Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs: Australian Requirements

Emergency lighting and exit signs work hand-in-hand with evacuation diagrams. While diagrams show people where to go, emergency lighting ensures they can see the way, and exit signs confirm they are heading in the right direction. Together, these three elements form the visual evacuation guidance system for any building.

This guide covers the key requirements for emergency lighting and exit signs in Australian buildings.

Australian Standard AS 2293

Emergency lighting and exit signs in Australia are governed by AS 2293 (Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings). The key requirements:

• Emergency lighting must illuminate evacuation routes to a minimum level so occupants can safely navigate to exits
• Exit signs must be illuminated at all times the building is occupied
• Emergency lighting must operate for at least 90 minutes on battery backup after mains power failure
• All escape routes, including corridors, stairways, ramps, and open areas, must have adequate emergency lighting
• The system must activate automatically on mains power failure

Types of Emergency Lighting

There are two main types of emergency luminaires:

• Maintained: the light is on at all times (same as normal lighting), with battery backup for power failure. Used in areas where lighting is needed continuously (cinemas, theatres, public areas).
• Non-maintained: the light is normally off and only activates when mains power fails. Used in areas that are normally well-lit and only need emergency illumination during blackout conditions (offices, corridors).
• Sustained: a combined fitting with normal and emergency lighting. The emergency lamp activates only on mains failure, while the normal lamp operates on mains power.

Exit Sign Requirements

Exit signs must comply with AS 2293 and show:

• The standard running man pictogram (green background, white figure)
• Directional arrow where the exit is not immediately visible
• Illuminated at all times (internally lit or externally illuminated)
• Positioned above exit doors and at every change of direction along the escape route
• Visible from the approach direction (not blocked by doors, signs, or decorations)
• Maintained and tested regularly

Testing and Maintenance

Emergency lighting systems must be tested regularly:

• Monthly: brief visual check that all lights and signs are operational (press test button for 1-2 seconds)
• Six-monthly: full discharge test (run on battery for 90 minutes, verify all lights maintain illumination)
• Annual: comprehensive inspection by a qualified electrician, including battery condition, charging circuit, and lamp replacement
• Records must be kept of all tests, including date, tester, results, and any deficiencies found
• Deficient luminaires must be repaired or replaced promptly

How Emergency Lighting Relates to Evacuation Diagrams

Emergency lighting and diagrams are complementary:

• Evacuation diagrams should be mounted near emergency lighting so they remain visible during power failure
• Exit routes shown on diagrams should correspond to the paths illuminated by emergency lighting
• If a diagram is displayed in an area without emergency lighting, it will be unreadable when it is needed most
• Consider illuminated diagram frames or photoluminescent diagrams for areas that may be dark during evacuation

Common Compliance Gaps

Fire inspectors frequently find these emergency lighting issues:

• Test buttons not pressed (no testing conducted since installation)
• Battery packs dead (lights do not activate on power failure)
• Exit signs obscured by tenant signage, displays, or decorations
• Exit signs pointing in the wrong direction after building renovation
• No testing records available for inspection
• Emergency lighting in fire stairs not covering all landings

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