How often do emergency lights require testing?

Emergency lights are essential for any commercial and high-rise apartment buildings. The lights get activated in the event of a fire, blackout or any other emergency. Emergency lights help people evacuate the building and keeping them in good working condition is mandatory. Emergency lights should comply with the Australian Standards AS 2293 and the Building Code of Australia. These standards provide a guideline on the design, installation, testing and maintenance of the emergency lighting systems installed in residential complexes and commercial buildings. Stay on top of your legal obligations and schedule an emergency light testing with us today.

What are Exit and Emergency Lights?

Exit Lights - As the name suggests, they are installed over the exit doors to enable the occupants to evacuate the building safely. They are also installed in stairways, passageways or ramps. Exit lights must be clearly visible and enable the occupants to easily locate the exit door.

Emergency lights - are used to illuminate the egress path of the building. Internal lighting helps the occupants remain calm and safely exit the building

How often is testing needed for emergency lights?

Every 6 months

According to Australian Standards AS 2293.2, emergency lights need to be tested every 6 months by licensed electricians.

During the testing:

All lights should be checked and defective ones should be replaced
Each device should go through a “discharge test’” wherein the battery or mains supply is disconnected and a power outage is simulated.
The 90-minute discharge test ensures that all the lights will work in the event of a power outage.
If any device fails to work, the electrician must replace the lights.
All the compliance testing needs to be documented and a report is provided.

Where are emergency and exit lights required?

Emergency lights are installed in buildings with a floor area of over 300m². Spaces with inadequate natural light, passageways, ramps and stairways plus buildings classed as 5,6,7,8,9 require emergency/exit lighting.

Office buildings
Shopping centres
Car parks
Stadiums
Schools
Hospitals
Hotels
Bars and restaurants
Industrial facilities
Warehouses
Enclosed spaces like storage rooms, vaults

Generally, 2 emergency/exit lights are required on every floor of the building. However, the actual number can vary depending on the layout and size. Our expert electricians can design and install the lighting in your workplace.

Types of Emergency Lighting Systems

Maintained - These lights are connected to the main power supply and are in use continuously. Usually installed in theatres, cinemas or shopping centres. Maintained lights help people evacuate the building easily even if they are unfamiliar with the building layout.

Non-maintained - The lights are activated in the event of a power outage or emergency and remain off at all other times. They are powered by a battery and can work for 90 minutes.

Emergency Light Inspection and Testing

Are you compliant with the regulations? We can help you stay on top of your legal obligations and complete the emergency/exit lighting testing safely. Our licensed electricians can also create a customised testing and maintenance schedule to keep your building safe.

Give us a call now on or complete our online Emergency Light Testing form.