Choosing Exit and Emergency Lighting

Did you know that over70% of Australians don’t notice exit signagein a commercial space until an emergency? It’s one of those things you don’t think twice about... until the lights cut out, smoke fills the hallway, and those glowing green signs suddenly become lifesavers.

Exit and emergency lighting signage are critical in guiding people to safety during power failures, fires, or other emergencies. But not all signage is created equal—simply slapping up a sign won’t cut it. Outdated, poorly placed or non-compliant signage can lead to serious safety hazards, hefty fines, and potential legal trouble.

This blog will explain exactly what to look for when choosing the right signage. We’ll cover functionality, legal standards like AS/NZS 2293.1, different signage types, and common pitfalls to avoid so your building isn’t just compliant on paper but genuinely safe in practice.

What Counts as Exit and Emergency Lighting Signage?

When people think of emergency signage, the first image that comes to mind is usually a glowing green “EXIT” sign—but there’s much more to it.

Exit and emergency lighting signage refers to any visual indicator that helps guide occupants to safety during an emergency. This includes standard exit signs, directional arrows, illuminated escape route markers, and signage identifying fire safety equipment or emergency doors.

Under Australian fire safety codes, particularlyAS/NZS 2293.1, these signs must be clearly visible, reliably illuminated, and strategically placed to lead occupants along a safe path to an exit—even in the event of a power failure. This is where emergency lighting comes in—it automatically kicks in to keep signage visible when mains power drops out.

In short, it’s not just about ticking a compliance box. Effective signage is an active safety tool that saves lives when visibility drops and panic sets in.

Why Signage Compliance Is Non-Negotiable

Cutting corners isn’t an option when it comes to exit and emergency lighting. Every sign installed in a building must comply with strict safety codes—specifically theAustralian Standard AS/NZS 2293.1:2018. These regulations outline everything from sign placement and visibility to illumination duration and testing frequency.

The Cost of Non-Compliance: What It Could Really Cost You

Ignoring exit and emergency lighting regulations isn’t just risky—it’s expensive.

Failure to meet Australian Standards (AS2293) and the National Construction Code can lead to steep penalties, legal consequences, and serious safety risks for building owners and tenants.

Legal and Financial Penalties

Non-compliance with WHS legislation can result in fines of up to $3 million for corporations and $350,000 or prison time for individuals. States like Victoria and WA carry slightly lower penalties, but they’re still significant. Local councils and fire brigades can also issue on-the-spot fines up to $1,200, while more serious breaches can lead to prosecution—up to $400,000 for companies and $90,000 for individuals.

Hidden Costs of Poor Installation and Maintenance

Outdated or incorrectly installed signs can fail during an emergency. Photoluminescent signs cost more to maintain than energy-efficient LED alternatives and missed testing intervals can invalidate insurance policies. You risk lighting failures,property damage, or personal injury claims without regular checks.

Safety at Stake

When visibility drops, faulty or non-compliant signage can delay evacuations or mislead occupants, increasing the likelihood of injury or worse. Emergency responders may also struggle to navigate unclear exits.

Common Compliance Mistakes

One of the most common issues is signs being obscured by shelving, décor, or poor placement. Others include using non-compliant products, neglecting regular maintenance, or assuming that “close enough” is good enough.

Regulatory compliance isn’t a grey area—it’s black and white. Ensuring your signage meets current safety standards isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about protecting the people in your building when it matters most.

Types of Exit and Emergency Signs

Choosing the correct type of signage depends on your building’s layout, usage, and compliance needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main options used across Australian commercial and residential spaces.

Internally Illuminated Exit Signs

These are the most common and include LED-lit signs and photoluminescent signs. LED options offer low energy use and long life, while photoluminescent signs charge via ambient light and glow in darkness without electricity.

Running Man vs Text-Based Signs

Australian standards now prefer the “running man” pictogram over traditional “EXIT” text-only signs. The symbol transcends language barriers and is easier to understand quickly, especially under stress.

Directional Arrow Signs

Directional arrows are essential for guiding people along evacuation routes. It’s not enough to have an exit sign—arrows must accurately show the way, especially in complex layouts.

Multi-Directional Signs

In larger facilities like hospitals or shopping centres, multidirectional signs point toward more than one exit route. These signs reduce confusion and keep foot traffic moving during evacuations.

Specialised Signs for Accessible Routes

Buildings must include signage that marks accessible exits for people with limited mobility. These often feature wheelchair symbols and indicate ramps or modified egress routes.

Choosing the Right Signage for Your Environment

What works for a boutique retail shop won’t cut it in a sprawling hospital or warehouse. Choosing the proper emergency signage means factoring in the building’s layout, traffic flow, and lighting conditions. Here’s what to consider:

Signage for High-Rise Buildings vs Small Retail Stores

• Building type:
• Commercial: Offices, retail, and hospitality spaces often need clear directional signage to exits and stairwells.
• Industrial: Warehouses or factories may need more robust signage with high visibility and dust resistance.
• Residential: Apartment complexes need signs that are low-glare, durable, and tamper-resistant.
• Public spaces: Airports, schools, and hospitals often require multilingual or symbol-based signage.
• Layout complexity:
• Multi-storey buildings or underground car parks demandstrategically placed signs at every transition point.
• Foot traffic volume:
• High-traffic areas need larger signs with higher mounting positions to remain visible above crowds or stock.
• Lighting environment:
• Spaces relying heavily on artificial light should lean towards LED or battery-backed illuminated signs.
• Environmental factors:
• In noisy or smoke-prone areas, signage must be extremely clear, well-lit, and positioned for maximum visibility—even in chaos.

Having an expert assess your space ensures compliance and clarity. That’s where WP Electrical brings serious know-how to the table.

Technology Behind the Signs

Modern exit and emergency signage has come a long way from static, fluorescent-lit boxes. Today’s systems are smarter, more energy-efficient, and far easier to manage.

Many buildings now use LED-lit signage, which lasts longer and consumes far less power. It’s a reliable, low-maintenance option that pays off over time. Behind the scenes,battery backup systems kick in during power outages, ensuring the signs stay illuminated when visibility matters most.

The real game-changer, though, is a technology that simplifies compliance. Wireless testing and monitoring tools let building managers check the health of signs remotely, reducing the need for manual inspections. Some setups go one step further with smart systems that automatically run compliance checks and flag issues before they become a problem.

These features aren’t just about convenience—they’re about ensuring that your signage is always ready when it’s needed most.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Installing a sign isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is assuming that once signage is installed, the job’s done. But without proper upkeep, even the best signs can become liabilities.

• Poor maintenance routines are surprising every day—dust-covered lights, flickering displays, or damaged signage often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
• Testing is another area where many fall short. Australian standards require monthly function and annual discharge tests, which are often skipped or recorded inconsistently.
• Then there’s signage placement blocked by furniture, hidden behind stock, or positioned at the wrong height, rendering it useless in an emergency.
• Going for the cheapest option may save money upfront, but non-compliant or low-quality signs rarely meet performance standards.
• Lastly, failing to stay updated with newer, more efficient technologies can leave buildings vulnerable and non-compliant.

Keeping your signage effective takes attention, consistency, and the proper professional support.

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

To keep your signage effective and compliant, there are a fewkey practices every building owner or manager should follow:

• Professional installation matters. Licensed electricians ensure signs are compliant, correctly wired, and positioned for maximum visibility.
• The correct height and viewing angle are critical. Signs need to be seen from a distance and in poor visibility—think smoke or blackout conditions.
• Routine inspections and battery testing are essential. Batteries must be checked regularly to confirm they’ll hold a charge during a power outage.
• Keep a logbook. A well-maintained signage and emergency lighting log tracks tests, maintenance dates, and any repairs.
• Schedule servicing with certified technicians. Don’t wait for issues to appear—professional routine checks keep systems reliable and regulation-ready.

These steps don’t just tick compliance boxes—they give you confidence your emergency systems will work when it matters most.

How Often Should Signage Be Updated or Replaced?

Signs should be replaced at least every 10 years, but it’s best to act sooner if they’re damaged, fading, or no longer compliant. As technology evolves, newer systems like energy-efficient LEDs and high-performance photoluminescent options offer better visibility and lower running costs.

Don’t ignore the impact of environmental factors either—heat, dust, and humidity can shorten a sign’s lifespan. Regular visual inspections and routine testing cycles help catch wear and tear before it becomes problematic.

Staying on top of updates ensures your signage always remains safe, visible, and regulation-ready.

A Smart Investment in Safety and Peace of Mind

Investing in high-quality, compliant exit and emergency signage isn’t just about ticking boxes but protecting people. Clear signage can mean the difference between calm evacuation and chaos in an emergency. It’s not just a legal requirement; it’s a lifeline.

Every building, from retail spaces to industrial sites, should treat emergency signage as a non-negotiable safety asset. Properly installed and maintained signs offer something invaluable—peace of mind. Knowing your systems are compliant, visible, and ready when it counts brings confidence to every business owner, manager, and tenant.

Need help choosing or upgrading your exit and emergency signage? WP Electrical specialises in tailored solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential spaces. Compliance, safety, and reliability are at the core of what we do. Reach out to our team today for expert guidance and seamless service.