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If you are re-edging a commercial stair — an office refit, a stairwell in a block of flats, an auditorium gangway — this profile does two jobs at once. It is a slimline aluminium stair nosing measuring 56mm across the tread and 32mm down the riser, and that 56mm includes a 13mm photoluminescent strip along the front edge, with a slip-resistant PVC insert filling the tread behind it. In daylight or normal artificial light the strip reads as a pale green band; when the lights go out it glows, marking the edge of every step without any wiring, battery or power supply. Eleven insert colours are available and the glow strip is fitted to all of them.
The photoluminescent strip is a europium-doped strontium aluminate compound that charges from ordinary ambient light. The manufacturer states that it activates under normal illumination — daylight, fluorescent tube or tungsten filament alike — and publishes an afterglow brightness of 455 mcd/m² measured ten minutes after excitation, a highly visible afterglow lasting more than 600 minutes, and a total afterglow duration in excess of 3,000 minutes before decaying to 0.32 mcd/m². The emission is green, with a peak wavelength of 520nm — the part of the spectrum the dark-adapted eye is most sensitive to. Its stated purpose is to help people identify stair edges and risers during a local or emergency power failure, when a stairwell is at its most dangerous.
There is no LED, no lighting channel and nothing to connect. That is the point of it: no electrician, no cable route, no maintenance regime, and nothing that stops working in the power cut it exists for.
The strip is not merely a marker. The manufacturer describes it as carrying a three-dimensional pyramid pattern under a polyurethane coating that reduces dirt retention, and quotes its slip resistance as R11 to DIN 51130:2010 at a 24.7 degree ramp angle, with pendulum values of PTV 57 dry and PTV 47 wet. It is also stated to resist ultraviolet light, oil, grease, petrol, salt, dilute acids and alkalis and common household chemicals. Organic solvents will soften it.
The manufacturer describes the standard PVC insert as a REACH compliant flexible PVC extrusion grade designed specifically for non-scuff stair nosing applications, and states that it achieves category R11 under the DIN 51130:2010 inclined platform test at a measured ramp angle of 22.9 degrees, with pendulum values under BS 7976-2:2002 of PTV 66 dry and PTV 54 wet. The UK Slip Resistance Group treats a PTV of 36 or above as low slip potential, so both figures sit clear of that threshold — as it happens, higher than the glow strip's own.
The carrier is extruded aluminium alloy AA 6063 in a T5 temper, produced to DIN EN 755 with a chemical composition in accordance with BS EN 573-3:2003. The section is a straight, square-edged L rather than a bullnose, so it sits flat on the going and returns a full 32mm down the riser face. Mill finish is standard. The manufacturer also offers Bright Brass and Bright Black anodised finishes, bespoke powder coating in over 350 colours, made-to-measure lengths and factory drilling — all on request, and none of them stocked, so talk to us first if you need one.
This is a slimline, single-channel profile, which places it in the manufacturer's standard-duty band rather than its heavy-duty one. It suits office and retail stairwells, apartment blocks and shared access stairs, cinemas, theatres and auditoria, hotels, and any internal stair that forms part of an escape route and would be unlit in a power failure. The manufacturer specifies the profile for use with vinyl, linoleum and medium carpets or similar floor coverings, and it works over laminate, LVT and tile where the finished floor level allows.
For genuinely heavy traffic — railway stations, supermarkets, department stores, schools and hospitals are the manufacturer's own examples — its guidance is to step up to a heavier gauge, double-channel nosing instead. Ask us and we will point you at one.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tread width | 56mm, including the 13mm glow strip |
| Riser height | 32mm |
| Edge shape | Straight (square), single channel |
| Duty rating | Standard duty (slimline, single channel) — manufacturer recommends a heavier double-channel profile for heavy-traffic stairs |
| Gauge (floor covering recess) | 3mm per the manufacturer's range datasheet. This model is listed at 5mm and the manufacturer does not publish a per-model figure — if the gauge is critical to your build-up, check with us before ordering |
| Carrier material | Extruded aluminium AA 6063, temper T5, to DIN EN 755; composition to BS EN 573-3:2003 (manufacturer stated) |
| Standard finish | Mill finish, LRV 78.9 |
| Finishes on request | Bright Brass anodised (LRV 64.3), Bright Black anodised (LRV 4.7), bespoke powder coating in over 350 colours; anodised material AA 6063 T6 to DIN 17611 (manufacturer stated) |
| Tread surface | 13mm photoluminescent strip along the front edge plus a coloured PVC insert behind it |
| Photoluminescent material | Europium-doped strontium aluminate, green, peak wavelength 520nm (manufacturer stated) |
| Afterglow brightness | 455 mcd/m² ten minutes after excitation (manufacturer stated) |
| Highly visible afterglow | More than 600 minutes (manufacturer stated) |
| Total afterglow duration | More than 3,000 minutes to 0.32 mcd/m² (manufacturer stated) |
| Glow strip surface | Three-dimensional pyramid pattern with polyurethane coating (manufacturer stated) |
| Glow strip slip resistance | R11, DIN 51130:2010 at 24.7°; PTV 57 dry, PTV 47 wet, BS 7976-2:2002 (manufacturer stated) |
| Power supply | None — charges from ambient light, no wiring, battery or LED |
| Insert material | REACH compliant flexible PVC extrusion grade, non-scuff (manufacturer stated) |
| Insert colours | White, Black, Brown, Beige, Canvas, Red, Dolphin Grey, Ice Grey, Midnight Grey, Yellow, Cobalt Blue |
| Insert slip resistance — ramp | R11, DIN 51130:2010, 22.9° (manufacturer stated) |
| Insert slip resistance — pendulum | PTV 66 dry, PTV 54 wet, BS 7976-2:2002 (manufacturer stated) |
| Flammability of glow strip | UL94 HB (manufacturer stated) |
| Suitability for external use | Internal only with these inserts. The manufacturer classes its standard PVC inserts as not suitable for external use, and offers external-grade inserts on this same profile — ask us |
| Fixing method | Screw fix, adhesive, or both |
| Suitable floor finishes | Vinyl, linoleum, medium carpet, laminate, LVT, tile |
| Stock lengths | 2.46m, 2.77m, 3.22m |
| Cut lengths | 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m |
| Manufacturing tolerance | Up to ±5mm on length |
Two decisions matter: insert colour and length. The glow strip is the same 13mm green band on every variant, so colour is purely about daytime contrast.
The point of the insert colour is visual contrast — the band has to be distinguishable from the tread surface running up to it. The manufacturer publishes a light reflectance value for each insert, and comparing those against the LRV of your floor covering is the quickest way to check a combination will read properly in normal light. The mill-finish aluminium channel itself is stated at LRV 78.9.
| Insert colour | LRV (manufacturer stated) |
|---|---|
| White | 79.9 |
| Black | 4.5 |
| Brown | 9.1 |
| Beige | 41.1 |
| Canvas | 53.2 |
| Red | 10.6 |
| Dolphin Grey | 27.6 |
| Ice Grey | 42.1 |
| Midnight Grey | 12.8 |
| Yellow | 55.7 |
| Cobalt Blue | 9.2 |
On length, 2.46m, 2.77m and 3.22m are the manufacturer's stock lengths; 1.0m, 1.5m and 2.0m are cut from stock. Measure the full width of the going and order the next length up, allowing for the tolerance above. Cut lengths are non-returnable unless faulty, so check your dimensions before ordering. If you need a made-to-measure length, factory drilling, an anodised finish or a powder-coated colour, contact us and we will quote it.
Make sure the steps are dry, clean, free of debris, level and even before you start, and that the nosing is a tight fit to the step underneath — the manufacturer is explicit that a profile which can rock or slip has not been fitted properly. Where the profile is pre-drilled, use the existing holes to mark the drilling positions, then drill and plug the steps. Apply a suitable adhesive to the underside of the nosing, press it onto the step and fix it with screws of the appropriate size. If the insert is supplied separately, fit it over the screw heads afterwards, or use an insert pip to cover them.
For maintenance the manufacturer advises cleaning inserts with a neutral detergent, rinsing thoroughly with clean water and making sure they are dry before foot traffic returns. The pyramid surface of the glow strip holds dirt more readily than smooth flooring, so a bristle brush with warm soapy water — or a scrubber-drier — is the recommended method for heavier soiling. The aluminium channel can be polished with steel wool or a cloth to maintain its appearance; under no circumstances should solvent cleaners be used on it. Keep the glow strip clear of paint, carpet overlap and permanent shading — it can only charge from light that reaches it.
Does it need wiring or a power supply?
No. The strip is photoluminescent, not electrical. It absorbs ambient light during normal use and releases it slowly in darkness, so there is no cable, no transformer, no battery and no LED to fail. It keeps working in exactly the situation that defeats a powered system.
How long does the glow last?
The manufacturer states a highly visible afterglow of more than 600 minutes and a total afterglow of more than 3,000 minutes, measured from ten minutes of excitation. In practice the strip is brightest in the first minutes after the lights fail — the period that matters most during an evacuation — and fades gradually from there.
Can I use it on external steps?
Not with these inserts. The manufacturer classes its standard PVC inserts as internal only. It does make an external-grade insert that fits this same profile, so if the stair is outdoors, ask us and we will quote the external version rather than sell you this one.
Does the glow strip come in other colours?
No. The strip is green in daylight and glows green, on every variant. The eleven colour options refer to the PVC insert behind it, which is what you choose for daytime contrast against your floor covering.
Is the glow strip slippery?
No — the manufacturer gives it a three-dimensional pyramid surface and quotes R11 with pendulum values of PTV 57 dry and 47 wet, both classed as low slip potential. It sits at the very front of the tread, where grip matters most.
Can it be cut down on site?
Yes. The aluminium cuts cleanly with a mitre saw and a non-ferrous blade, and the insert and strip can be trimmed with a sharp knife. Deburr the cut end before fitting. The manufacturer will also supply made to measure, with drilling, on request.
All eleven insert colours and all six lengths are shown in the options above, each priced individually. Select the colour and length you need and the price will update. If you need a length that is not listed, a special finish, or a quantity for a full flight, contact us before ordering and we will quote it.
View our complete range of stair nosing profiles — aluminium, rubber and PVC options for every application.
| Service | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard UK Delivery | 2 working days from dispatch | £9.99 |
Orders placed by 2pm (UK time) on a working day are dispatched the same day. Orders placed after 2pm or on non-working days are dispatched the next working day. Delivery takes 2 working days from dispatch. Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. UK delivery costs £9.99. Contact us for international enquiries.
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 7 reviews.
Worked like a charm on our gloomy car park staircase. The nosing” doesn’t just add a touch of safety; it’s surprisingly good value compared to others I’ve checked out. Under those dim lights, the aluminium stair nosing gives a crisp line that makes each step stand out, despite the wear and oil about.
Aluminium Stair Nosing 56x32mm Photoluminescent, Anti-Slip PVC Insert
Had to ensure our shopping centre staircase was not only safe but also spruced up a tad. Was initially a bit dubious, but I must say, the slim line fits in perfectly with the modern architecture of the place. Up close, it’s got that sleek aluminium finish which adds a neat touch without being overpowering amidst the continuous foot traffic—job done!
Aluminium Stair Nosing 56x32mm Photoluminescent, Anti-Slip PVC Insert
Came superbly packed and gave the entrance to our apartment block a slick upgrade. This stair trim is doing wonders on those rainy days, keeping the passage safe despite all the foot traffic coming in with wet soles. Feels steady underfoot, aluminium stair nosing struck me as spot-on for a bustling building like ours.
Aluminium Stair Nosing 56x32mm Photoluminescent, Anti-Slip PVC Insert
Took a punt on this aluminium stair nosing for the factory stairs, and I was more than pleased when it arrived. The delivery was surprisingly fast, and everything was securely packaged so no worries about damage during transit. Installing it wasn’t a hassle at all, and its holding up super well under all that foot traffic. Would definitely recommend it to anyone needing a sturdy update in industrial settings.
Aluminium Stair Nosing 56x32mm Photoluminescent, Anti-Slip PVC Insert
Put it in at my little local library’s entrance with expectations a wee bit too high perhaps. Nearly six months later, and despite the busy foot traffic crossing the steps, its outlasted autumns wet weather quite admirably. The real test will be the winter ahead, but so far it hasnt disappointingly worn like Id feared.
Aluminium Stair Nosing 56x32mm Photoluminescent, Anti-Slip PVC Insert
Got this for refurbishing the stairs in our office building, and it fits seamlessly with the polished look of the space. The aluminium nosing not only feels hefty and durable but gives the staircase a smart edge with its photoluminescent strip. It adds functionality without overpowering the design, making it both a practical and aesthetic choice.
Aluminium Stair Nosing 56x32mm Photoluminescent, Anti-Slip PVC Insert
Impressed with how easily this fit into our little garage project. I just trimmed the piece to match the width of our concrete steps, and popping it on was a breeze. The photoluminescent edge of the stair nosing is a nifty touch, especially in low light situations when Im unloading shopping from the car.
Aluminium Stair Nosing 56x32mm Photoluminescent, Anti-Slip PVC Insert
