13
For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
Maintenance requirements
Emergency evacuation lighting systems shall
be inspected and maintained in accordance with
the relevant procedures specified in AS 2293.2.
The inspection and maintenance procedures shall
be carried out only by persons having the correct
competency level suitable for the work.
Summer 2016
energysafe issue 42
less than 1.33 times the minimum time (2 hours).
Reference Clause 2.2.1 of AS 2293.1
In service test
Battery discharge test requires illumination
for at least 90 minutes except where applicable
by local laws.
Reference Clause 1.4.1 of AS 2293.1
Reference Clause 2.2.2 of AS 2293.1
Initial test
A discharge test at least 16 hours after
commissioning is required.
The battery discharge test time shall be not
Alterations and additions
Any alterations or additions to an existing
emergency lighting installation shall be carried
out in accordance with AS 2293.1.
Where an addition or alteration to an
existing installation will impair the operation
of the existing installation, the relevant portion
of that installation shall be brought into
compliance with AS 2293.1.
Reference Clause 1.7 of AS 2293.1
Any alteration to an existing system that
will impair the operation of the system will require
the system to be upgraded to AS 2293.1.
Reference Clause 4.3.1 (c) of AS 2293.1
Any repair to the system will require
the system to be upgraded to AS 2293.1.
Reference Clause 4.3.1 (c) of AS 2293.1
Test switch arrangement
Switchboard
Legend
Protective device
Discharge test
switch with timer
Switched Active
Switched Active
To normal luminaires
Normal light switch
Self Contained
emergency luminaire
To other emergency escape luminaires
and exit signs as applicable
Luminaire with two or more lamps
where at least one lamp operates in
non maintained mode and is only
illuminated when normal supply fails
Commonly asked questions
Question
Answer
What is the difference between a centrally
supplied (emergency lighting) and a
single-point (emergency lighting) system?
A centrally supplied (emergency lighting) system is emergency lighting in which a number of emergency
luminaires, exit signs or both are supplied from a common power source (battery bank). Within a
building there may be more than one power source, each of which supplies the emergency luminaires
and exit signs in a particular section of the building.
A single-point (emergency lighting system) system of emergency lighting employs only self-contained
type emergency luminaires and the controls necessary for sensing failure of the normal supply
and for changing over to the emergency supply, and vice versa.
What do I need to do if I replace an
emergency or exit light fitting?
If you replace a fitting with the same type in the same location and same wattage;
you only need to change the fitting.
If you replace a fitting with an LED type, this is an alteration and you must comply
with clause 1.7 of AS 2293.1 (install test switches).
Do I need to be an electrician to replace
a battery in an emergency luminaire?
Yes, if covers have to be removed exposing live parts, otherwise no.
Do I need to be an electrician to
replace an emergency luminaire that
is connected via a plug and socket?
No.
Do I need to be an electrician to repair
emergency luminaires that are connected
via a plug and socket while I am on site?
Yes, the repair or mantainace of electrical equipment on site is electrical installation work and
requires the issue of a certificate of electrical safety for components above extra low voltage.
Is the discharge test facility switch
located on the emergency light fitting?
No, the discharge test facility switch is remote from the emergency luminaires and simulates
the loss of supply to one or more normal lighting circuits for the purposes of testing.