Emergency and exit lighting keep escape routes visible, illuminate hazards like stair edges or changes in level, and identify final exits so evacuation stays orderly.
What kinds of emergency and exit lighting are out there?
Exit signs
In New Zealand, the green "running man" pictogram is the standard symbol for emergency exit signage, as specified in the New Zealand Building Code Clause F8—Signs. This symbol is used to identify escape routes and is typically associated with maintained operation emergency lighting systems.
These systems are available as self-contained units or as part of a central battery system, providing illumination during power outages to guide occupants to safety.
Maintained luminaires
Maintained luminaires refer to emergency lighting fixtures designed to be illuminated at all times—they function as part of the normal lighting system under mains power and automatically, without interruption, switch to battery power during a power outage to continue providing light.
Their key characteristic are that they are operational both during normal conditions and in emergencies; and typically used in environments where continuous lighting is required—such as shopping centres, cinemas, or other public spaces.
Non-maintained luminaires
A non-maintained luminaire (i.e., non-maintained emergency light) is a lighting fixture designed to remain off during normal power supply and only activated when the mains power fails. In other words, it is used only during emergencies, not as part of everyday lighting.
Key characteristics include the light staying inactive (off) while mains power is present; once power is lost, the integrated battery immediately powers the luminaires.
Non-maintained luminaires are commonly used in environments where normal lighting is sufficient for daily operations but emergency lighting is essential during power outages—such as offices, warehouses, stairwells, and corridors.
Self-contained (single-point) systems
Self-contained emergency lighting units are individual fixtures equipped with their own battery and charging system. They operate independently, providing emergency illumination during power outages.
Key features include: Autonomous operation where each unit functions independently, ensuring reliability even if one unit fails; a simplified installation with no need for complex wiring or central control systems; and the flexibility to easily relocate or install in areas with limited space.
Monitored systems
A monitored emergency lighting system is a networked system where all emergency luminaires and exit signs are connected to a central controller. The system automatically tests, monitors, and records the operational status (battery, lamp, and circuitry) to ensure compliance with NZ Building Code clause F6 and ANZS 2293. This eliminates manual testing, improves reliability, and provides councils or building owners with compliance reporting.
Key features include: regular self-testing of batteries, lamps, and circuitry in accordance with Standards; all luminaires are networked to a central panel or software platform for real-time status visibility; immediate identification and reporting of failures or maintenance issues; generates audit trails and test records to meet Council and Building Code obligations; and minimises the need for physical inspections, lowering labour costs and human error.
Specialised formats
Bulkheads and weatherproof battens for outdoors, edge lit / blade exit signs for long corridors, high-output units for anti-panic / open areas, and twin-spot luminaires for large spaces—selected to meet spacing and illuminance targets in AS/NZS 2293-1.
What are the legal obligations for emergency and exit lighting in NZ?
Emergency and exit lighting are not just a safety feature—it’s a legal requirement in New Zealand. Building owners and managers must ensure these systems are inspected, maintained and properly documented. Compliance with the Building Code and relevant standards protects occupants, reduces liability, and ensures that emergency systems function when they are needed most.
Building Code: Clauses F6 and F8
- F6 (Visibility in escape routes): Escape route features must be made reasonably visible during a failure of the main lighting. Acceptable solutions/verification methods set performance expectations (startup time, illuminance, duration) for systems that provide that visibility.
- F8 (Signs): Exit / escape route signs must be provided and designed to the standard referenced by AS/NZS 2293.
AS/NZS 2293
The AS/NZS 2293 series covers design and installation (Part 1), inspection and maintenance (Part 2), and product requirements (Part 3) for emergency luminaires and exit signs. In practice, Part 2 is the roadmap for routine testing (e.g., scheduled inspection and battery-discharge testing). Battery discharge test durations are 2 hours for the first test after installation and thereafter 90 minutes.
Compliance schedules, IQPs and the annual Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF)
Where a building has specified systems (including emergency lighting / exit signs), the owner must:
- Keep a compliance schedule that prescribes inspection/maintenance procedures and performance standards;
- Engage Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs) to carry out and certify the work (Form 12A); and
- Issue and display an annual BWoF confirming the previous 12 months’ compliance. Failure risks enforcement action and penalties.
Many council compliance-schedule templates explicitly call for 6-monthly inspection and annual surveys for emergency lighting in line with AS/NZS 2293.2. It is important to check a building’s schedule for the exact inspection and survey intervals.
What checklist should every building owner or manager follow?
- Confirm the scope by identifying all escape routes and spaces needing emergency lighting/signage per F6/F8.
- Design to AS/NZS 2293-1 and capture the performance standard in your Compliance Schedule.
- Ensure installation or alteration work is only be carried out by qualified tradesmen.
- Ensure a Producer Statement (the mandatory documents issued by qualified professionals to confirm that specific design, construction, or installation work complies with building codes and standards) is prepared and submitted to Council. Local Councils require these statements as part of consent, inspection, and compliance processes to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory adherence in building projects. Councils me request the Producer Statement be recreated / resubmitted if works do not commence within 3 months.
- Always use an IQP, as required.
Why is diligent maintenance of emergency and exit lighting so important?
Even a well-designed system degrades: batteries lose capacity, lamps fail, diffusers yellow, and refurbishments can shadow fittings. Routine discharge tests and record-keeping prove the system will run for its rated duration when mains power is lost. Critically, these tasks are legal obligations tied to the BWoF and are enforceable by councils.
What happens when maintenance is ignored?
In 2024, an RNZ investigation into boarding houses found “busted emergency lights” among widespread non-compliant safety features and defects. Councils issued dangerous-building notices and faced criticism for compliance gaps—illustrating how failed (or absent) emergency lighting can trigger enforcement, reputational damage and heightened risk to occupants.
Separately, the Electrical Workers Registration Board has successfully prosecuted unlicensed work on an “emergency evacuation lighting system”, underscoring that only competent, licensed people should install or alter these systems.
How can Active Electrical Suppliers Ltd help?
Active Electrical Suppliers Ltd partners with leading brands so you can match compliance needs with budget and technology preferences. Our range includes emergency luminaires, exit signs, lithium-battery upgrades and networked / auto-test solutions from reputable and trusted suppliers.
You can also find emergency products within our commercial lighting category on www.goactive.nz, and we regularly run promotions with our emergency-lighting suppliers. Alternatively, reach out to your local Active Electrical Suppliers Ltd branch and ask about free emergency lighting design.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
By Sean Aucamp, 1 September 2025