AS 2293.2-2019 – Emergency escape lighting and exit signs

Exit and Emergency lighting are installed in many buildings in Australia, including in businesses and residential premises. The Australian standard that is legislated in all states is AS2293. The standard year will apply to the buildings age, unless major renovations have been completed or the premise has seen a classification change.

Broken into design and service, Part 2 looks at the routine service and maintenance that will be covered below.

FCF Fire & Electrical hold the rare licence of Emergency and Exit Lighting Design and can complete the required works from design, installation, commissioning to servicing. Call FCF Fire & Electrical on 1300 375 884 for more information.

Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs for Buildings AS2293.2-2019

Part 2: Routine service and maintenance

AS2293.2 is broken into 3 main sections plus Appendices;

  • Scope and General
  • General Requirements
  • Inspect, Survey, Test, Service and Maintenance Procedures
  • Appendices

Fire professionals Terminology

Definitions used by Fire Service Professionals to Test, Inspect, Replace Exit lighting

Some Common definitions used by the Fire Technicians for Emergency and Exit Light Testing;

  • Approved Design– The final design, as commissioned or subsequently modified by a licenced fire certifier (Exit and Emergency Lighting Certifier)
  • Baseline Data– Data provided by the certifier at completion of commissioning
  • Inspect/inspection– Visual examination of the components to record settings, parameters, physical condition or fitness for purpose.
  • Log Book– A maintenance record with the correct fields, locations, identifications of all equipment.
  • Preventative Maintenance– actions including cleaning, adjustment and replacement of components are predetermined frequency, to minimize risk of failure.
  • Shall– indicates that the testing and inspections are mandatory
  • Survey– Visual inspection, typically conducted from floor level, to identify if the emergency lighting or exit sign system has been adversely altered, damaged or compromised by changes in the occupancy, environment, construction or building.

Testing Frequency for all emergency lighting- even Wi-Fi capable lighting

The testing must be performed physically even though technology is advancing, Table A2 Schedule 2 – Six Monthly- Self-contained emergency luminaries and exit signs. Clearly states that physical inspections of various types are required.

Testing for AS2293 is performed at the following frequencies;

  • Six monthly testing
  • Annual testing
  • 10 yearly and end of light source life requirements

Each testing cycle has multiple different inspections and tests to reach a pass for the lighting system.

All testing must be performed by licenced Fire Technicians.

Six monthly and annual testing is not as easy as it may seem, as the Fire Technician also must understand the AS2293 Part 1 (the installation standard) and the environment in regard to Lux readings.

Table A6 Schedule 6- 10 yearly and end of light source (LSL) of maintained- LED luminaries and exit signs explains how to partly perform a 10-year test. The other part refers to the different manufacturers requirements as referred to by legislation in AS2293 and then onto the manufacturer. In other words, the manufacturer requirements for their lights at 10-year intervals must be followed.

Many manufacturers are calling to replace lighting at the 10-year life cycle with a tolerance of 3 months plus or take (as referred by AS2293.2-2019).

FCF Fire & Electrical Recommendations

As experienced and licenced Electricians, Fire Technicians and Exit Lighting Certifiers. FCF recommend using a quality contractor who provides lighting with 5 Year Warranties. A contractor that understands the full requirements and doesn’t leave your business at risk. All too often FCF Certifiers find issues with systems that have only just been inspected. Exit light testing can seem easy on face value however we have only covered a small part of the regulations, legislations and AS2293, it is much more complex than it seems.

Use a professional that puts your business and budgeting first.

To find out more contact FCF Fire & Electrical today