Emergency and exit lighting is easy to forget until it fails a test or the building needs it during a power outage. For commercial premises, the system needs to work when normal lighting does not.
This guide covers the practical side: what to check, why records matter and when to replace failed fittings.
Why emergency lighting matters
Emergency and exit lights help people leave safely during a power failure or emergency. In shops, offices, sheds, clinics and hospitality sites, poor exit lighting can become a safety and compliance problem.
- Exit signs not illuminated
- Emergency lights with failed batteries
- Dark paths of travel
- Missing or unclear test records
- Old fittings that fail duration testing
Testing and records
Emergency and exit lighting can form part of a building’s essential safety measures. Check the occupancy permit or maintenance determination for the installed measures and their maintenance requirements. Arrange competent inspection and servicing, keep test and repair records, and address defects promptly. A light appearing illuminated does not prove it will perform correctly during an outage.
Common faults
Common faults include failed batteries, old fluorescent exit signs, damaged diffusers, fittings blocked by stock or renovations, and lights installed in poor locations after layout changes.
Working with other maintenance
Emergency lighting checks can be combined with broader commercial electrical maintenance, test and tag, switchboard review or lighting upgrades to reduce repeated visits.
Need help with emergency exit lighting testing?
LWElectrical handles residential, commercial and industrial electrical work across Warrnambool and South West Victoria. Call Luke directly for practical advice and a clear next step.
Frequently asked questions
Do all businesses need emergency lighting?
It depends on the building classification, layout and occupancy. If your premises has exit/emergency lights, they need to be maintained.
Can failed exit lights be repaired?
Sometimes batteries or components can be replaced, but older fittings are often better replaced.
Should I keep a logbook?
Yes. Keep test, defect and repair records as part of the building’s essential safety measure documentation, following the applicable maintenance requirements.
Check the building’s maintenance requirements
CFA’s Essential Safety Measures guide (PDF) explains that maintenance requirements depend on the equipment and installation, and are documented in the building’s occupancy permit or maintenance determination. It includes emergency lighting and exit marking among essential safety equipment.
Use the building-specific schedule and applicable standards rather than treating this article as a universal test interval or a compliance certificate. Confirm requirements with the building surveyor or a suitably competent maintenance professional if records are missing. Sources checked 16 September 2026.
Discuss coordinated inspections through our commercial electrical maintenance service.