Smart Stairwell Lighting with ORBIS T22 and T16G Staircase Timers
Published by ERL on 24th Jun 2025
When it comes to managing stairwell or corridor lighting efficiently, staircase timers offer a simple yet effective solution. At ERL, we’re pleased to offer two compact, DIN rail-mounted options from ORBIS: the T22 and T16G Staircase Timers. Both are designed to save energy, extend lamp life, and streamline lighting control in communal and commercial spaces—each suited to different timing and load requirements.
T22 Staircase Timer – 45 Seconds to 7 Minutes
The ORBIS T22 is ideal for applications that require shorter lighting cycles, such as staircases in residential buildings or small commercial blocks. With an adjustable delay of 45 seconds to 7 minutes, it provides just the right amount of illumination time before automatically switching off.
This model supports a wide range of lighting types, from traditional incandescent and halogen lamps to low-consumption and LED lighting, and can handle loads up to 16A. Its manual selector makes it easy to switch between automatic and permanent-on modes—perfect for maintenance or cleaning tasks.
- DIN rail-mountable (single module, 17.5mm wide)
- Resettable timing range: 45 seconds to 7 minutes
- Manual override for permanent lighting
- Volt-free contact, 16A switching capacity
- Compatible with 3- or 4-wire installations
- Rated for up to 3000W (incandescent), 1200 VA (fluorescent), and 100 VA (LED)
T16G Staircase Timer – 3 to 30 Minutes
The ORBIS T16G extends the delay range to 3 to 30 minutes, making it the better choice for larger stairwells, corridors, or communal areas that need longer illumination periods. This model is especially useful in buildings where safety or accessibility requires lights to stay on for extended durations.
Rated at 10A, the T16G supports the same wide mix of lighting types and is also DIN rail-mounted with the same footprint as the T22. It features a similar manual selector and is just as easy to configure.
- Adjustable delay from 3 to 30 minutes
- Manual override for permanent-on mode
- 10A switching with volt-free contacts
- Suitable for a variety of lighting loads (up to 2000W incandescent)
- Fits 3- or 4-wire installations
- IP20 protection and VDE quality certification
Why Use Staircase Timers Today?
Although smart lighting and motion sensors have grown in popularity, staircase timers remain a trusted solution for communal lighting. They're simple to install, cost-effective, and ideal for retrofits where adding new sensors or wiring isn’t practical.
Many electricians still prefer timers for apartment blocks, corridors, and stairwells because they offer reliable, low-maintenance operation without the risk of nuisance activations. With no need for app configuration or network access, they’re a dependable choice that meets energy efficiency requirements.
Which Timer Should You Choose?
The choice between the T22 and T16G comes down to the delay time and maximum load requirements of your application:
- Choose the T22 if your installation requires shorter cycles and supports higher switching loads (16A).
- Opt for the T16G where a longer delay is needed—ideal for extended-use lighting scenarios.
Both models are designed for easy installation, provide reliable performance across a wide temperature range (-10 ºC to +50 ºC), and include resettable timing and manual override functions to suit real-world maintenance needs.