/// SYDNEY GENERAL ELECTRICAL

Emergency Lighting & Exit Signs in Sydney

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.

Emergency lighting and exit sign installation in a Sydney commercial building
[ 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.

Electrician testing emergency lighting system in a Sydney office building
[ 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.

[ NETWORK AUTHORISATION ]

Certifications & Accreditations

ACCREDITATION / 01

AUSGRID

Network distributor authorisation
ACCREDITATION / 02

ENDEAVOUR ENERGY

Network distributor authorisation
ACCREDITATION / 03

ESSENTIAL ENERGY

Network distributor authorisation
ACCREDITATION / 04

LEVEL 2 ASP

Accredited service provider · Lic 6855
ACCREDITATION / 05

SAA ACCREDITED

Solar accreditation Australia
ACCREDITATION / 06

NSW CONTRACTORS

Electrical contractors licence · 493243C
[ CLIENT TRANSMISSION ]

Real feedback

5.0 · 7 Google reviews

See all on Google
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
Jack Brown
Google review
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.
Claire
Google review
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
Nagarajan Valanoor
Google review
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
Jack Brown
Google review
[ 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.

View service →

Test and Tag

Test and tag all emergency lighting and exit sign equipment for full compliance.

View service →

Warehouse & High Bay Lighting

Pair high bay lighting installation with emergency lighting for warehouse compliance.

View service →

Electrical Safety Inspections

Include emergency lighting testing in your annual electrical safety inspection.

View service →

Fitouts & New Installations

Install emergency lighting as part of a commercial fitout electrical package.

View service →
< OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE >

Assessment to completion

Licensed electrician inspecting a switchboard during on-site electrical work in Sydney
01

Tell us what you need

Describe your electrical issue or project and we'll schedule a time to assess the situation.

02

We inspect and quote

Our technician examines the work required and gives you a transparent price before anything begins.

03

We complete the job

We finish on time, clean up after ourselves, and ensure everything meets code and your expectations.

/// RESULT

From booking to sign-off

From booking through to final checks, we manage the details so you can get the job finished right.

Get in touch

Send a message and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Service area
Greater Sydney and the Illawarra
Hours
Mon–Sun 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
24/7 emergency call-outs
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