What is an emergency exit light? How does it work?

An emergency exit light, also known as an exit sign or green exit sign, serves as a vital safety device during critical situations like electrical failures, power outages, or fires. Its primary purpose is to illuminate evacuation paths to safety, aiding in the swift evacuation of building occupants. This essential piece of emergency and evacuation signage, in compliance with emergency lighting standards, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those inside.

So How do exit signs work? Emergency exit lighting, which are part of the exit and emergency lighting system, act as beacons guiding individuals to the nearest fire exit. By emitting a steady and reliable light, they help occupants move through the building with clarity, minimising the risk of stumbling over obstacles and reducing the potential for injuries. These exit lights also play a crucial role in locating essential equipment necessary for evacuation.

In the event of an emergency, the presence of clear, well-maintained emergency signage, such as fire exit signs and braille signs, further enhances the effectiveness of the emergency exit lighting. Together, these elements contribute to a safer and more efficient evacuation process, underscoring the importance of emergency lighting and signage in any building.

What Type Of Exit Light Do I have?

There are two primary categories of emergency exit lights:

  1. Dual-Function Emergency Exit Lights: These exit lights consist of two bulbs. The first bulb remains illuminated at all times, drawing power from the building’s electrical supply. The second bulb is designed to activate automatically when a power outage occurs, powered by a backup power battery. This ensures continuous illumination even in emergencies.
  2. Emergency-Activated Exit Lights: In contrast, emergency-activated exit lights only come to life when an emergency situation arises. These lights remain dormant during regular power supply but are constantly charged by the building’s electrical system. They spring into action when needed, providing essential guidance during critical moments.

Additionally, fire exit signs and exit lights, including emergency exit signs and emergency exit lights, are vital components of safety systems. During evacuations, they ensure that occupants can navigate the premises safely in emergency situations. These lights, along with emergency signage, emergency signs, and emergency lighting, play a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment.

It’s important to note that Spitfires, which also offer basic illumination during power disruptions, are typically located near stairs or restrooms. They should be subjected to regular testing, just like other emergency exit lights, to guarantee their reliability when needed most.

What is Involved In Emergency Exit Light Testing?

During an emergency exit light test, our technicians complete:

  • Timed battery test
  • Inspection of all bulbs, lights, diffusers and batteries (and replacing these, where necessary)
  • Clean of the light reflecting surfaces to ensure the visibility of the illumination is maximised
  • Inspection of the area to determine compliance with the standards (i.e. visibility, signage)
  • A comprehensive report, outlining the service completed, the date, location, outcomes and recommendations
  • Certificate of compliance stating the next service due date
  • Follow up reminders to notify you when your testing is due again

At The Local Guys – Test & Tag, all emergency exit light and emergency signage testing is completed in accordance with the AS 2293.2:2022 Australian standard.

Why Should I Have My Emergency Exit Light Tested?

To adhere to Australian standards, guarantee the safe egress of individuals from a building and ensure building compliance, emergency exit lights must operate correctly. Routine assessments conducted by professional service providers such as The Local Guys Test and Taggers, ensure that these emergency lights are adequately maintained and in optimal working condition.

Similar to any electrical equipment, emergency lights may experience a decline in quality over time. While they may still activate, there’s a risk that they may not illuminate properly or sustain the required duration.

Do Exit signs need to be illuminated? For compliance testing, emergency exit lights must remain illuminated for a minimum of 90 minutes or 1.5 hours. During your scheduled service, which includes inspection and annual cleaning, our team of licensed electricians ensures that the emergency exit lights function as intended and provide adequate illumination and the safety of building occupants.

Our expert advice and professional services encompass emergency lighting installations, emergency light testing, and maintenance of emergency lighting. These essential safety measures, including battery backup systems, address faulty fittings and compliance assessments, guarantee that your commercial buildings meet the legal requirements for the safety of occupants and maintain a well-lit egress path of travel in case of a power failure. Trust our team of licensed electricians to provide comprehensive assessments and ensure your emergency luminaries meet the necessary standards for the safety of all.

But Why Are Exit Signs Green?

Exit lights are typically green for several reasons:

  1. Visibility: Green is a highly visible colour that stands out against various backgrounds and lighting conditions. It is easily noticeable even in low light or smoky environments, making it ideal for guiding people to safety during emergencies.
  2. Universal Understanding: Green has become a universally recognised colour for safety and egress. When people see a green exit sign or light, they instinctively understand its purpose – to indicate the way to safety.
  3. Consistency: Standardising the colour of exit signs and lights to green ensures consistency in building codes and regulations. This uniformity makes it easier for people to identify exit paths regardless of where they are.
  4. Compliance: Building codes and safety regulations often require the use of green for exit signs and lights. Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure the safety of building occupants and to avoid legal issues.
  5. Historical Usage: Over time, green has been traditionally associated with safety and escape. This historical usage has reinforced its role as the colour for emergency & exit lights.

Emergency Exit Light Testing

Ensuring safety in various settings, such as shopping centres and residential buildings, depends on a robust emergency exit lighting system. This includes emergency luminaires, light fittings, and exit lights powered either by mains power or an emergency power source.

Compliance with product requirements and building codes is essential for building owners. Routine maintenance programs are vital to address issues like faulty lamps, ensuring the continued operation of emergency lighting systems.

Emergency escape lighting is a crucial safety component, providing illumination when normal lighting fails. Servicing emergency lighting is key to its reliability during emergencies.

A well-planned and maintained emergency exit lighting system is a crucial investment in the safety of all building occupants, emphasising its importance in ensuring safety.

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 Frequently Asked Questions

How often do emergency exit lights need to be tested?

According to AS 2293.2:2019 Australian Standard, emergency exit lights must be tested every 6 months to ensure they are functioning correctly in the event of an emergency.

Where should my emergency exit lights be located?

Emergency exit lights will be located on, above or adjacent to designated exits and doors. To minimise as much risk as possible and to remain compliant with the standards, businesses must ensure that the emergency exit lights within their building are visible at all times.

Who can test an emergency exit light?

In compliance with the Australian standards, all emergency exit light testing must be carried out by a safety professional who has been deemed competent. In QLD, technicians are required to complete further training and gain an additional licence to meet these requirements within their state. All technicians at The Local Guys – Test & Tag have been trained to the highest level to meet these standards.

Does my business need to have emergency exit lights?

Yes, all businesses in Australia have Emergency Exit Light Testing Requirements. All businesses in Australia are required to have emergency exit lights within their commercial buildings to be considered safe and compliant with the AS 2293.2:2019 Australian standard.

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Request A Quote

Please fill in ALL the below information and one of our friendly staff will contact you within 2 business hours to discuss your testing.