When you walk through a commercial building, shopping center, or residential strata block, you probably notice the glowing green running man signs above doors without giving them much thought.

That is, until the power suddenly cuts out.

An emergency exit sign is one of the most critical life-safety assets inside any Australian building. During a blackout, power grid failure, or building fire, these illuminated indicators guide occupants safely through smoke and darkness to a designated emergency egress.

However, keeping emergency exit lighting functional isn’t just common sense—it’s a legal requirement. Here is everything property managers, business owners, and landlords need to know about emergency exit sign installation, testing routines, and Australian compliance laws.

Why Emergency Exit Signs Are Vital for Australian Buildings

Unlike standard interior lighting, an emergency exit sign stays lit during a total power failure thanks to an internal backup battery system. When mains power drops, the unit automatically switches to battery mode to illuminate escape routes.

Keeping these units maintained delivers three major benefits:

1. Life Safety Protection: In a thick, smoke-filled room or sudden darkness, clear exit signage prevents panic and reduces evacuation times.
2. Strict Legal Compliance: Failing to maintain functional emergency lighting can result in heavy fines from local councils, fire authorities, and safe work inspectors.
3. Insurance Protection: If an incident occurs and your emergency exit signs were unserviced or non-compliant, insurance providers may invalidate your policy claims.

Understanding Australian Standards: AS/NZS 2293

In Australia, emergency lighting design, installation, and maintenance are strictly governed by AS/NZS 2293 (Emergency lighting and exit signs for buildings) alongside the National Construction Code (NCC).

This standard outlines key operational requirements:

• Minimum 90-Minute Battery Backup: When mains power fails, every emergency exit sign must stay lit on battery power for at least 90 minutes.
• Strategic Placement: Exit signs must be mounted along designated escape paths, above final discharge exits, and at any direction changes in hallways or stairwells.
• Constant Illumination: Running-man exit signs must remain illuminated at all times whenever the building is occupied.

The 6-Monthly Emergency Exit Lighting Test

You can’t simply install an exit sign and forget about it. Over time, internal batteries degrade and fail to hold a 90-minute charge.

Under AS/NZS 2293.2, property owners must conduct mandatory bi-annual (6-monthly) testing:

1. Mains Power Disconnection Test: A licensed technician manually isolates mains power to trigger the battery backup across all exit units.
2. 90-Minute Discharge Audit: The signs are left running on battery for a full 90 minutes. Any unit that turns off before the time expires fails the test.
3. Tube & LED Replacement: Any faulty globes, diffusers, or depleted batteries are repaired or replaced.
4. Logbook Documentation: Results are logged in an official onsite Emergency Lighting Logbook to maintain compliance records for council or fire inspections.

Maintained vs. Non-Maintained Exit Signs: What’s the Difference?

When selecting emergency lighting fixtures, you’ll encounter two primary types:

Most modern commercial fit-outs utilize LED maintained exit signs because LED technology draws minimal energy, runs cool, and offers an extended operational lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Exit Signs

1. How often do emergency exit signs need to be tested in Australia?

Australian standards (AS/NZS 2293.2) mandate that all emergency exit signs and spitfire lights undergo a formal 6-monthly inspection and discharge test by a qualified technician, alongside an annual detailed review.

2. Why do emergency exit signs fail the 90-minute discharge test?

The most common cause of failure is a degraded internal backup battery. Like all rechargeable batteries, exit sign batteries lose capacity over time (typically lasting 3 to 5 years) and must be replaced once they can no longer hold a 90-minute charge.

3. Can I test or replace an emergency exit sign myself?

No. In Australia, installing or replacing hardwired emergency exit signs involves fixed electrical wiring and must be performed by a licensed electrician. Furthermore, compliance testing requires official logging to satisfy local fire safety laws.

4. Are modern LED emergency exit signs better than older fluorescent models?

Yes, significantly. LED exit signs use up to 80% less electricity, generate far less heat, and have a much longer working life than old fluorescent tube signs. Upgrading older units to LED lowers your ongoing power bills and reduces maintenance replacement costs.

5. What happens if my building fails an emergency lighting audit?

If non-compliant or non-functional exit signs are discovered during a council or fire brigade audit, you may be issued a formal rectification order, heavy financial penalties, or risk operational closure until safety systems are repaired and re-tested.

Book Your Emergency Exit Sign Service with Equinox Electrical

Whether you need new emergency exit sign installations for an office fit-out, scheduled 6-monthly discharge testing, or an LED system upgrade, Equinox Electrical is your qualified commercial trade partner.

Servicing properties across Sydney and Wollongong, our team guarantees:

• Certified AS/NZS 2293 Inspections: Detailed testing and official logbook entry.
• Upfront Fixed Pricing: No hidden fees or unexpected callout charges.
• Fully Licensed Electricians: Professional, punctual, and safety-focused service.

Keep your property compliant and your occupants protected. Contact Equinox Electrical today to schedule your emergency exit lighting check!