Why Do You Need Exit and Emergency Lighting?

Exit and emergency lighting is an essential aspect of building safety. 

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These lights provide guidance and direction to building occupants during emergencies such as fires or power outages. 

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In this article, we will discuss why you need exit and emergency lighting, the Australian government standards of installation, the egress path, testing exit and emergency lighting, and reliable Australian brands for exit and emergency lights.

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Australian Government Standards of Installation

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The Australian government body which regulates the required installation and maintenance rules for exit and emergency lighting is the National Construction Code (NCC). 

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The NCC specifies that all buildings must have adequate exit and emergency lighting installed in case of an emergency.

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According to the NCC, exit and emergency lighting must be installed in all emergency exits, paths of travel to exits, and in all areas that require occupants to traverse a change in level. 

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The lighting must provide enough illumination for occupants to safely navigate the exit path.

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To comply with the NCC regulations, it is important to engage a licensed electrician who is familiar with the installation and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting.

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Testing Exit and Emergency Lighting

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It is important to regularly test exit and emergency lighting to ensure that it is functioning correctly. 

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This should be done every six months, according to Australian Standards AS2293.2.

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Testing involves simulating a power outage or emergency and ensuring that the exit and emergency lighting illuminates the egress path as required. 

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Any faults or issues should be addressed immediately to ensure that the lighting will function correctly in case of an emergency.

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For more information about the Australian government standards of installation for exit and emergency lighting, check out VFP's article.

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What is the “Egress Path”

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The egress path is the illuminated path of escape from fire in a building. 

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Exit and emergency lighting illuminates the egress path, making it easier for occupants to evacuate the building in case of an emergency.

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The egress path must be clear of any obstacles and must be marked with directional signs that are illuminated by exit and emergency lighting. 

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This is critical in ensuring that occupants can evacuate the building quickly and safely.

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Emergency Lighting Brands

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There are various reliable Australian brands for exit and emergency lighting that fit Australian regulations. 

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Here at 181 Electrical, we offer a range of reliable exit and emergency lighting products. These products are compliant with the Australian Standards and are of high quality.

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Other reputable brands for exit and emergency lighting that are compliant with Australian Standards include HPM, Legrand, and NHP.

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Get your emergency lighting up to scratch

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In conclusion, exit and emergency lighting is an important safety feature in all buildings. 

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Compliance with Australian government standards of installation is essential, and regular testing is necessary to ensure that the lighting functions correctly in an emergency. 

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If you're interested in learning more about essential safety measures the Electrical Safety Victoria website is a great resource for industry guidance on electrical safety.

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It is crucial to choose reliable Australian brands for exit and emergency lighting, to ensure the safety of building occupants.

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It is also imperative that these products are installed by qualified electricians to ensure they function correctly and are compliant with NCC requirements.