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.
Every floor of a building where a storey has more than 300m2 of floor space needs to have an emergency lighting system installed, according to the Building Code of Australia. Any hallway that serves as an evacuation route and any room larger than 100m2 that isn’t connected to a hallway needs to have the system installed. Exit signs for any required highways, open spaces or exits must be erected above doors and prominently displayed. You can look at the code or get in touch with a member of our team to discuss your responsibilities for emergency light testing and building compliance/exit.
There are several sizes and brands of exit and emergency lights available. We also offer a variety of repair components, including globes and covers.
What Type Of Exit Light Do I have?
There are two primary categories of emergency exit lights:
- 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.
- 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.
The A-grade technicians at ACME Test & Tagging can replace malfunctioning emergency and exit lights or handle any other necessary repairs. Contact Us for a Free Quote.
What is Involved In Emergency Exit Light Testing?
During an emergency exit light test, our technicians complete:
- Inspection of the area to determine compliance with the standards (i.e. visibility, signage)
- Timed battery test
- Inspection of all bulbs, lights, diffusers and batteries (and replacing these, when necessary)
- Cleaning of the light reflecting surfaces to ensure the visibility of the illumination is maximised
- A comprehensive report, outlining the service completed, the date, location, outcomes and recommendations
- Follow up reminders to notify you when your testing is due again
Why Should I Have My Emergency Exit Light Tested?
When your emergency exit lights operate correctly, you will be adhering to Australian standards AS/NZS 2293.2:2019, as well as guaranteeing the safe egress of individuals from a building and ensuring building compliance. Routine assessments conducted by professional service providers such as ACME Test & Tagging, 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. During your scheduled service, which includes inspection and annual cleaning, our team of licensed technicians ensure 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 technicians to provide comprehensive assessments and ensure your emergency luminaries meet the necessary standards for the safety of all.