Emergency lighting is one of the most important safety systems in any commercial building. In the event of a power failure, fire, or emergency evacuation, emergency lighting helps occupants find their way to safety and assists emergency services responding to the incident.
In Australia and New Zealand, the installation, operation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems are governed by the AS/NZS 2293 series of standards. While the standards can appear complex, understanding the basics can help building owners, facility managers, and electrical contractors ensure their buildings remain compliant and safe.
What is AS/NZS 2293?
AS/NZS 2293 is the Australian and New Zealand Standard that sets out the requirements for emergency escape lighting and exit signs.
The standard is divided into several parts, with the most commonly referenced being:
AS/NZS 2293.1
Specifies the design, installation, and operation requirements for emergency escape lighting and exit signs.
AS/NZS 2293.2
Covers inspection and maintenance requirements, including routine testing and record keeping.
AS/NZS 2293.3
Specifies the performance requirements for emergency luminaires and exit signs.
Together, these standards ensure emergency lighting systems will operate correctly when they are needed most.
Why is Emergency Lighting Important?
Emergency lighting is designed to provide illumination when normal power fails. Its purpose is to:
- Assist occupants to safely evacuate a building
- Identify exit paths and exits
- Reduce panic during emergencies
- Assist emergency responders
- Support compliance with building and workplace safety regulations
Without a compliant emergency lighting system, occupants may struggle to safely evacuate a building during an emergency.
Where is Emergency Lighting Required?
Emergency lighting is typically required in commercial, industrial, public, and multi-residential buildings, including:
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Shopping centres
- Hotels
- Apartment buildings
- Aged care facilities
The exact requirements depend on the building's classification, layout, and occupancy.
How Long Must Emergency Lighting Operate?
One of the most common questions is how long emergency lighting must remain operational following a power failure.
Under AS/NZS 2293, emergency lighting systems are generally required to operate for a minimum of 90 minutes on battery power.
This ensures occupants have sufficient time to safely evacuate the building and emergency personnel can carry out their duties.
What Testing is Required?
Emergency lighting systems must be regularly inspected and tested to ensure they remain operational.
Typical requirements include:
Regular Visual Inspections
Emergency luminaires and exit signs should be checked to ensure they are:
- Clean and unobstructed
- Properly illuminated
- Free from damage
- Clearly visible
Six-Monthly Discharge Testing
The battery system must be tested to verify that emergency luminaires and exit signs continue to operate when mains power is removed.
Annual Full Duration Test
Emergency fittings must demonstrate their ability to operate for the required emergency duration, typically 90 minutes.
Record Keeping
Inspection and test records must be maintained and made available when required by regulatory authorities or auditors.
Common Compliance Issues
Many emergency lighting systems become non-compliant over time due to:
- Failed batteries
- Damaged fittings
- Missing exit signs
- Building alterations that change evacuation routes
- Inadequate maintenance records
- Poor placement of emergency luminaires
Regular testing and maintenance help identify these issues before they become safety risks.
Manual Testing vs Automated Monitoring
Traditionally, emergency lighting systems have been tested manually. This process can be labour intensive and time consuming, particularly in larger facilities.
Modern emergency lighting systems can incorporate:
- Self-testing emergency luminaires
- DALI-based monitoring systems
- Wireless monitoring solutions
- Centralised reporting and fault management
These technologies can significantly reduce maintenance costs while improving compliance and visibility across a building portfolio.
Who is Responsible for Compliance?
Responsibility for emergency lighting compliance generally rests with the building owner or the person responsible for managing the premises.
Electrical contractors play an important role in ensuring systems are correctly installed and maintained, but ongoing compliance remains the responsibility of the building owner or facility manager.
Final Thoughts
Emergency lighting is more than a compliance requirement. It is a critical life safety system designed to help people safely evacuate a building during an emergency.
Understanding the requirements of AS/NZS 2293 and implementing a structured inspection and maintenance program can help ensure your building remains compliant, safe, and ready when it matters most.
If you are planning a new installation, upgrading an existing system, or exploring modern monitoring solutions, speak with a qualified emergency lighting specialist to ensure your system meets current standards and operational requirements.