Short answer: Most commercial buildings, and many apartment blocks, need emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs designed and installed to AS/NZS 2293.1. They must be maintained to AS/NZS 2293.2, which includes a six-monthly test where fittings run on battery for their rated duration, typically 90 minutes, with results recorded. In NSW, emergency lighting is usually an essential fire safety measure assessed for the building’s Annual Fire Safety Statement.
When the power fails in a fire or emergency, emergency lighting lets people find their way out. Exit signs show where to go. For building owners, strata committees and business tenants, it’s also a legal maintenance item. This guide covers the basics.
This is general information. Your building’s fire safety schedule, certifier and fire safety practitioner set the exact requirements.
What counts as emergency and exit lighting?
- Emergency luminaires: lights that switch on automatically from a battery when normal power fails, lighting corridors, stairs and open areas
- Exit signs: illuminated signs, usually green with a running figure, showing exits and the path to them
- Central systems: in larger buildings, a central battery or inverter powers the fittings
Which buildings need it?
Requirements come from the National Construction Code and the building’s approvals. In general:
| Building | Emergency lighting usually required? |
|---|---|
| Shops, offices, cafes and restaurants | Often, depending on size and layout |
| Warehouses and factories | Often |
| Apartment buildings (common areas) | Often, depending on building class and size |
| Standalone houses | Generally not |
The building’s fire safety schedule lists the fire safety measures that apply, including emergency lighting if required.
The standards
- AS/NZS 2293.1 covers design and installation.
- AS/NZS 2293.2 covers inspection and maintenance.
The six-monthly test
The core maintenance task is a routine service every six months. Normal supply to the fittings is interrupted, often using dedicated test switches, and every emergency light and exit sign must keep running on battery for its rated duration. The Fire safety statements FAQ from NSW Planning explains how measures like this feed into the annual statement. During the test, technicians typically:
- check every fitting switches to battery and stays lit for the full duration
- look for damaged, discoloured or blocked fittings
- check exit signs are visible and not obstructed by stock or signage
- confirm fittings go back on charge afterwards
- record results and list failed fittings for repair
Fittings that fail are usually repaired or replaced, often with LED fittings that have longer-life batteries.
Logbooks and records
Keep a record of every test: date, fittings tested, results, failures and repairs. Without records, it’s hard for the fire safety practitioner to assess the system for the annual statement.
The Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS)
In NSW, owners of buildings with essential fire safety measures must issue an Annual Fire Safety Statement. According to the NSW Planning FAQ, the owner declares that an accredited fire safety practitioner has assessed each measure and confirmed it performs to the required standard, and that exit systems have been inspected. A copy goes to the local council and Fire and Rescue NSW.
Electrical contractors often do the six-monthly testing and repairs. The accredited practitioner does the AFSS assessment.
Fit-outs and changes
Changing walls, exits or layouts in a fit-out can change where emergency lighting and exit signs are needed. Moving or adding fittings is electrical work that needs a licensed electrician and a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work. Check with your certifier whether the fire safety schedule needs updating. See shop and office fit-out electrical.
Common problems we see in older Inner West buildings
- old fluorescent fittings with failed batteries
- exit signs blocked by shelving or new partitions
- fittings painted over during renovations
- no test switch, so testing means switching off whole circuits
- missing or incomplete logbooks
Need emergency or exit lights fixed, replaced or added? See commercial electrical in Dulwich Hill or call 0421 772 661 to talk about your building.
Strata buildings
In apartment blocks, emergency lighting in common areas is the owners corporation’s responsibility. Committees should make sure testing is scheduled, records are kept and the AFSS is lodged on time. It’s worth reviewing at the AGM. For emergencies in your own unit, see what to do in an electrical emergency.
We work with businesses and strata buildings in Marrickville, Croydon Park, Glebe and Camperdown.
Frequently asked questions
How often must emergency lighting be tested?
AS/NZS 2293.2 requires routine inspection and a discharge test every six months, where fittings run on battery for their rated duration.
How long should emergency lights last on battery?
Commonly 90 minutes, but the rated duration depends on the system design. Your building’s documentation will specify it.
Who can test emergency lighting in NSW?
Licensed electrical contractors often carry out testing and repairs. The Annual Fire Safety Statement assessment must be done by an accredited fire safety practitioner.
Do houses need emergency lighting?
Standalone houses generally don’t. Commercial premises and many apartment buildings do, depending on their classification and layout.