How to Maintain and Test Exit and Emergency Lighting Systems

Exit and emergency lighting isn’t just ticking a box—it’s literally a life-saver. During power outages, fires, or emergencies, these lights are crucial for safe evacuation. Without them, chaos can ensue, worsening an already risky situation. From offices to shopping centres, hospitals to apartments, these systems are essential for safety and compliance.

Skipping routine maintenance on exit and emergency lighting isn’t just risky—it’s downright dangerous. If a system malfunctions, it might fail when it’s most needed, plunging people into darkness. Besides immediate safety concerns, there’s the possibility of hefty fines, legal troubles, and serious liabilities for building owners and managers.

Australian Standard AS 2293 outlines the requirements for installing, maintaining, and testing exit and emergency lighting. Routine inspections ensure compliance and prevent unexpected failures. Regular testing and servicing keep these systems working, provide peace of mind, and ensure buildings meet safety standards.

What is Exit and Emergency Lighting?

Exit and emergency lighting systems activate when the regular power cuts out. They guide people to safety during crises like fires, blackouts, or natural disasters. Legally mandatedfor commercial and public spaces, they’re vital for preventing injuries and adhering to safety standards.

Not all emergency lighting is the same. Different setups serve different purposes.

• Maintained lights always stay on and are found in high-traffic areas such as shopping centres and theatres.
• Non-maintained lights are off during normal conditions and only turn on when the main power supply fails, making them suitable for workplaces and offices.
• Combined units have both functions: a primary light source that operates during normal conditions and a backup that activates during power failures.

Emergency lighting springs into action when required, largely due to built-in battery packs or backup power sources. During power cuts, these systems automatically illuminate pathways, stairwells, and exits, ensuring safe evacuation routes.

When power is restored, the system recharges and resets and is ready for the next emergency. Regular maintenance and testing ensure these lights are working when you need them most.

Australian Legal and Compliance Requirements

Exit and emergency lighting must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 2293. This standard covers design, installation, performance and testing to ensure these lights work during emergencies. It applies to centrally supplied and self-contained systems and is referenced in the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

AS 2293 is divided into three parts:

• AS/NZS 2293.1 – Covers design, installation and operation.
• AS/NZS 2293.2 – Specifies inspection and maintenance requirements.
• AS/NZS 2293.3 – Defines emergency luminaires and exit sign classifications.

For compliance, buildings need to have strategically placed exit and emergency lighting and signage that remain visible even in smoky or dim conditions. The standard demands emergency lighting levels of at least 0.2 lux, 0.5 lux at floor level, and 1 lux for stairwells, all visible for a minimum of 90 minutes following a power failure.

Routine inspections aren’t optional—they’re necessary. AS/NZS 2293.2 outlines the labelling, maintenance and testing requirements to ensure these systems work when needed. Staying on top of these checks isn’t just about compliance—it’s about keeping people safe.

Please don’t risk it. Non-compliance with AS 2293 can result in massive fines, legal consequences and skyrocketing insurance premiums. In extreme cases, penalties can be up to $3 million for companies or five years in jail for individuals. Worse still, building owners and managers can be held liable if someone is injured or killed due to a faulty system.

Compliance is critical in commercial buildings, hospitals, high-rise apartments and workplaces where occupant safety is paramount. Regular inspections, maintenance and testing prevent system failures, ensure these buildings meet legal requirements, and save lives and avoid costly penalties.

Exit and Emergency Lighting Maintenance Schedule

Keeping exit and emergency lights in top condition isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about making sure they work when it matters most. A well-planned maintenance schedule prevents failures and keeps everything running smoothly.

Monthly Checks

• Inspect all emergency lights and exit signs for visible damage, dirt or obstructions.
• Ensure signs are clear, well lit and correctly positioned.
• Check for flickering, dim or non-functioning lights.
• Verify emergency lighting units are securely attached to walls or ceilings.

Six-Monthly Tests

• Conduct a discharge test to confirm that the battery backup systems work.
• Switch on emergency lights for the required test duration and verify they stay on.
• Check batteries for leaks, corrosion or reduced performance.
• Check the operation of automatic testing systems if installed.
• Replace faulty components and document any repairs.

Annual Inspections

• Do a complete system check, including wiring and electrical connections.
• Test the system under simulated power failure conditions.
• Check battery capacity to ensure it meets the 90-minute emergency lighting duration.
• Confirm compliance with Australian Standard AS 2293 and record results.
• Replace worn-out batteries and faulty lighting units as needed.

Facility managers and licensed electricians handle these tasks, ensuring everything is up to code. Keeping detailed records of all inspections, tests, and repairs is crucial for compliance audits and safety reviews. Proper documentation also demonstrates due diligence for building owners and managers.

Exit and Emergency Lighting Testing Checklist

Regular exit and emergency lighting testing ensures these systems work in an emergency. A step-by-step approach helps identify faults early and keeps buildings compliant.

1. Physical Condition and Cleanliness

• Check each emergency light and exit sign for cracks, discolouration or loose fittings.
• Remove dust, dirt and obstructions that may reduce visibility.
• Ensure exit signs are clear and legible from all required distances.

2. Test Buttons

• Press the test button on self-contained emergency lighting units to simulate a power failure.
• Check if the lights stay on and confirm for the required duration.
• Listen for unusual sounds, such as buzzing, which may indicate an electrical issue.

3. Simulated Power Failure

• Switch off the main power to test centrally controlled emergency lighting.
• Walk through the building to check all emergency lights are activated and provide adequate illumination.
• Ensure exit signs are bright and correctly direct occupants to exits.

4. Common Issues Found During Testing

• Flickering or dim lighting may indicate battery deterioration.
• Battery failures that prevent lights from staying on.
• Exit signs not correctly positioned may mislead occupants.

5. Reset the System

• Switch the power back on and confirm that all emergency lights return to standby mode.
• Record test results and schedule repairs for faulty components.
• Ensure all signage and lighting meet compliance before completing the test.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Emergency lighting systems can fail over time, and reliability decreases during a power failure. Testing helps identify problems earlier, but understanding common issues and how to fix them ensures these systems are fully functional.

1. Dim or Non-Functioning Lights

• Dust and dirt accumulation can reduce brightness. Clean lenses and housings for better visibility.
• Burnt-out bulbs or faulty LEDs must be replaced immediately to maintain proper illumination.

2. Battery Failures and Degradation

• Batteries lose capacity over time and reduce backup power. If lights don’t stay on during testing, the battery may need replacing.
• Loose or corroded battery terminals can interrupt the power supply. Check connections and clean corrosion to ensure a stable charge.

3. Faulty Wiring or Power Supply Issues

• Damaged or disconnected wiring can prevent emergency lights from activating. If multiple units fail at once, call a professional.
• Power supply faults can cause flickering or intermittent operation. An electrician must diagnose and repair the electrical fault.

Call a Professional

Some repairs, such as wiring faults or central battery system failures, should only be done by a licensed electrician. A professional ensures compliance with safety standards and prevents further damage. Regular inspections by a qualified technician keep systems working correctly and reduce the risk of unexpected failures.

Why Professional Inspections and Maintenance is Important

Licensed electricians play a crucial role in maintaining exit and emergency lighting systems. Their expertise ensures these lights work during emergencies reducing risk to occupants. Professional maintenance detects faults that may not be visible during routine checks and prevents unexpected failures.

Bringing in a licensed electrician isn’t just about being compliant – it’s about avoiding mistakes. A non-compliant system can mean big fines, voided insurance and serious safety risks. Regular professional inspections also provide the documentation needed for audits and peace of mind.

Electricians use advanced tools, such as photometers to measure light levels, battery testers to test backup power, and diagnostic software to find electrical faults. These tools improve accuracy and efficiency and ensure systems meet performance standards.

Professional maintenance extends the life of emergency lighting, reduces the risk of failure, and provides peace of mind for building owners and managers.

Be Compliant and Safe with WP Electrical

Exit and emergency lighting maintenance is essential for safety and compliance. Australian Standard AS 2293 requires regular inspections to ensure these systems work during emergencies. Ignoring maintenance can mean big fines, legal liability, and increased safety risks.

WP Electrical offers exit and emergency lighting services, testing, inspections, and maintenance. Our licensed electricians use the latest technology to detect issues before they become problems. Don’t wait until an emergency. Call WP Electrical today.