FIRE SAFETY
Emergency & Exit Light Testing Frequency (NSW) — AS/NZS 2293 Explained Simply
Emergency and exit lights in NSW buildings must be tested every six months under AS/NZS 2293. This six-monthly test confirms that, if the power fails, your emergency lights and illuminated exit signs will actually switch on and stay lit long enough for people to leave the building safely.
Published 16 July 2026
Reviewed by Fadi Raslan, licensed technician (TTT69067)
Emergency and exit lights in NSW buildings must be tested every six months under AS/NZS 2293, the Australian Standard for emergency escape lighting and exit signs. This six-monthly test confirms that, if the power fails, your emergency lights and illuminated exit signs will actually switch on and stay lit long enough for people to leave the building safely.
What the six-monthly test involves
The core of the test is a discharge (duration) test. The mains power to the emergency lighting is simulated as failed, and each emergency light and exit sign must switch to its battery and stay illuminated for the full rated duration — generally 90 minutes.
A technician checks that every fitting activates, stays bright enough, and lasts the required time, then recharges the system. Fittings that fail — dead batteries, faulty lamps, or lights that don't reach duration — are identified for repair or replacement.
Why every six months?
Emergency lighting only matters at the one moment you can't test it casually — a real power failure or emergency. Batteries and fittings degrade quietly over time, so a light that worked last year may not hold charge today. The six-monthly interval under AS/NZS 2293 is designed to catch that degradation before it matters.
It's a routine maintenance obligation for the building, not an optional extra.
Who is responsible?
For most commercial and strata buildings, keeping emergency and exit lighting maintained falls to the building owner or the owners corporation, usually coordinated by the building or strata manager. It's part of maintaining the building's essential fire safety measures, and the records feed into the building's annual fire safety statement where one applies.
Emergency lighting vs test and tag
These are often confused. Test and tag (AS/NZS 3760) covers portable, plug-in appliances. Emergency and exit light testing (AS/NZS 2293) covers the fixed emergency lighting system built into the building. They're separate obligations under separate standards — but a provider who does both can handle them together in one visit, with one set of records.
Keeping it simple
The easiest way to stay compliant is to have a provider test your emergency and exit lighting every six months, tag or log each fitting, replace any that fail, and keep dated records you can produce for an audit or fire safety statement. Automatic reminders mean the next test is never missed.
If you're not sure when your building's emergency lighting was last tested, a quick assessment is the easiest place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do emergency and exit lights need to be tested in NSW?
What does the six-monthly emergency lighting test involve?
Who is responsible for emergency and exit light testing in NSW buildings?
Is emergency and exit light testing the same as test and tag?
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