Emergency & Exit Lighting Building Codes & Rules


- Design safer spaces with Tools™. Learn emergency lighting and Exit sign rules to improve compliance and prevent chaos during emergencies.


Travel Width (Egress)

Luminance Contrast

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6

HAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.2 (a)

2x the distance from luminaire to farthest wall of stairwellAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.2 (a)

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.5 (a)

≤ 2mAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.5 (a)

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.8

2m

to

2.7mAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.8

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6

Viewing DistanceAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Figure 4.3

HAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Figure 4.3

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Figure 4.3

SAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Figure 4.3

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.5

≤ 2mAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.5

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Appendix E, Table E4

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Appendix F, Table F4

HAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Appendix E, Table E4AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, Appendix F, Table F4

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.2

Emergency Light at Stair LandingsAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.2

  • Not required at every stair landing if alternate landings meet spacing & lux requirements

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6

Floor Landing

Intermediate Landing

Corridor

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6

  • Height of Pictorial element may depend on viewing distanceAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 5.6
  • If viewing distance is ≥ 32m
  • ≥ Pictorial height = ≤ Viewing Distance ÷ 160

Labelling & Identification


  • ≥ 3mm tall font, in contrasting colour[1]
  • Clearly visible
  • Permanently fixed and adjacent to the light/sign


Emergency Light & Exit Sign LABELLING & CLASSIFICATION


NCC 2022 V1


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 E4D2 [2019:E4.2]


May 2023



AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.5

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.6

Label IdentifierAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.5

  • Each emergency light or sign shall have a unique label or identifier
  • Use logical numbering or identification system for easier inspection

Classification & MarkingAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.6

  • Each emergency light or sign shall be marked with its illumination classification on its casing
  • Compliant with AS/NZS 2293.3
  • If the emergency light or sign lacks the required identification symbol, symbol should be
  • Positioned adjacent to it
  • Avoid placing on detachable ceiling tiles

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.5

  • ≥ 3mm tall font, in contrasting colourAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.5
  • Clearly visible
  • Permanently fixed and adjacent to the light/sign

Emergency Lighting on Stairwell


  • Required in stairways to ensure adequate lighting for safety[1]
  • Direct & Indirect Lighting
  • Refer to table for light classification & spacing


Emergency Lighting in Stairway


NCC 2022 V1


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 E4D2 [2019:E4.2]


May 2023



AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.2

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.3

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.4

Industry Recommendation

  • Direct LightingAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.2AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.3
  • Light source shines directly on surface of stairs & landings
  • Place ≥1 emergency light with ≥1 lux of brightness at every landing
  • Use grid points spaced ≤ 0.5m apart across the stair steps and landings
  • Shall not exceed to maximum spacing referred in Table below
  • Indirect LightingAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8.4
  • Light source shines on reflective surfaces such as ceiling & walls to spread across the stairway
  • Place emergency light with ≥1 lux of brightness
  • Use grid points spaced ≤ 0.5m apart across the stairway
  • Avoid glare by using screened lights, which prevent the light-emitting parts from being visible to people
  • Use of Class D emergency lighting for safe evacuation layoutsIndustry Recommendation

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8

  • Required in stairways to ensure adequate lighting for safetyAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.8
  • Direct & Indirect Lighting
  • Refer to table for light classification & spacing

Maximum Spacing of Emergency Lighting


  • Determined by classification & mounting height from FFL[1]


Spacing of Emergency Lighting in Corridors


NCC 2022 V1


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 E4D2 [2019:E4.2]


May 2023



AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.5

  • Place emergency light within 2m in the ff. areasAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.5
  • From the approach side of the Exit door
  • In every intersecting corridors & turns
  • Varies depending on lighting situation
  • Any change of floor level

Emergency Lighting SPACING


NCC 2022 V1


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 E4D2 [2019:E4.2]


May 2023



AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.6.1.2 (a)

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.6.1.2 (b)

Industry Recommendation

  • Spacing between Emergency LightingAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.6.1.2 (a)
  • Shall not exceed the values given from the Table below
  • Positioned based on their type and mounting height
  • If the lights have different classifications
  • Consider light orientation if coverage differs in Transverse & Longitudinal planes
  • If lights are not parallel or at different angles
  • Ensure that their lighted areas overlap enough to fully cover the designated area
  • Availability of range shall be checked by Suppliers
  • Spacing between Emergency Lighting & WallsAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.6.1.2 (b)
  • ≤ 1/2 of the spacing in accordance with the Table below
  • Use of Class D emergency lighting for safe evacuation layoutsIndustry Recommendation

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.6.1.2

Emergency Light


  • Required in fire-isolated stairways, passageways, & ramps[1]
  • Compliance with AS/NZS 2293.1[2]


Emergency Lighting REQUIREMENTS


NCC 2022 V2


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 E4D2 [2019:E4.2]


May 2023



AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.2

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.4

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.3

  • Provision & InstallationAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.2
  • Ensure lights are not blocked by structural elements like beams or coffered ceilings
  • Place directional emergency lights to avoid glare or vision impairment
  • Mounted at ≤ 2.4m high in Public Areas
  • Use non-removable lamps, wire guards, or diffusers to safeguard lights
  • Dual-Function Exit SignsAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.4
  • Acceptable if they meet all relevant standards
  • Follows AS/NZS 2293.3 installation guidelinesAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 4.3
  • ≤ 500m² area coverage for each light
  • Consider room surfaces & smoke effects

Emergency Lighting & Exit OPERATION & CONTROL


NCC 2022 V3


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 E4D8 [2019: E4.8]


May 2023



AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.2

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.3.4

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.1

AS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.4

  • Emergency lighting systems must perform reliably during their lifetime with proper installation, maintenance, & testingAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.2
  • Duration of OperationAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.3.4
  • Initial Testing
  • Test for 1.33 times the required duration, during initial set up to account for future battery degradation
  • In-Service
  • Operable for ≥ 90 minutes during emergencies, unless building regulations specify a shorter time
  • Remote Self-contained Emergency LightAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.1
  • If the light or sign is ≥ 2m away from its control gear
  • Ensure the cable design & setup maintain proper operation according to the standard
  • If the cable is ≥ 10m or it crosses ≥ 1 fire compartment
  • Provide Class WS4X protection as per AS/NZS 3013
  • Labelling Control DevicesAS/NZS 2293.1:2018, 2.4
  • Any control device (e.g., circuit breakers, fuses) affecting emergency lighting must display this warning:

"WARNING: INTERRUPTING SUPPLY WILL DISCHARGE EMERGENCY LIGHTING BATTERIES."

Emergency Lighting LOCATION


NCC 2022 V2


All Building Classes


NCC 2022 E4D2 [2019 E4.2]


May 2023



NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D2

Installed inNCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D2

  • Large Storeys in Buildings (Class 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9)
  • ≥ 300m² areas in storeys
  • Corridors or paths leading to exits
  • Rooms ≥ 100m² that don’t open to emergency-lit areas, roads, or open spaces
  • Rooms ≥ 300m²
  • Residential Buildings (Class 2, 3, or 4 Units)
  • ≥ 6m long corridors between unit doorways & the nearest exit leading to:
  • Fire-isolated or external stairways, or
  • Balconies, roads, or open spaces
  • Non-Fire-isolated Stairs
  • Large SOU (Class 5, 6, 9)
  • ≥ 300m² units without direct exit to safe areas
  • Public Areas (Class 6, 9b)
  • ≥ 300m² within that storey,
  • ≥ 20m from exits,
  • With ≥ 1.5m high vertical egress, or
  • To any vertical rise if natural light is insufficient
  • Health-Care (Class 9a)
  • ≥ 120m² rooms & treatment/ward corridors
  • Aged Care (Class 9c)
  • In all areas except SOUs
  • Fire Control Centre

NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D4

NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D2 (a)

Emergency Exit Signs


  • Exit & direction signs ensure clear paths to safety[1]
  • Follow specific visibility and labeling rules


Emergency Exit & Direction Signs


NCC 2022 V1


NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D5

NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D6

NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D7

NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D8

  • Exit SignsNCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D5
  • Clearly visible near exits
  • Install them on, above, or next to doors that
  • Lead to stairs, ramps, or balconies used as exits
  • Open to roads or open spaces at ground level
  • Serve as emergency exits in areas requiring emergency lighting
  • Direction SignsNCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D6
  • Guide people to the nearest exits that are not easily seen
  • Installed in hallways, corridors, or lobbies
  • Exemptions for Residential Buildings (Class 2, 3, & 4)NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D7
  • Clearly labeled with the word "EXIT" in
  • ≥ 25mm high capitalized letters, &
  • Contrasting color to the background
  • Exit Sign StandardsNCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D8
  • As per AS/NZS 2293.1 & NCC

NCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D8

  • Exit & direction signs ensure clear paths to safetyNCC 2022 Vol 1, E4D8
  • Follow specific visibility and labeling rules

Fire Door Signage

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