When the power fails, emergency lights and exit signs guide people out of a building safely. They only do that if their batteries, lamps and signs actually work, which is why building owners and managers must keep them inspected, tested and maintained.
In Australia, the inspection and maintenance of emergency escape lighting and exit signs is set out in AS/NZS 2293.2.
How often emergency lighting must be tested
- Every six months: an inspection and discharge test of every emergency light and exit sign
- The discharge test: each fitting runs on its battery and must stay lit for at least 90 minutes
- Records: results of every test, fault and repair must be kept, usually in a logbook or digital register
What a discharge test involves
During a test, the fittings are switched to battery power and checked over the full 90 minutes. The technician confirms each fitting stays lit, checks exit signs are visible, undamaged and pointing the right way, and notes any failures. Failed batteries, lamps or fittings are then replaced and retested, and the records are updated.
Testing is usually scheduled outside busy hours, because emergency lights need time to recharge afterwards.
Automatic monitoring systems
Many commercial buildings now use addressable or self-testing systems, such as ABB Nexus, Clevertronics and Famco. These run tests automatically and report faults, which saves time on large sites. They still need regular inspection, repairs when faults are reported, and properly kept records.
Common reasons for failed inspections
- Batteries at the end of their life that no longer last 90 minutes
- Fittings damaged, removed or covered during a fit-out
- Exit signs missing or pointing the wrong way after layout changes
- Monitoring systems reporting faults that nobody has actioned
- Incomplete or missing test records
Emergency lighting testing across Perth and WA
Foster’s Services tests, repairs and maintains emergency and exit lighting for hospitals, government buildings and commercial facilities, including ABB Nexus, Clevertronics and Famco systems. Learn more about our commercial electrical services or our facility management programs. Call 08 9337 3315, email service@fosters.net.au or send us a message. For urgent after-hours faults, call 1300 19 19 42.
This article is general information only. Always refer to the current editions of the relevant Australian Standards and your site’s own requirements.