – 4 oz Cu | 300 m | 8 days |
| LED pitch | 5 mm – 100 mm | 300 m | 8 days |
| CRI | Ra 80 / 90 / 95 | 100 m | 5 days |
| Operating voltage | 12 V, 24 V, 36 V, 48 V constant-voltage | 500 m | 7 days |
| IP rating | IP20, IP54, IP65, IP67, IP68 | 200 m | 10 days |
| Jacket colour | clear, frosted, black, silver, custom RAL | 500 m | 10 days |
| Cable exit | left, right, centre, flying leads, IP68 quick-fit | 200 pcs | 12 days |
| Packaging | anti-static reel, blister, colour sleeve, retail box | 100 units | 7 days |
| Laser logo & part-no. | every 0.5 m on FPC | 300 m | 5 days |
Engineering support:
IES, LDT, .dwg, .rfa files within 24 h
DIALux & Relux stair-scene calculation on request
Patent-check (appearance + utility) before tooling
7. Typical Lead-Times (ex-works Jiangmen)
| Order Size | Standard Spec | Custom Spec |
|---|---|---|
| < 1 000 m | 5 days | 10 days |
| 1 – 5 km | 10 days | 15 days |
| > 5 km | 15 days | 20 days |
Samples from existing ETL-listed configuration ship in 48 hours; custom prototypes 7 days.
For project quotations or technical files, contact:
[email protected] | +86-13902885704
Installation & Application Scenarios
Application Scenarios for LED Stair Strip Lights
LED stair strip lights are engineered for both functional safety and architectural integration across diverse commercial and public spaces. Their low-profile design, energy efficiency, and customizable configurations make them ideal for environments requiring precise illumination without visual disruption. This section outlines key application scenarios and installation best practices for professional contractors and project managers.
Technical Specifications Overview
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power Density | 8–12W/m | Configurable per project requirements |
| Luminous Flux | 1000–1600 lm/m | Varies by color temperature |
| IP Rating | IP20 (Indoor), IP65 (Outdoor) | Custom options available |
| Color Temperature | 2700K–6500K | Tunable white options |
| CRI (Ra) | ≥90 | Critical for accurate color rendering |
| Cutting Interval | 100mm (12V), 200mm (24V) | Must cut at marked points |
| Certifications | ETL, TUV CE | Compliant with North American and European standards |
Commercial Hospitality
In hotels and resorts, stair lighting must balance safety compliance with aesthetic integration. ETL-certified LED strips provide uniform illumination on treads and risers, reducing trip hazards while maintaining a low-profile appearance. IP65-rated options are essential for exterior applications such as poolside staircases, ensuring moisture resistance and long-term reliability. Custom color temperatures (e.g., 3000K for warm hospitality environments) can be tailored to match interior design schemes without compromising performance. Over 25 years of manufacturing expertise ensures consistent quality for high-traffic hospitality projects globally.
Retail & High-Traffic Environments
Shopping malls and airports demand durable, high-output lighting solutions that withstand constant foot traffic. LED stair strips with ≥90 CRI ensure accurate color rendering for retail displays and wayfinding signage. The 25+ years of manufacturing expertise behind these products guarantees consistent performance in high-cycle environments, with ETL and CE certifications verifying compliance with international safety standards for commercial installations. Adjustable power density (8–12W/m) allows for optimized brightness in high-ceiling retail spaces while minimizing energy consumption.
Office & Corporate Spaces
Corporate environments prioritize energy efficiency and minimal maintenance. LED stair strips with 4000K color temperature provide crisp, task-oriented lighting for office staircases, while low power density (8–10W/m) reduces operational costs. The IP20 rating suits indoor installations, and OEM capabilities allow for custom lengths to fit unique staircase geometries without visible joints. All products undergo rigorous testing per TUV CE and ETL standards to ensure compliance with NEC and IEC electrical codes for commercial office buildings.
Exterior & Architectural Facades
Building facades and public staircases require robust solutions for exposure to weather elements. UV-stabilized silicone encapsulation and IP65 ratings protect against rain, snow, and UV degradation. ETL-certified products meet North American electrical codes for outdoor use, while customizable mounting brackets and color options ensure seamless integration into architectural designs. Beauty STC Lighting’s factory-direct manufacturing process guarantees consistent material quality for international infrastructure projects, with certifications validated for compliance across 50+ export markets.
Installation Best Practices for Contractors
Mounting & Protection
Aluminum channels are critical for heat dissipation and physical protection. For indoor installations, use 10mm or 15mm channels with diffusers to spread light evenly. Outdoor applications require IP68-rated channels with silicone gaskets to prevent water ingress. Always secure channels with mounting clips spaced every 300mm to prevent sagging. For stair treads, position strips flush with the surface using adhesive-backed channels to avoid trip hazards.
Electrical Considerations
Voltage drop is a common issue in longer runs. For 12V systems, limit runs to 5 meters; for 24V, up to 10 meters. Use a power supply rated at 1.2x the total load wattage to avoid overloading. Ensure all connections are soldered and insulated, with waterproof junction boxes for outdoor setups. Compliance with NEC Article 411 is mandatory for low-voltage lighting systems. Always verify local electrical codes prior to installation.
Customization & Compliance
Beauty STC Lighting’s OEM capabilities support project-specific requirements, including custom strip lengths, connector types, and color temperatures. All products undergo rigorous testing per ETL and TUV CE standards, ensuring compliance with regional regulations. Contractors are advised to specify exact project details during the quoting phase to leverage our manufacturing expertise for seamless integration. For international projects, request documentation confirming compliance with local standards (e.g., UL 1598 for US projects, EN 60598 for EU installations).
Why Choose Beauty STC Lighting
Partner with Beauty STC Lighting – Factory-Direct LED Stair Strip Solutions
25 Years of Industrial-Grade Manufacturing
Since 1998, Beauty (STC) Manufacturing Co., Ltd has operated a 32,000 m² vertically-integrated plant in Jiangmen, Guangdong, producing UL/TUV-listed LED components for rail, tread, and riser applications. Our ISO 9001-controlled SMT, extrusion, and burn-in lines deliver >1 million linear metres of certified strip every month to 50+ countries.
| Factory Credentials | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1998 |
| Production Floor | 32,000 m² |
| SMT Lines | 12 high-speed |
| Monthly Capacity | 1.2 million linear metres |
| QA System | ISO 9001:2015, 100 % hi-pot & 24 h aging |
Western-Market Certifications – Ready for Specification
Every stair strip is supplied with full test documentation for immediate submittal to AHJs, specifiers, and end-clients.
| Certification | Scope | File Prefix |
|---|---|---|
| ETL/cETL | UL 2108 / CSA C22.2#9 | STC-ETL-SS- |
| TUV CE | EN 60598-2-21, EN 62031 | STC-CE-SS- |
| RoHS / REACH | EU 2015/863 & SVHC | STC-RH-SS- |
| SAA (pending) | IEC 60598-2-21 | — |
OEM/ODM Capability – From Concept to Container
- Optical Engineering – CCT 2200–6500 K, CRI 80/90/95, dot-free optics < 5 mm pitch.
- Mechanical – Anodised 6063-T5 stair channels, IP20-IP68, IK08 tempered covers.
- Electrical – Constant-current or CV, 12 V / 24 V / 36 V / 48 V, 0-10 V, DALI, DMX, Tunable White.
- Assembly – Pre-wired whip lengths, IP68 pigtails, plug-and-play distribution boxes.
| Typical Stair Strip Build | Standard Option | Project-Specific |
|---|---|---|
| LED Type | 2835, 120 LED/m | 2216, 560 LED/m |
| Power | 14.4 W/m | 4–28 W/m |
| Voltage | 24 VDC | 12–48 VDC |
| IP Rating | IP65 silicone sleeve | IP68 PU extrusion |
| Color | 3000 K, 80 CRI | 1800–6500 K, 95 CRI |
| Length/Reel | 5 m | 10–50 m, field-cuttable |
Global Logistics & Compliance Support
Incoterms: FOB Shenzhen, CIF, DDP (EU & US).
Lead Time: 3 weeks standard, 7 days fast-track for repeat OEM.
Export Docs: CO, Form A, ETL/TUV data sheets, LM-80/TM-21 reports.
Palletisation: 1.2 m Euro or 40″×48″ US, corner-board & stretch wrap, Max 1 t per pallet.
Next Step – Send Your Specification
E-mail the project schedule, section number, and target landed cost to our export team. We return a certified submittal package within 24 h.
Contact: [email protected]
Mobile/WhatsApp: +86-139-0288-5704
Factory: 41 Caihong Rd., Jianghai High-tech Zone, Jiangmen, Guangdong, CN
Beauty STC Lighting – Engineering LED stair illumination for 25 years, delivered responsibly to 50+ countries.
⚡ LED Power Supply Calculator
Calculate the required power supply for your LED strip project (includes 20% safety margin).