Emergency and Exit Lighting in Perth: Staying Compliant
Emergency and exit lighting is a legal safety requirement for most Perth commercial and public buildings, and keeping it working is an ongoing duty, not a one-off install. Emergency and exit lighting guides people out safely when the power fails. Here is what the rules expect and how to stay compliant.
What is emergency and exit lighting?
Emergency and exit lighting is the system of illuminated exit signs and emergency lights that switch on automatically when normal power is lost. Exit signs mark the way out, while emergency lights illuminate the path so people can evacuate safely in a blackout, fire or other emergency. It runs on its own battery backup.
Why it is required
Emergency and exit lighting exists to save lives during an evacuation, which is why it is required in commercial, retail, industrial and public buildings. Building owners and occupiers have a duty to install and maintain it, so that escape routes are visible even when the main power and normal lighting are out.
6 things to know about emergency and exit lighting
- Exit signs mark every required escape route
- Emergency lights illuminate the path out
- It runs on battery backup when power fails
- It follows the standard AS 2293
- Testing is required every six months
- Faulty fittings must be repaired or replaced
The six-monthly test
A key compliance point is that emergency and exit lighting must be tested every six months. This discharge test confirms each fitting works and its battery lasts the required time on backup power. A record of each test is kept. Missing these tests is a common way buildings fall out of compliance without realising.
Who is responsible?
Responsibility for emergency and exit lighting usually sits with the building owner or the occupying business, depending on the lease. Either way, someone must ensure it is installed, tested and maintained. A commercial electrician can take on the testing and upkeep, so nothing is missed and your records stay current.
Common problems
Over time, emergency and exit lighting fittings fail, batteries weaken, and lamps burn out. Because the lights are normally off, a fault can go unnoticed until the six-monthly test, or worse, until a real emergency. Regular testing and prompt repairs are the only way to know the system will work when it counts.
Fit-outs and changes
Whenever you change a building’s layout, you may change the required emergency and exit lighting too, new walls, rooms or exits alter the escape routes. A commercial electrician reviews the lighting against the updated layout, so a fit-out or refurbishment does not quietly leave you non-compliant.
Exit signs and wayfinding
Exit signs must be clearly visible from along each escape route, leading people to the nearest safe way out. Where the path turns or branches, additional signs keep the direction obvious. Good placement is as important as the signs working, because in smoke or darkness people follow whatever they can see.
Batteries and lifespan
The batteries in these fittings have a limited life and weaken with age and repeated discharge. A fitting that passes today may fail within a year or two, which is exactly why scheduled testing matters. Replacing tired batteries and fittings as part of upkeep keeps the whole system dependable.
Why use a licensed electrician
Installing, testing and certifying emergency and exit lighting is licensed commercial work that must meet the standard. A licensed electrician handles the install, the six-monthly testing, and any repairs, and keeps the records. The state’s Building and Energy sets the electrical requirements involved.
Need emergency and exit lighting checked in Perth?
ACS Electrical installs, tests and maintains it across the metro. Explore our commercial electricians service, lighting installation service or electrical maintenance service. Call 0419 967 838.
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