#exit light testing

Exit lights are a critical part of your building’s emergency safety system. During a fire, power outage, or evacuation, they guide occupants clearly and safely toward designated exits, often making the difference between chaos and controlled movement.

Yet, many workplaces overlook routine inspection and Emergency Lighting Maintenance until it’s too late. Ensuring your exit lights are functioning properly is essential for compliance, safety, and the overall wellbeing of your staff and visitors. 

Below are five essential checks to determine whether your exit lights will perform reliably when an emergency strikes. 

1. Are Your Exit Lights Illuminating Consistently?

Exit lights must remain fully always illuminated. Flickering lights, dim displays, or inconsistent power are immediate signs of fault. These issues not only create safety risks but also indicate larger electrical or battery-related problems. 

2. Is the Battery Backup Functional?

During an emergency, main power often fails first. A functioning battery backup ensures your exit lights remain operational even when the building loses electricity. Regular Emergency Light Testinghelps confirm batteries hold enough charge for the required duration, typically at least 90 minutes. 

3. Do the Lights Meet Current Compliance Standards?

Australian safety standards require exit lights to be tested every six months, with documentation updated accordingly. If your business hasn’t conducted these tests by reaching out to an expert Electrician Townsville or lacks proper records, it’s a sign of compliance gaps that could lead to fines or increased risk during emergencies. 

4. Are the Lights Free from Physical Damage or Obstructions?

Cracked casings, missing panels, dust accumulation, or blocked signage can all reduce visibility. Exit lights must be unobstructed, clearly visible from all angles, and physically secure to perform effectively during emergencies. 

5. Have You Performed a Full Duration Test Recently?

A duration test simulates a real emergency by activating the exit lights on battery mode for an extended period. This confirms whether the system can sustain illumination long enough for safe evacuation. Skipping duration tests increases the risk of unexpected failures.

Conclusion: Choose Voltec’s Expert Exit Light Testing Solutions 

Professional testing ensures your exit lights meet every safety and compliance requirement, reducing risks and ensuring reliable performance during emergencies. Voltec Maintenance provides expert Exit Light Testing, inspections, repairs, and compliance reporting tailored to commercial properties. Their trained technicians use industry-approved processes and advanced diagnostics to keep your emergency lighting ready when it matters most. Trust Voltec to help your workplace stay safe, compliant, and prepared.

Public spaces—such as retail centres, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and hospitality venues—have a non-negotiable responsibility to ensure occupant safety. One of the most critical yet often underestimated components in this safety infrastructure is emergency exit lighting.

Far beyond merely illuminating paths, these systems are the backbone of effective evacuation protocols, legal compliance, and organisational risk mitigation. 

1. Life-Saving Visibility During Emergencies

In power outages or alarm-triggered evacuations, emergency exit lighting ensures that escape routes remain clearly visible. Studies and safety reports emphasise that illuminated exits dramatically reduce panic, enable orderly evacuation, and help prevent injuries or fatalities. And to keep the lights efficient, regular Emergency Light Testing and maintenance is a must! 

2. Strict Regulatory Compliance

Australia mandates emergency lighting under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Work Health and Safety Act (2011) for public and commercial buildings. These systems must meet the AS/NZS 2293 series of standards for design, installation, testing, and maintenance to ensure optimum performance. 

3. Minimise Legal and Financial Liability

A malfunctioning or poorly visible exit sign isn’t just a hazard—it’s a liability. Buildings found in breach of safety regulations may face substantial fines, suspension of operations, or worse. Moreover, insurance claims may be denied if a safety negligence component is identified. Investing in emergency light maintenance helps ensure well-functioning emergency lighting that insulates businesses from these risks. 

4. Sustained Operational Continuity

Even brief interruptions or blackouts can create chaos in public environments. Emergency Lighting Maintenance ensures critical areas—like stairwells, corridors, and exit routes—remain illuminated, maintaining operational flow and reducing downtime. 

5. Comprehensive Safety Through Regular Testing

Emergency exit systems must not only be installed correctly but also maintained diligently. AS/NZS 2293.2 requires six-monthly discharge tests, annual full system inspections, and full logbook documentation to guarantee ongoing reliability.

Choose Voltec’s Expert Solutions 

At Voltec Maintenance, our expert Commercial Industrial Electrician team makes emergency exit lighting compliance seamless for public buildings. Our services include: 

Thorough installation aligned with AS/NZS 2293 standards 

Scheduled testing and inspection (6-monthly, annual, lifecycle) 

Transparent logbook and test records for audit readiness 

Professional maintenance to ensure your systems are always evacuation-ready 

Don’t wait for a safety incident to highlight shortcomings. Choose Voltec’s expert solutions today for reliable, compliant emergency lighting that safeguards your people and your reputation.

Emergency exit lights and luminaires are life-saving tools. Period! 

Yes, while routine testing is non-negotiable, regular cleaning of these critical safety components often gets overlooked. However, cleanliness is just as vital as functionality. Accumulated dust, grime, and debris can significantly diminish luminosity, compromise visibility during emergencies, and lead to compliance issues. Here’s why every business should make cleaning emergency lighting a priority. 

1. Optimal Illumination Ensures Clear Visibility

Over time, dust and dirt build-up can obstruct the light output of emergency luminaires and exit signs, dramatically reducing their effectiveness during critical moments such as power outages or evacuations. Clean fixtures maximise brightness, ensuring pathways, exits, and emergency routes remain visible when it counts most. 

2. Improves Safety & Enhances Evacuation Efficiency

In emergency situations, every second counts. Dim or obscured exit lighting can cause confusion and delay, leading to preventable injuries or chaos. Cleaned and well-maintained emergency fixtures contribute directly to faster, safer evacuations—protecting both employees and customers. 

3. Extends the Lifespan of Fixtures

Grime and dust act as insulators, trapping heat and “cooking” electrical components. Regular Emergency Lighting Maintenance, including cleaning, helps prevent overheating, light burn-out, or early fixture failure—saving you from replacement costs and reducing long-term maintenance expenses. 

4. Ensures Compliance and Minimises Liability

Australian standards, particularly AS/NZS 2293.2:2019, demand that emergency lighting undergo periodic inspections, including functionality and discharge tests. While cleaning isn’t explicitly stated in these standards, a visibly dirty or dimly lit fixture may still be deemed non-compliant during audits. Cleaned fixtures showcase proper maintenance and demonstrate your commitment to safety and regulatory diligence. 

5. Boosts Reliability and Emergency Readiness

Well-maintained and clean exit signs and lighting systems bolster your facility’s readiness for any unexpected power outage or hazard. Clean fixtures reflect proper care and help guarantee dependable performance when needed most, avoiding costly disruptions and ensuring continuity.

Choose Voltec’s Expert Solutions 

At Voltec Maintenance, we go beyond routine testing. Our comprehensive Emergency Light Testing service includes meticulous cleaning of emergency luminaires and exit signs to ensure optimal brightness, compliance, and operational reliability. Our Commercial Industrial Electricians deliver complete on-site evaluations, thorough cleaning, and clear reporting—all tailored to keep your business safe and audit-ready. 

Prioritise safety—and choose Voltec’s expert solutions today.

Emergency lighting isn’t just compliance—it’s critical.

In our latest newsletter, we explore why emergency and exit lighting is more than a regulatory checkbox. Discover expert insights on how it safeguards lives, reduces panic, and protects your business when every second counts.

Emergency exit lighting is a critical safety feature. Yes, in commercial buildings, ensuring that occupants can safely evacuate in the event of a power outage, fire, or emergency. However, just having exit lights installed isn’t enough—they must be properly maintained to function when needed most. Scheduled maintenance plays a crucial role in keeping your business compliant, safe, and prepared for any emergency. 

1. Ensures Compliance with Safety Regulations

Businesses must adhere to Australian safety standards and regulations, such as AS 2293, which mandates that emergency lighting systems undergo regular testing and maintenance. Failing to comply can lead to fines, legal consequences, and increased liability risks. Scheduled maintenance ensures that your business remains fully compliant and avoids costly penalties. 

2. Guarantees Proper Functionality in Emergencies

Exit lights are only useful if they work during an emergency. Over time, batteries can fail, bulbs can burn out, and wiring can degrade, rendering your emergency lighting ineffective. Routine Emergency Lighting Maintenance identifies and resolves potential issues before they become hazards, ensuring your system is always ready to perform.

3. Reduces Business Liability & Enhances Safety

A malfunctioning emergency lighting system can put lives at risk during an evacuation. If an accident occurs due to poor visibility, businesses may be held legally responsible. Regular inspections and testing help protect employees, customers, and assets, reducing the risk of injury and liability claims. 

4. Extends the Lifespan of Emergency Lighting

Like any other electrical system, emergency exit lights wear down over time. Regular Emergency Light Testing and maintenance help identify minor faults before they turn into costly repairs or replacements. By keeping your system in top condition, you save money in the long run while ensuring uninterrupted safety. 

5. Prevents Unexpected Failures & Downtime

A sudden failure of emergency exit lighting can disrupt business operations and put safety at risk. Scheduled maintenance by Electricians, Townsville, prevents unexpected breakdowns, providing peace of mind that your system is always functional and reducing downtime caused by last-minute repairs. 

Why Choose Voltec’s Expert Solutions? 

At Voltec Maintenance, we provide comprehensive emergencyExit Light Testing and maintenance services to keep your business compliant and safe. Our expert team ensures: 

Regular testing & compliance with Australian safety regulations 

Prompt identification & resolution of potential issues 

Reliable, energy-efficient emergency lighting solutions 

Minimised downtime & long-term cost savings 

Don’t wait for an emergency to find out your exit lights aren’t working! Keep your business safe and compliant with Voltec’s expert maintenance solutions. Contact-us today!

Ensuring the safety of your business premises is a top priority, and emergency exit lights play a critical role in that mission. In times of crisis, these lights guide occupants to safety, making it essential that they are always fully functional. Regular testing and maintenance of emergency exit lights not only ensure compliance with safety regulations but also protect lives and property. 

The Importance of Emergency Exit Light Testing 

Emergency exit lights are designed to function during power outages or emergencies, illuminating escape routes when every second counts. Inadequate or faulty exit lighting can lead to confusion, delayed evacuations, and potentially tragic consequences during an emergency. Regular Exit Light Testing confirms that the lights are bright enough, operational, and compliant with local and national safety standards. 

Key Aspects of Emergency Exit Light Testing 

Operational Readiness: 

Regular Emergency Light Testing ensures that your exit lights function at full capacity when needed. Testing involves simulating a power outage to confirm that the battery backup kicks in, and the lights illuminate as expected. Any issues discovered during these tests can be addressed promptly, reducing the risk of failure during an actual emergency. 

Battery Health and Replacement: 

Many emergency exit lights rely on rechargeable batteries to function during power failures. Over time, these batteries can degrade, reducing the light’s performance. Routine testing includes checking the battery’s condition and replacing it if necessary. Maintaining healthy batteries is crucial for the reliability of your emergency exit lighting system. 

Compliance with Safety Standards: 

Businesses must adhere to strict safety regulations, which often mandate regular testing of emergency exit lights. Keeping up with scheduled tests helps ensure compliance, avoiding potential fines or legal issues. Additionally, well-documented tests can be valuable during safety audits and inspections, providing proof of your commitment to safety. 

Cost-Effective Preventative Maintenance: 

Investing in regular Emergency Lighting Maintenance can be cost-effective in the long run. Identifying and fixing issues early prevents more significant, costly problems that could result from complete system failures. Preventative maintenance minimizes downtime and keeps your safety systems in top working order. 

How Often Should You Test? 

While recommendations may vary depending on the specific system and local regulations, most experts suggest conducting an operational test every month. These regular checks ensure that all components, including battery backups and wiring, are in optimal condition. 

The Role of Professional Testing Services 

Partnering with a right, professional Electrician Townsville, for emergency exit light testing offers several advantages. Certified technicians have the expertise to diagnose and correct potential issues quickly. They also provide thorough documentation of each test, ensuring that your business remains compliant with safety standards. This professional oversight is especially important for larger commercial properties where the complexity of the exit lighting system demands expert attention. 

Conclusion 

Emergency exit light testing is not merely a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical safety measure that can save lives in a crisis. By ensuring your exit lights are operational, maintaining battery health, and staying compliant with safety standards, you create a safer environment for your employees, customers, and visitors. Invest in regular testing today, and keep your business prepared for any emergency. 

For more information on emergency exit light testing and maintenance, visit Voltec Maintenance.

In the event of a fire or power outage, do you know where to go? Emergency exit lights play a very vital role in all business establishments. When a fire starts, panic can often set in. Having a clear, illuminated path can save seconds during an emergency. In a smoky hallway where the visibility of a door may be obscured, an exit sign can guide you through the building and outside to safety. Emergency lights are most effective when used in conjunction with a planned evacuation procedure. Make sure your team members know where your safe meeting point is, as well as the safest exit route to that point.

Emergency lighting can and will save lives, which is why it’s so important for business owners to find a quality provider of emergency exit light testing. Our team can inspect and test your emergency lighting system and maintain safety in your building.

For a free quote, reach us today!

How often should I get emergency exit light testing done?

Emergency and exit lights are essential, therefore, they require regular inspection, testing and maintenance. According to the AS2293.2 standard for emergency lighting testing & inspection, all emergency lights and exit signs need to be inspected at 6-monthly intervals. Failure to comply may lead to varying degrees of penalty. During the inspection, a trained professional must test the lamps and replace any defective lights. Each device will also undergo a discharge test, where a technician will turn the battery charger off and simulate a power outage for a duration of 90 minutes. The test will continue until every emergency light or exit sign is tested.

Should your exit and emergency lighting system be on the same circuit as your General Lighting circuit, for the Discharge Test to be completed in accordance with Australian Standards, the building lighting will also be switched off for a period of no less than 90 minutes. Depending on your location and the time the test is being conducted, this then plunges your facility in to darkness which is not ideal!

Where should exit and emergency lighting be installed?

Emergency lighting layouts need to be designed by a certified provider. The design provided needs to comply with AS2293. Our licensed electricians will provide guidance on all installation requirements. Exit signs need to be clearly visible to the occupants of a building and illuminated at all times. They will be installed directly above exit doors, at the top of staircases and at any change of direction along the way to directing people along the escape route to a final exit or evacuation point.

There are many types of exit signs and emergency lights on the market, each type is targeted to a specific application within a building environment. The type of light, building shape and ceiling height will determine where they are required to be installed.

Contact-us today for a free quote & determination of Exit Light Facility.

Reasons to ensure your emergency light testing is up to date:

Safety always comes first. Regular testing of your emergency light systems will provide peace of mind that the workplace is safe for you and your staff. When power is disrupted, buildings can become dangerously dark, making it difficult to navigate during an emergency without suitable emergency lighting in place.

Ensuring your building is compliant. Having your emergency Exit Light Testing up to date shows that you understand the importance of remaining compliant and your responsibilities as set out by Australian Standards AS/NZS 2293.2:1995.

Reduced Liability. If your emergency exit light fixtures are not operating correctly, accidents, injuries or property damage could occur during a power outage or an emergency.

Improved Performance. When emergency light fixtures are not tested regularly or maintained properly, they can perform poorly in an emergency. Weak batteries can reduce the operating time of the fixture or lead to abnormally dim illumination during use. Old lamps can prevent the fixture from providing sufficient light and can also drain the battery quicker than normal. Performing maintenance on the system ensures that both the batteries and lamps are performing to their best and will operate for the required amount of time should an emergency occur.

Save System Life. Regular emergency exit light testing of each fixture can help spot damaged emergency light batteries or lamps before a more severe fault occurs. This can prolong the life of the fixture and can reduce future repair costs to the emergency light system.

Why Choose Voltec Maintenance for Emergency Exit Light Maintenance?

In Australia, there is a standard for emergency evacuation lighting in buildings. At Voltec Maintenance, we adhere to emergency exit light standards for inspection and maintenance AS/NZS 2293.2:1995, which dictates the following testing procedures and intervals:

All emergency lights and exit signs must be expected at least once every 6 months

6 monthly inspections include lamp tests and replacements as well as a 90-minute discharge test

Inspection & cleaning of fittings and reflective surfaces must occur every 12 months

Our team will test and inspect exit and emergency lights according to strict Australian requirements. After we have completed our tests, we will provide you with electronic copies of test data and also retain copies if required as evidence of compliance.

When you choose Voltec Maintenance to test your emergency and exit lighting system, we set a routine maintenance program for you. We also provide reminders for your next testing appointment, to help you to stay compliant.

To learn about our other services, such as fire testing, electrical test and tag and RCD testing, contact-us today!