How often must emergency lighting be tested?

AS 2293.2:2019 requires monthly 90-second function tests to confirm all fittings switch to battery during a simulated mains failure, and six-monthly full-duration discharge tests (typically 90 minutes) to verify battery capacity. Annual maintenance includes a detailed inspection, lamp and battery replacement as needed, and verification that the system complies with AS 2293.1. Additional testing is required after any work that could affect the emergency lighting circuit.

What is the difference between a function test and a duration test?

A function test is a short 90-second test that confirms each emergency luminaire and exit sign switches to battery power when mains supply is disconnected. It checks that lamps illuminate and charging indicators are normal. A duration test runs for the full rated discharge time (usually 90 minutes) to verify the batteries can sustain illumination for the entire rated period. Function tests are performed monthly and duration tests are performed every six months.

Who can test emergency lighting in Australia?

Monthly function tests can be performed by trained building maintenance staff using the test switch on each fitting or a central test system. Six-monthly duration tests and annual maintenance should be performed by a qualified person with knowledge of AS 2293.2 requirements, typically a licensed electrician or a specialist emergency lighting technician. The tester must be competent to identify defects and assess battery condition.

What happens if emergency lighting fails during a test?

Any fitting that fails a test must be recorded in the defect register with the specific failure mode, such as lamp not illuminating, battery depleted before full duration, or exit sign obscured. The defective fitting must be repaired or replaced as soon as practicable. Critical escape route fittings should be prioritised for same-day rectification. Failed fittings are re-tested after repair to confirm compliance before the next scheduled test date.

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Free emergency lighting test record (PDF-ready). Covers monthly function tests, six-monthly duration tests and AS 2293.2 compliance. Digitise with MapTrack.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 2 May 2026

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What is a emergency lighting test record?

An emergency lighting test record is a document used to log the results of routine inspections and tests of emergency and exit lighting systems in buildings. The record captures the test type (monthly function test or six-monthly duration test), the building zone, each luminaire and exit sign location, the test result (pass or fail), battery condition and any defects requiring corrective action. It is the primary compliance record for demonstrating that emergency lighting meets the requirements of AS 2293.2:2019 (Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings - Inspection and maintenance).

Emergency lighting is a life-safety system that must operate reliably during mains power failure to illuminate escape routes and highlight exits. AS 2293.2:2019 requires monthly 90-second function tests and six-monthly full-duration discharge tests (typically 90 minutes for most buildings). The Building Code of Australia (BCA) National Construction Code, Volume One, Part E4 mandates emergency lighting in all buildings except certain Class 1 and Class 10 buildings. Failing to maintain and test emergency lighting exposes building owners to prosecution under the WHS Act 2011 and state fire safety legislation, and compromises occupant safety during evacuations.

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Benefits of using this emergency lighting test record

AS 2293.2 compliance: documents monthly and six-monthly test results at the frequencies required by the standard.
Life safety assurance: systematic testing confirms escape route lighting will function during a real power failure.
Building Code compliance: provides evidence that emergency lighting meets BCA National Construction Code Part E4 requirements.
Defect tracking: failed luminaires and depleted batteries are recorded and tracked to resolution before the next test.
Fire authority audits: completed test records satisfy fire brigade and council inspectors during annual fire safety statement reviews.
Liability protection: documented testing demonstrates the building owner has met their duty of care for occupant safety.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise emergency lighting log / registers in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Record test and tag results digitally with automatic retest scheduling.
Link electrical inspection records to specific assets for full service history.
Flag overdue RCD testing and thermal imaging inspections on the dashboard.

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What to include in a emergency lighting test record

This emergency lighting test record covers 9 key areas:

Building details: building name, address, zone or level tested, number of emergency luminaires and exit signs in the zone.
Test details: test date, test type (monthly function or six-monthly duration), tester name and qualifications.
Luminaire register: location ID, fitting type (emergency luminaire, exit sign, combination), lamp type (LED, fluorescent).
Monthly function test results: fitting switches to battery on mains disconnection (yes/no), lamp illuminates (yes/no), charging indicator normal (yes/no).
Six-monthly duration test results: full discharge time achieved (90 minutes minimum), lamp output maintained throughout, recovery charge time.
Battery condition: battery age, charge indicator status, physical condition (swelling, leakage, corrosion).
Exit sign assessment: pictogram correct and visible, directional arrows correct, illumination even, no obstructions.
Defect register: fitting location, defect description, corrective action, responsible person, target date, confirmation of rectification.
Sign-off: tester signature, building manager acknowledgement, next test due date.

How to use this emergency lighting test record

Record building details and confirm the test scope: Note the building name, zone or level being tested, the test type (monthly function or six-monthly duration) and the date. Obtain the emergency lighting schedule or as-built drawings showing the location and type of every luminaire and exit sign in the test zone.
Simulate mains failure and observe each fitting: Activate the test switch or disconnect mains supply to the emergency lighting circuit. For monthly tests, observe for 90 seconds that all luminaires illuminate and all exit signs remain visible. For six-monthly tests, maintain the discharge for the full rated duration (typically 90 minutes) and check output at intervals.
Inspect battery condition and charging indicators: For each fitting, check the battery charge indicator light is normal. Note battery age (marked on the battery or fitting label) and inspect for physical signs of failure: swelling, electrolyte leakage or terminal corrosion. Batteries older than the manufacturer rated life (typically 4 years for NiCd, 5 years for Li-ion) should be flagged for replacement.
Assess exit signs for visibility and compliance: Verify each exit sign displays the correct pictogram, has directional arrows pointing to the nearest exit, is evenly illuminated and is not obstructed by signage, storage or building modifications. Check that the sign meets AS 2293.1 requirements for size and luminance based on the viewing distance.
Record results, log defects and confirm next test date: Mark each fitting as pass or fail on the test record. Log all failed fittings in the defect register with the defect description, corrective action, responsible person and target date. Sign the record, file it in the building emergency lighting logbook and note the next test due date. In MapTrack, update the asset status for each luminaire and set the next automated test reminder.

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How often should you complete this log / register?

AS 2293.2:2019 requires monthly function tests (90-second simulated mains failure to confirm all fittings switch to battery and illuminate) and six-monthly full-duration discharge tests (typically 90 minutes to confirm battery capacity). Annual maintenance includes lamp replacement, battery replacement where required and a full inspection by a qualified person. Additionally, emergency lighting must be tested after any maintenance that may affect the system, such as electrical circuit modifications or building alterations. The Building Code of Australia requires the building owner to include emergency lighting compliance in the Annual Fire Safety Statement submitted to council and the fire authority.

Frequently asked questions

How often must emergency lighting be tested?: AS 2293.2:2019 requires monthly 90-second function tests to confirm all fittings switch to battery during a simulated mains failure, and six-monthly full-duration discharge tests (typically 90 minutes) to verify battery capacity. Annual maintenance includes a detailed inspection, lamp and battery replacement as needed, and verification that the system complies with AS 2293.1. Additional testing is required after any work that could affect the emergency lighting circuit.
What is the difference between a function test and a duration test?: A function test is a short 90-second test that confirms each emergency luminaire and exit sign switches to battery power when mains supply is disconnected. It checks that lamps illuminate and charging indicators are normal. A duration test runs for the full rated discharge time (usually 90 minutes) to verify the batteries can sustain illumination for the entire rated period. Function tests are performed monthly and duration tests are performed every six months.
Who can test emergency lighting in Australia?: Monthly function tests can be performed by trained building maintenance staff using the test switch on each fitting or a central test system. Six-monthly duration tests and annual maintenance should be performed by a qualified person with knowledge of AS 2293.2 requirements, typically a licensed electrician or a specialist emergency lighting technician. The tester must be competent to identify defects and assess battery condition.
What happens if emergency lighting fails during a test?: Any fitting that fails a test must be recorded in the defect register with the specific failure mode, such as lamp not illuminating, battery depleted before full duration, or exit sign obscured. The defective fitting must be repaired or replaced as soon as practicable. Critical escape route fittings should be prioritised for same-day rectification. Failed fittings are re-tested after repair to confirm compliance before the next scheduled test date.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 2293.2:2019 - Emergency escape lighting and exit signs, Inspection and maintenance
BCA National Construction Code, Volume One, Part E4 - Emergency lighting

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