Emergency Lighting Regulations in New Zealand: What Businesses Need to Know
Keeping staff and customers safe is a top priority for every business in New Zealand. One often overlooked but essential part of workplace safety is emergency lighting. Whether it’s a power cut, fire, or unexpected fault, emergency lights guide people to safety and ensure your business stays compliant with NZ building regulations.
At Gateway Electrical, we regularly see businesses caught out by outdated or non-functioning emergency lighting systems. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Emergency Lighting Matters
Provides safe evacuation routes during emergencies.
Reduces the risk of injury and liability for business owners.
A legal requirement under the New Zealand Building Code (Clause F6 – Visibility in Escape Routes).
Without a working system, businesses can face not only serious safety risks but also fines and compliance issues during building inspections.
NZ Regulations for Emergency Lighting
In New Zealand, emergency lighting must:
Activate automatically when normal power fails.
Provide sufficient illumination for safe evacuation routes.
Be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 2293 standards.
Be tested and maintained at regular intervals to ensure compliance.
How Often Should Emergency Lighting Be Tested?
Monthly checks – quick inspection to ensure lights are operational.
Six-monthly testing – full discharge test to confirm batteries last the required duration.
Annual reporting – documented compliance records for building safety files.
At Gateway Electrical, we provide scheduled maintenance so you’ll never miss a compliance deadline.
Common Problems We Find
Dead or failing batteries.
Damaged or obscured exit signs.
Lights not lasting the full evacuation period.
Businesses with no testing records (a major issue in audits).
How Gateway Electrical Can Help
Based in Hamilton and servicing the wider Waikato, our team specialises in emergency lighting installation, testing, and compliance reporting. We’ll:
Carry out full testing in line with NZ regulations.
Provide clear reports for your safety compliance file.
Repair or replace faulty units on the spot.
This gives you peace of mind knowing your workplace is both safe and compliant.
Final Thoughts
Emergency lighting isn’t just a box to tick for compliance — it’s about protecting people. Regular testing ensures your staff, customers, and visitors can exit safely in an emergency.
If you’re unsure about the state of your emergency lighting, now’s the time to act.
Contact Gateway Electrical today for a compliance check and keep your business safe, compliant, and prepared.
