Compliant systems that work when they need to. We install, test, and maintain emergency lighting and exit signs for Sydney commercial buildings. Compliant with AS 2293. Licensed electricians, fixed price.
Verify our NSW Contractors Licence 493243C on the official NSW Trades register.
[ OVERVIEW ]
What are the requirements for emergency lighting in NSW?
Emergency lighting and exit signs are mandatory in most commercial buildings under the National Construction Code (NCC) and Building Code of Australia (BCA). They provide illumination when normal power fails, allowing occupants to safely evacuate. In NSW, failure to maintain a compliant system can result in building orders, fines, and significant liability.
Australian Standard AS 2293 governs emergency escape lighting and exit signs. It sets out the minimum performance standards for new installations (AS 2293.1), annual and periodic testing requirements (AS 2293.2), and the technical requirements for fittings (AS 2293.3).
AS 2293.2 requires annual testing that includes a full 90-minute discharge test on battery-backed systems. This confirms the batteries can sustain minimum light output for the duration required during an emergency. Monthly function tests are also required, confirming the system responds correctly to a mains power failure.
We install new emergency lighting systems for fitouts and new builds, replace end-of-life systems in existing buildings, and carry out the AS 2293.2 annual testing and certification. All work is carried out by licensed electricians under Contractors Lic 493243C.
[ SYMPTOM CHECKLIST ]
When do building owners and managers call us?
Annual AS 2293 testing is due and the previous test report revealed non-compliant units
Purchasing or taking over a commercial building and needing to verify the existing emergency lighting system
A fitout or renovation has altered the floor plan and the current emergency lighting layout no longer covers all required paths of travel
Exit signs have faded, battery packs are flat, or indicator lamps are no longer working
A fire safety inspection or council notice has flagged the emergency lighting as non-compliant
Installing a new system in a building that did not previously require one due to a change of use or occupancy class upgrade
Emergency lighting is a life safety system. If you are not certain your system has been tested in the last 12 months, it is worth arranging an inspection.
[ EDUCATION ]
Emergency lighting essentials
Self-contained vs central battery
Self-contained emergency fittings have their own rechargeable battery built in. They activate when they detect mains power failure. Central battery systems power multiple fittings from a single battery bank. Self-contained systems are more common in commercial fitouts. Central battery systems are used in larger or multi-level buildings where individual battery maintenance would be impractical.
Maintained vs non-maintained
A maintained emergency light stays on at all times, using mains power during normal operation and battery power during a failure. A non-maintained fitting only activates when mains power is lost. Exit signs are typically maintained (always illuminated). Emergency escape lighting along egress paths may be either depending on the building classification.
90-minute discharge test
AS 2293.2 requires an annual full discharge test that simulates a mains failure and confirms the system provides minimum illuminance for 90 minutes. We record lux levels, battery performance, and identify any units that fail the test. Passed tests receive a compliance certificate.
Paths of travel and lux levels
AS 2293 requires a minimum of 0.2 lux on the floor of all paths of travel to exits. More complex layouts with corridors, stairwells, and areas of high occupancy may require higher levels. We design system layouts to meet these requirements based on your floor plan.
“Sam is an absolute legend. He fixed my hot water system this afternoon. He didn’t charge me a lot and he done a great job”
“Couldn’t be happier with Electrosurge Solutions. I had a full house rewire done and a bunch of upgrades like downlights, pendant lighting, new powerpoints, ethernet/data cabling, and exterior sensor lights. Sam is very tidy and everything looks and works perfectly. Really easy to deal with and you can tell they take pride in doing things properly. Definitely recommend if you want a quality electrician.”
“Sam is professional, courteous and honest. He is upfront with the costs and does everything per the book. He was a pleasure to work with and gave us exactly what we wanted. Highly recommended. Wish every tradie was like Sam”
“Sam is an absolute legend. He fixed my hot water system this afternoon. He didn’t charge me a lot and he done a great job”
[ INFORMATION QUERY ]
Frequently asked questions
01How often does emergency lighting need to be tested in NSW?+
AS 2293.2 requires a monthly functional test (brief activation to confirm the system responds to mains failure) and an annual full 90-minute discharge test. The annual test must be carried out by a competent person and a compliance report prepared. We can set up a service schedule to manage this for you.
02What buildings require emergency lighting in NSW?+
Under the National Construction Code, emergency lighting is required in most commercial building classifications, including offices, retail, warehouses, factories, schools, and healthcare facilities. The exact requirements depend on the building's occupancy classification and floor area. If you are unsure whether your building requires emergency lighting, we can advise during a site inspection.
03What happens if my emergency lighting fails the annual test?+
Failed units must be repaired or replaced. The building is not automatically closed, but the deficiency should be rectified promptly. We provide a detailed test report listing failed units and quote for repairs or replacement before proceeding. Corrected systems receive a new compliance certificate.
04Can I maintain my own emergency lighting system?+
Monthly function tests can be carried out by a trained building manager using the test function on each fitting. However, the annual 90-minute discharge test and associated compliance certification must be carried out by a licensed electrician or competent person with appropriate testing equipment. We recommend engaging a licensed electrician for both the annual test and any battery replacements.
05How long do emergency lighting batteries last?+
Most lead acid and NiCd batteries in self-contained emergency fittings last four to six years before they no longer hold adequate charge to pass the 90-minute discharge test. Lithium-based battery packs can last longer. We test and record battery performance during the annual inspection and advise when replacements are due.
06Do exit signs need to be green or can they be red?+
In Australia, AS 2293.1 and the NCC specify green pictogram exit signs as the standard. The green running man symbol is the required format for new installations. Red EXIT text signs may still be found in older buildings but are not compliant for new installations. We can advise on replacement or upgrade requirements for existing red text signs during an inspection.
[ RELATED SERVICES ]
Related Services
Compliance & Rectification
Bring non-compliant emergency lighting up to standard with our rectification service.