Handrails offer safety and support on walkways, stairs, and ramps, but with the addition of exterior LED handrail lighting, you’ll get so much more. VIVA Railings offers iRAILTM Systems that feature LED lights and can be integrated with our metal and glass handrail systems. Ensuring that areas are well-lit can help increase safety and prevent falls as well as enhance the entire aesthetic.
1. Increase Visibility
Illuminated handrails not only enhance the visibility of the handrails themselves, but they can also highlight walkways. This allows people to more easily find their way to the walkways as well as navigate them with confidence. To increase visibility, VIVA Railings offers two types of LEDs for illuminated railings.
The iRAILTM Linear system uses a specially designed LED to provide full-length coverage, regardless of how long the rail run is. This system is the illuminated version of our 1.5” diameter rail. The iRAILTM Pods system is available in 1.5” or 2” diameter railings and is an option for any type of tubular rail — round, square, or rectangular. Each pod houses a cluster of high intensity LED lights and can be spaced at 18” to 36” for a customized lighting experience. They can also be installed in posts for a vertical lighting option.
2. Prevent Falls
According to the National Safety Council’s Top 10 Preventable Injuries, falls hold the number two spot in the list of deaths from preventable injuries. It tops the list of total nonfatal injuries in the U.S., accounting for 35%. In 2022, over 8.5 million people were treated for fall-related injuries in emergency rooms and falls disproportionately affected older adults. With this data in mind, it’s important to do as much as possible to offer the safest walking surface.
Falls are especially prevalent in older adults or others with illness or mobility issues. Incorporating LED lighting into public spaces, particularly medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and assisted living facilities can help reduce the fall risk for those traveling on stairs and ramps and even on walkways.
Indoors or out, it’s important to keep walkways, stairways, and ramps even, clear of obstructions, equipped with code-compliant handrails, and well lit. Incorporating LED illuminated railings helps maintain visibility, even in darker stairwells or outdoor spaces.
3. Save on Energy Costs
LED lighting is a sustainable alternative to conventional lighting methods. In fact, an LED bulb can last up to five times longer than a CFL bulb and 30 times longer than an incandescent bulb. Because of this, LEDs offer a high service light and lighting intensity. The iRAILTM illuminated rail systems use a low voltage DC power supply to power the lights. Including LED lighting in a project also contributes to obtaining LEED certification.
4. Enhance the Aesthetic
The Michael Jordan Steakhouse in Chicago, Illinois is the perfect example of how LED illumination can set the tone of the space. Paired with the SHOETM Glass Railing System and illuminated stair treads, this design is energizing and sophisticated at the same time and primes diners for an unforgettable experience while providing additional visibility.
The way that LED illuminated railings can impact the overall design aesthetics is on full display at the Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Fort Worth location. This exciting and energetic space features bold colors and lighting effects that enhance the experience. The LED railing helps illuminate dimly lit spaces while furthering the design goals.
Customize Your LED Illumination
Not only do LED illuminated railings offer added safety and visibility, they are also customizable, so you can create the best options for your project. Options include:
- Pods or linear lighting
- Warm or bright white light
- Clear or diffused lens
- Customized pod spacing
Design a Safer Space with VIVA Railings
LED illumination on railings offers a number of benefits, but increased visibility and reduced risk of falls top the list. For both interior and exterior applications, illuminated railings enhance visibility of the handrail and walking surface, improving safety and navigation.. Being that falls are a significant cause of preventable injury in the U.S., choosing to incorporate illuminated railings means you’re doing your part to reduce this risk.
In addition to increasing fall prevention measures, incorporating LED lighting is a sustainable alternative to traditional forms of lighting and contributes to obtaining LEED certification for your projects. LED illuminated railings also elevate the design aesthetic—adding soft, diffused lighting to sophisticated spaces or bold, vibrant illumination to energetic environments.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to see how our LED illuminated railings can enhance your indoor or exterior handrail designs or check out Commercial Illuminated Stair Railing: A Buyers Guide.
