Aluminium Stair Nosing 57x32mm Anti Slip Glow Edge, 11 Insert Colours

Specifying a stair nosing for a commercial stairwell means solving two problems at once: keeping the step edge safe underfoot, and keeping it findable when the lights go out. This 57mm x 32mm aluminium nosing does both without a single cable. A green photoluminescent strip runs along the leading edge, charging from the building's ordinary lighting and glowing on its own once that light is removed. Behind it sits a full-width PVC anti-slip insert in a choice of eleven colours, so the tread can be tuned for contrast against whatever floor finish the project uses. The riser leg is raked back, which suits stairs with a sloping riser.

Why it works

The glow strip is chemistry, not electronics

The manufacturer identifies the photoluminescent element as europium-doped strontium aluminate, emitting green at a peak wavelength of 520nm. Their published figures put afterglow brightness at 455 mcd/m² ten minutes after excitation, with a highly visible afterglow lasting more than 600 minutes. Because it stores and re-emits ambient light, it recharges whenever the stairwell lighting is on and cannot fail in a power cut.

The insert does the gripping

The anti-slip insert is a flexible PVC extrusion with a three-dimensional pyramid surface and a polyurethane coating that reduces dirt retention. The manufacturer states a DIN 51130:2010 ramp classification of R11, and BS 7976-2:2002 pendulum values of PTV 66 dry and PTV 54 wet — both well above the 36 PTV mark the UK Slip Resistance Group associates with low slip potential. The insert is stated to resist UV, oil, grease, petrol, salt, dilute acids and alkalis; organic solvents will soften it. The channel is extruded from 6063 aluminium to BS EN 573-3:2003, so the nose absorbs chipping that would otherwise destroy a concrete or timber step edge.

Where it is used

This profile suits commercial and industrial stairs needing a mains-independent escape route marker: office and apartment-block stairwells, school and university circulation stairs, hotel and cinema steps, and back-of-house stairs that see little natural light. It also works on loft conversions and basement stairs, where running a lighting circuit to the steps is impractical. Because the aluminium body takes the wear, it doubles as edge protection on refurbished treads.

Specifications

Choosing the right option

There are two decisions to make: length and insert colour.

The 2.46m, 2.77m and 3.22m options are the manufacturer's stock extrusion lengths. The 1.0m, 1.5m and 2.0m options are cut from the same profile and are usually the sensible choice for a domestic or single-flight stair. Measure the full width of the tread, order the next length up, and cut back on site.

Insert colour is where the safety decision sits. Contrast guidance is normally expressed as a difference in Light Reflectance Value between the step edge and the surrounding floor, and the manufacturer publishes an LRV for every insert — all eleven are in the table above. Against a dark floor, White at 79.9 or Yellow at 55.7 give the widest separation; against a pale floor, Black at 4.5 or Brown at 9.1 do the same in reverse. Work out the difference against your own floor finish rather than choosing on appearance alone.

Installation, use and care

The manufacturer's method is adhesive bedding plus mechanical fixing. Check the step is dry, clean, level and free of debris. Mark and drill your fixing positions and plug the step. Apply a suitable adhesive to the underside of the nosing, set it onto the step, then screw down and fit the insert or insert pip to cover the screw heads.

Clean the insert with a neutral detergent and rinse with clean water, drying it before foot traffic returns. The aluminium channel can be brought back with steel wool or a cloth. Do not use solvent cleaners on either part — the manufacturer advises against them.

Frequently asked questions

Does the glowing edge need wiring or a power supply?

No. It is a photoluminescent strip, not an LED. It absorbs energy from the building's normal lighting — daylight, fluorescent or tungsten — and re-emits it as green light once that source is removed. Nothing to connect, no driver or battery to replace.

How long does the glow last after the lights go out?

The manufacturer quotes 455 mcd/m² ten minutes after excitation, a highly visible afterglow of more than 600 minutes, and measurable output beyond 3,000 minutes. Brightness is highest immediately after the lights fail, which is when an evacuation would be starting.

Which insert colour should I choose?

Pick the one that contrasts most strongly with your floor finish. The specification table lists the manufacturer's Light Reflectance Value for each insert, so you can work out the difference directly. White at 79.9 and Yellow at 55.7 suit dark floors; Black at 4.5 and Brown at 9.1 suit light ones.

Will it fit a stair with a sloping riser?

Yes. This is a raked-back profile, so the riser leg angles back under the tread instead of dropping vertically and sits flush against a sloping riser. On a fully vertical riser the bottom of the leg will stand slightly proud.

Can I use it on outdoor steps?

Not as specified here. The manufacturer lists this insert for carpet, laminate, LVT and tile and publishes no external rating for it. The same profile is offered with a different, externally rated insert, and that is the version to choose for exposed outdoor steps.

Ordering and delivery

Every length is supplied as a single cut piece, so order one nosing per step and allow a little extra on the width for trimming. All eleven insert colours are available in all six lengths, and UK delivery is charged at one flat rate whatever the order size. If you need a length we do not list, or an anodised finish, get in touch before ordering — the manufacturer can produce both to order.