FIRE SAFETY
Emergency Exit Light Testing Requirements in Australia
Emergency and exit lights are only useful if they actually work during a power failure. Here's what AS/NZS 2293 requires — and what most businesses get wrong.
Published 5 June 2026
Reviewed by Fadi Raslan, licensed technician (TTT69067)
Emergency and exit lighting is one of the most commonly overlooked compliance items in Australian workplaces. Unlike fire extinguishers — which are visible and easy to check — emergency lights often sit unnoticed on walls and ceilings until a fire alarm goes off and they fail to illuminate.
At Rapid Test & Tag, emergency exit light failures are one of the most common issues we find during fire safety inspections across Sydney. Here's what you need to know.
What Standard Covers Emergency Lighting in Australia?
Emergency and exit lighting in Australia is governed by AS/NZS 2293 — Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings. This standard covers:
- ✓Design and installation requirements for emergency lighting systems
- ✓Performance requirements (minimum illumination levels, battery duration)
- ✓Routine inspection and testing intervals
- ✓Maintenance and record-keeping obligations
Building owners and occupiers in NSW have a legal obligation to maintain emergency lighting to AS/NZS 2293 under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the Building Code of Australia.
How Often Does Emergency Lighting Need to Be Tested?
AS/NZS 2293 specifies a tiered testing schedule:
| Test Type | Frequency | What It Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Functional test | Every 6 months | Light activates on simulated power failure |
| Battery duration test | Every 6 months | Battery holds charge for required duration |
| Full discharge test | Annually | 90-minute full battery discharge to AS/NZS 2293 |
| Visual inspection | Every 6 months | Lamp condition, damage, accessibility |
What Does an Emergency Light Test Involve?
During a routine 6-monthly emergency lighting inspection, we check the following for every unit:
- ✓Activation test: We simulate a mains power failure to confirm the light activates automatically.
- ✓Battery condition: We check the battery holds sufficient charge to power the light for the required duration.
- ✓Lamp and LED condition: We inspect all lamps and LED arrays for failures, dimming, or physical damage.
- ✓Exit sign visibility: We verify exit signs are clearly visible, correctly oriented, and unobstructed.
- ✓Mounting and accessibility: We check units are securely mounted and accessible for maintenance.
- ✓Compliance tagging: Every unit is tagged with the test date and next inspection due date.
The Most Common Emergency Lighting Failures We Find
Based on our inspections across Sydney, these are the most frequent issues:
- ✓Dead or degraded batteries — the most common failure, especially in units over 3 years old
- ✓Failed lamps or LEDs — the unit activates but provides no useful illumination
- ✓Units that don't activate on simulated power failure — often due to wiring faults
- ✓Exit signs with missing or damaged diffusers — reducing visibility
- ✓Units that have been painted over during renovations — blocking light output
- ✓Spitfire LED units with expired test tags — often missed in routine maintenance
What Happens If Emergency Lighting Fails Inspection?
Failed units are tagged as non-compliant and must be repaired or replaced before your next fire safety audit. In the event of a fire or emergency, non-compliant emergency lighting could contribute to injuries — and expose the building owner or occupier to significant liability.
We can supply and install replacement units on the spot or at a follow-up visit. We stock Spitfire LED emergency lights — a reliable, widely-used unit that meets AS/NZS 2293 requirements.
Bundle Emergency Lighting with Your Fire Safety Inspection
Emergency lighting testing is included in our comprehensive fire safety inspection service. We test emergency lights alongside fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and evacuation diagrams — all in a single visit.
Most Sydney businesses also combine fire safety with electrical test and tag in the same appointment. One provider, one visit, one set of compliance certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does emergency lighting need to be tested in Australia?
What happens if emergency lighting fails a test?
Who is responsible for emergency lighting compliance in a commercial building?
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