AS NZS 2293 2 1995 emergency evacuation lighting for buildin

Title

AS/NZS 2293.2:1995 Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings - Inspection and
maintenance

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AS/NZS 2293.2:1995

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Australian/New Zealand Standard
Emergency evacuation lighting
for buildings
Part 2: Inspection and maintenance


AS/NZS 2293.2:1995
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical
Committee LG/7, Emergency Lighting in Buildings. It was approved on behalf of

the Council of Standards Australia on 31 May 1995 and on behalf of the Council of
Standards New Zealand on 29 May 1995. It was published on 5 September 1995.

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The following interests are represented on Committee LG/7:
Administrative Services Department, Queensland
Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
Australian Building Codes Board
Australian Construction Services — Department of Administrative Services
Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association
Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
Building Industry Authority, New Zealand
Building Management Authority of Western Australia
Building Owners and Managers Association of Australia
Department of Housing and Urban Development, South Australia
Department of Planning and Development, Victoria
Electricity Supply Association of Australia
Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand
National Electrical Contractors Association of Australia
New South Wales Fire Brigades
New South Wales Public Works
New Zealand Electrical Regulatory Authorities
New Zealand Manufacturers Federation
WorkCover Authority of New South Wales

Review of Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Joint Australian/
New Zealand Standards are subject to periodic review and are kept up to date by the
issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that
Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any

amendments thereto.
Full details of all Joint Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards
Australia and Standards New Zealand Catalogue of Publications; this information is
supplemented each month by the magazines ‘The Australian Standard’ and ‘Standards
New Zealand’, which subscribing members receive, and which give details of new
publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Joint Standards, addressed to the head office of either
Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand, are welcomed. Notification of any
inaccuracy or ambiguity found in a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard should be
made without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action
taken.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 92201.


AS/NZS 2293.2:1995

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Australian/New Zealand Standard
Emergency evacuation lighting
for buildings
Part 2: Inspection and maintenance

PUBLISHED JOINTLY BY:
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
1 The Crescent,
Homebush NSW 2140 Australia
STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND
Level 10, Radio New Zealand House,

155 The Terrace,
Wellington 6001 New Zealand
ISBN 0 7262 9887 5


AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee LG/7, Emergency Lighting in Buildings, to supersede AS 2293.2 — 1987*
and, in part, NZS 6742:1971†.
The Standard sets out requirements for the periodic inspection and maintenance
procedures which should be instituted for emergency evacuation lighting systems. The
objective of these requirements is to ensure that such lighting systems will be in a state of
readiness for operation at all times.

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The changes in this edition are primarily a consequence of alterations made in
AS/NZS 2293.1—1995‡. The following changes of significance have been introduced:
(a)

New procedures are specified for the monitoring of emergency lighting systems
which are provided with automatic discharge test facilities (see Clauses 2.2.7.2,
2.3.7.2 and 3.2.2.2).

(b)

A requirement has been added for a visual check on an annual basis to ensure that
emergency luminaires and exit signs operate in correct relationship to the normal
lighting in the designated area (see Clauses 2.3.6(c) and 3.3(c)).

(c)

For indirect emergency lighting systems, a check is required of the aiming of
emergency luminaires of the directional beam type (see Clauses 2.2.6 and 3.2.3).

(d)

For central systems which reticulate d.c., a new requirement is specified for
measurement of the maximum voltage during boost charging, where applicable (see
Clause 2.3.7.1).

Attention is drawn to the guidance given in AS 2676.1§ and AS 2676.2§
the maintenance of batteries used in central systems. Provision has been
maintenance of battery systems which is carried out in accordance with
AS 2676.2 to be accepted in lieu of the comparable requirements of this
Clause 2.1).

in relation to
made for the
AS 2676.1 or
Standard (see

The term ‘informative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and
guidance.

* AS 2293.2 — 1987 Emergency evacuation lighting in buildings
Part 2: Inspection and maintenance
† NZS 6742:1971 Code of practice for emergency lighting in buildings
‡ AS/NZS 2293.1 — 1995 Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings
Part 1: System design, installation and operation
§ AS 2676

Guide to the installation, maintenance, testing and replacement of secondary batteries in
buildings

AS 2676.1

Part 1: Vented cells

AS 2672.2

Part 2: Sealed cells


3

AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
1.3 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .

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SECTION 2 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES FOR
CENTRAL SYSTEMS
2.1 REQUIRED PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 SIX-MONTHLY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 TWELVE-MONTHLY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SECTION 3 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES FOR
SINGLE-POINT SYSTEMS

3.1 REQUIRED PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 SIX-MONTHLY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3 TWELVE-MONTHLY PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4 BATTERY REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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11

APPENDICES
A INFORMATION TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE
OF BATTERIES AND BATTERY CHARGERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
B CLEANING OF EMERGENCY LUMINAIRES AND EXIT SIGNS . . . . . . . . 13

Originated in Australia as AS 2293.2 — 1979.
Previous edition 1987.
Originated in New Zealand as part of NZS 6742:1971.
AS 2293.2 — 1987 and part of NZS 6742:1971 jointly
revised and designated AS/NZS 2293.2:1995.
Incorporating:
Amdt 1—1998

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AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA / STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian / New Zealand Standard
Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings
Part 2: Inspection and maintenance
S E C T I O N

1

S C O P E

A N D

G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE This Standard sets out the periodic inspection and maintenance procedures
which are necessary to ensure that emergency evacuation lighting systems will be in a state
of readiness for operation at all times. It applies to central and single-point emergency
lighting systems, as defined in AS/NZS 2293.1.

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1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
Standard:

The following documents are referred to in this

AS
1042

Direct-acting indicating electrical measuring instruments and their accessories

1680
1680.1

Interior lighting
Part 1: General principles and recommendations

2668

Water for use in secondary batteries

2676

Guide to the installation, maintenance, testing and replacement of secondary
batteries in buildings
Part 1: Vented cells
Part 2: Sealed cells

2676.1
2676.2

AS/NZS
2293
Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings
2293.1 Part 1: System design, installation and operation
1.3 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given in
AS/NZS 2293.1 apply.
1.4

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.4.1 Maintenance of the installation Emergency evacuation lighting systems shall be
inspected and maintained in accordance with the relevant procedures specified in this
Standard. The inspection and maintenance procedures shall be carried out only by persons
having qualifications and experience suitable for the work on which they are engaged.
NOTE: Section 7 of AS/NZS 2293.1 specifies the provision of an operating and maintenance
manual to assist in conducting the inspection and maintenance checks required by this Standard.
It requires that the information listed in Appendix A of this Standard be included in the manual for
the guidance of maintenance personnel.

1.4.2 Maintenance records A logbook in a durable hard-bound cover, or an alternative
system approved by the regulatory authority, shall be provided for the recording of
maintenance information. The following details shall be entered:
(a)

All details which are required to be logged in accordance with Section 2 or Section 3,
as appropriate.

(b)

Any corrective action taken.
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(c)

AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

The names of persons responsible for carrying out the maintenance work and the date

the work was completed.

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The logbook or alternative records system shall be kept on the premises at all times, or at
such other location as may be approved by the regulatory authority.

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AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

6

S E C T I O N 2
I N S P E C T I O N A N D
M A I N T E N A N C E P R O C E D U R E S
F O R C E N T R A L S Y S T E M S
2.1 REQUIRED PROCEDURES The inspection and maintenance procedures specified
in Clauses 2.2 and 2.3 shall be carried out at the intervals specified. Corrective action shall
be undertaken, as necessary, to ensure that the emergency lighting system will continue to
function effectively. Details of such actions shall be recorded in the logbook.
Whenever data are recorded for individual cells of the battery, cell numbers shall be
designated in sequence, commencing from the positive end.
Maintenance of battery systems that is carried out in accordance with the procedures of
AS 2676.1 or AS 2676.2, as applicable, shall be deemed to comply with the appropriate
clauses in this Section.
2.2

SIX-MONTHLY PROCEDURES

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2.2.1 General The procedures specified in Clauses 2.2.2 to 2.2.7 inclusive shall be carried
out at intervals of not greater than six months.
2.2.2 Batteries The following checks shall be made on batteries of the type which require
maintenance of the electrolyte above a specified level:
(a)

Check the electrolyte level in each cell and, with water complying with AS 2668, top
up those cells that are markedly lower than the general level. The electrolyte level shall
be checked and topped up, if necessary, before the battery is boost-charged (if this is
required).
NOTE: During boost-charging, the electrolyte level rises owing to the release of gas and
increase in temperature. Consequently, a false level will be indicated if the check is made
within a period of 1 h following a boost charge.

(b)

Inspect all cell containers for electrolyte leakage. Neutralize and mop up any spilt
liquid as necessary (see Paragraph A4 of Appendix A).

For all types of batteries, inspect cell connections for signs of corrosion and tighten any loose
joints. Treat all exposed metal surfaces with a coating of petroleum jelly or other suitable
battery terminal preservative.
2.2.3

Battery chargers

The following checks shall be made on battery chargers:

(a)

Visually inspect all components for any condition which could cause a malfunction.
Pay particular attention to indicating lamps, relays and contactors.

(b)

Remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated within the cubicle.

(c)

Note the battery voltage and check the reading against data in the operating and
maintenance manual to ensure that, when corrected for temperature, the reading lies
within the normal float voltage limits.

(d)

Check all connections for tightness.

2.2.4

Central inverters

The following checks shall be made on central inverters:

(a)

Visually inspect components for any condition which could cause a malfunction.

(b)

Note d.c. input voltage and current, and record in the logbook. Check the readings
against data in the operating and maintenance manual to ensure that they are within the
tolerance limits of the inverter.

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(c)

AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

Note a.c. output voltage and current, and record in the logbook. Check the readings
against data in the operating and maintenance manual to ensure that they are within the
output tolerances given for the inverter.
NOTE: This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with the system check of
Clause 2.2.7.

2.2.5 Distribution and control equipment
distribution and control equipment:

The following checks shall be made on

(a)

Visually inspect relays, contactors, circuit-breakers and fuses for any condition that
could cause a malfunction.

(b)

Check all connections for tightness.

(c)

Remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated within distribution and control
equipment enclosures.

(d)

Isolate the coil circuits of all sensing relays or contactors from the a.c. supply and
observe correct operation to bring on the emergency lighting.
NOTE: This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with the system check of
Clause 2.2.7.

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2.2.6 Emergency luminaires and exit signs All emergency luminaires and exit signs shall
be checked to ensure that they function satisfactorily. Any defective lamps shall be replaced.
NOTES:
1 This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with the system check of Clause 2.2.7.
2 For emergency luminaires and exit signs with tubular fluorescent lamps, it is recommended that
the lamps be replaced if they exhibit excessive end-blackening, even when the lamps still
operate.

For indirect lighting systems, carry out the following checks:
(a)

Check that the finish of the major reflecting surfaces (e.g. walls, ceilings) have
reflectances of not less than those on which the design of the system was based.

(b)

Check that emergency luminaires of the directional beam type, if used, are aimed in
such a manner that the beam will not be directed into the eyes of persons moving
through the designated area.

2.2.7

System check

2.2.7.1 Manual discharge test facilities Where manual discharge test facilities are
provided, the following procedure shall be carried out to check the operation of the
emergency lighting system:
(a)

Turn the battery charger off, simulate a mains failure and carry out a partial discharge
test at 100 percent of the installed emergency lighting load. Allow the test to continue
until the operation of all emergency luminaires and exit signs has been checked, as
required by Clause 2.2.6.
During the discharge test, check that the charger-failure alarm operates satisfactorily.

(b)

Restore the system to normal operation, turn the battery charger on and recharge the
battery.

2.2.7.2 Automatic discharge test facilities Where automatic discharge test facilities are

provided, a visual check shall be made of the operational status of all emergency luminaires
and exit signs by means of the indications given at the controller or associated indicator
panel.
Those units which failed the previous discharge test shall be either repaired and restored to
normal condition or replaced.
NOTE: A system check may also be carried out at any time using the manual initiation facility,
where provided in accordance with Section 4 of AS/NZS 2293.1.

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AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

2.3

8

TWELVE-MONTHLY PROCEDURES

2.3.1 General The procedures specified in Clauses 2.3.2 to 2.3.7 inclusive shall be carried
out at intervals of not greater than 12 months.
NOTES:
1

With reference to the discharge test of Clause 2.3.7, it should be noted that for part of the test
period the building may be without emergency lighting. This risk is considered acceptable,
except where the regulatory authority deems otherwise. When selecting a time for the discharge
test, consideration should be given to the nature of the occupancy of the building in order to
minimize the risk, e.g. conducting the test discharge at a time that will permit recharging of the
battery when the building is unoccupied.

2

A check should be made to ensure that no interruption to the normal supply has taken place for
a period of 16 h prior to conducting the discharge test of Clause 2.3.7.

2.3.2

Batteries

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2.3.2.1 General The checks specified in Clauses 2.3.2.2 and 2.3.2.3, as applicable, shall
be carried out on batteries. Procedures that involve inspection and topping up of electrolyte
apply only to batteries of the type which require maintenance of the electrolyte above a
specified level.
The battery/cell data obtained shall be compared to the limits given in the operating and
maintenance manual. Where departures from the given limits are observed, appropriate
corrective action shall be taken.
NOTE: See Appendix A for information to facilitate the maintenance of batteries.

2.3.2.2 Lead-acid batteries For lead-acid batteries only, the following data shall be
obtained for each cell in the battery:
(a)

Electrolyte density.

(b)

State of charge determined from the measured electrolyte density and the data provided

in the operating and maintenance manual.

2.3.2.3 All types of batteries (including lead-acid batteries) For all types of batteries,
including lead-acid batteries, carry out the procedures specified in Clause 2.2.2 and the
following additional check:
With the battery on float-charge, measure the overall battery voltage and individual cell
voltages with an instrument having an accuracy of Class 1.5 or better in accordance
with AS 1042. Check the readings to the second decimal place.
2.3.3 Battery charger assembly
charger assembly:

The following checks shall be made on the battery

(a)

Carry out all the checks listed in Clause 2.2.3.

(b)

Check the calibration of voltmeters with an instrument having an accuracy of Class 1.5
or better, in accordance with AS 1042.

(c)

Check that the battery earth-fault detection system, if provided, operates satisfactorily.
NOTE: Section 3 of AS/NZS 2293.1 specifies that an earth-fault detection system be provided
and includes requirements for such systems.

(d)

Check that the battery low-voltage alarm, if provided, operates satisfactorily. This may
be carried out either by extending the discharge test specified in Clause 2.3.7.1(a) or
by simulating a low-voltage condition.
NOTE: Section 3 of AS/NZS 2293.1 specifies that a low-voltage alarm system be provided and
includes requirements for such systems.

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AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

2.3.4 Inverters The following checks shall be made on inverters:
(a) Carry out all the checks listed in Clause 2.2.4.
(b) Check the calibration of voltmeters with an instrument having an accuracy of Class 1.5
or better in accordance with AS 1042.
2.3.5 Distribution and control equipment Carry out all the checks listed in Clause 2.2.5.
2.3.6 Emergency luminaires and exit signs The following checks shall be made on
emergency luminaires and exit signs:
(a) Carry out all the checks listed in Clause 2.2.6.
(b) Clean all light-emitting and reflecting surfaces.
NOTE: Appendix B gives guidance on appropriate cleaning materials and their use.

(c)

Visually check to ensure that emergency luminaires and exit signs operate in correct
relationship to the normal lighting in the designated area (see requirements for the
arrangement and control of central systems in Section 2 of AS/NZS 2293.1.)

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NOTE: This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with the discharge test of Clause
2.3.7.

2.3.7 Discharge test
2.3.7.1 Manual discharge test facilities Where manual discharge test facilities are
provided, the following procedure shall be carried out to check the operation of the
emergency lighting system (see Notes to Clause 2.3.1):
(a) Turn the battery charger off, simulate mains failure, and carry out a discharge test
using 100 percent of the installed emergency lighting load. Allow the test to continue
for the required in-service duration.
On completion of the discharge test, measure the battery voltage. If the battery voltage
is below acceptable limits, the battery shall be either reserviced or replaced.
NOTES:
1 Provision may be made for continuance of the discharge test beyond the required in-service
duration.
2 Acceptable limits for the battery voltage are specified in Section 3 of AS/NZS 2293.1.

(b)

Restore the system to normal operation, turn the battery charger on, and manually
select the boost-charge mode, if provided. Carry out the following:
(i)
Check that, after the batteries have been recharged, the battery charger has
changed over automatically to the float-charge mode.
(ii)
For d.c. reticulated systems, measure the maximum voltage at the origin of the
emergency lighting distribution system during boost charging.
NOTE: This check may require the connection of a suitable peak-reading voltage

measuring instrument during boost charging.

The voltage measured as required by Item (ii) shall be not more than 116% of the
nominal system voltage.
When it is necessary for the battery to be replaced, the emergency lighting system shall be
recommissioned in accordance with the above procedure, except that the discharge test shall
be continued for 1.33 times the required in-service duration.
2.3.7.2 Automatic discharge test facilities Where automatic discharge test facilities are
provided, a visual check shall be made of the operational status of all emergency luminaires
and exit signs by means of the indications given at the controller or associated indicator
panel.
Those units which failed the previous discharge test shall be either repaired and restored to
normal condition, or replaced.
NOTE: A discharge test may also be carried out at any time using the manual initiation facility,
where provided in accordance with Section 4 of AS/NZS 2293.1.

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AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

10

S E C T I O N 3
I N S P E C T I O N A N D
M A I N T E N A N C E P R O C E D U R E S
F O R S I N G L E - P O I N T S Y S T E M S
3.1 REQUIRED PROCEDURES The procedures described in Clauses 3.2 and 3.3 shall
be carried out at intervals of not greater than those specified. Groups of self-contained
emergency luminaires and exit signs may be tested on a rotational basis, provided that the

maintenance intervals for the individual luminaires or exit signs do not exceed those
specified.
Any emergency luminaire or exit sign which fails to operate satisfactorily shall be either
repaired or replaced. Where battery replacement is necessary, the requirements of Clause 3.4
shall apply. Details of any corrective actions taken shall be recorded in accordance with
Clause 1.4.2.

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NOTE: With reference to the discharge test of Clause 3.2, it should be noted that for part of the
test period the building may be without emergency lighting. This risk is considered acceptable,
except where the regulatory authority deems otherwise. When selecting a time for the discharge
test, consideration should be given to the nature of the occupancy of the building in order to
minimize the risk, e.g. conducting the test discharge at a time that will permit recharging of the
battery when the building is unoccupied.

3.2

SIX-MONTHLY PROCEDURES

3.2.1 General The procedures specified in Clauses 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 shall be carried out at
intervals of not more than six months.
NOTES:
1

A check should be made to ensure that no interruption to the normal supply has taken place for
a period of at least 16 h prior to conducting a discharge test.

2

For emergency luminaires and exit signs with tubular fluorescent lamps, it is recommended that
the lamps be replaced if they exhibit excessive end-blackening, even when the lamps still
operate.

3.2.2

Discharge test

3.2.2.1 Where manual discharge test facilities are provided Where manual discharge test
facilities are provided, the following procedures shall be carried out:
(a)

Operate the emergency luminaires and exit signs from their battery supply by
simulating failure of the monitored supply. The luminaires and exit signs shall remain
illuminated for not less than the required in-service duration.
NOTE: Provision may be made for continuance of the discharge test beyond the required
duration, e.g. until operation is terminated by the automatic battery cut-off device.

(b)

Restore the emergency luminaires and exit signs to normal condition and check that the
battery charger operation indicator functions correctly.

3.2.2.2 Automatic discharge test facilities Where the emergency luminaires or exit signs
are provided with facilities for automatic discharge testing, a visual check shall be made of
the operational status of each unit either by means of the indicator at each unit, where
self-contained facilities are provided, or by means of the relevant controller or indicator panel
where centralized testing facilities are provided.
Those units which failed the previous discharge test shall be either repaired and restored to
normal condition, or replaced.

NOTE: A discharge test may also be carried out at any time using the manual initiation facility,
where provided in accordance with Section 4 of AS/NZS 2293.1.
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AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

3.2.3 Additional check for indirect lighting systems For indirect lighting systems, carry
out the following:
(a)

Check that the finish of the major reflecting surfaces (e.g. walls, ceilings) have
reflectances of not less than those on which the design of the system was based.

(b)

Check that emergency luminaires of the directional beam type, if used, are aimed in
such a manner that the beam will not be directed into the eyes of persons moving
through the designated area.

3.3 TWELVE-MONTHLY PROCEDURES
out at intervals of not more than 12 months:

The following procedures shall be carried

(a)

Carry out all the checks listed in Clause 3.2.

(b)

Clean all light-emitting and reflecting surfaces of emergency luminaires and exit signs.
NOTE: Appendix B gives guidance on appropriate cleaning materials and their use.

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(c)

A visual check shall be made to ensure that the emergency luminaires and exit signs
operate in correct relationship to the normal lighting in the designated area
(see requirements for the arrangement and control of single-point systems in Section 2
of AS/NZS 2293.1.)
NOTE: This procedure may be carried out in conjunction with the discharge test of
Clause 3.2.2.

3.4 BATTERY REPLACEMENT Whenever the batteries of emergency luminaires and
exit signs are replaced for any reason, such replacements shall be made in accordance with
the following:
(a)

Where more than one cell is utilized, the complete battery pack shall be replaced.

(b)

Replacement batteries shall be of the same type and ampere-hour capacity.

(c)

A discharge test shall be conducted in accordance with Clause 3.2.2 except that the test
shall be continued for 1.33 times the required in-service duration.

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AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

12

APPENDIX

A

INFORMATION TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF BATTERIES
AND BATTERY CHARGERS
(Informative)
A1 CHECKING OF ELECTROLYTE LEVEL It is to be expected that the electrolyte
level will gradually decrease owing to loss of water by gassing and evaporation. The rate of
decrease varies for each installation depending on frequency of discharge/charge cycles; no
general guidance can therefore be given on the decrease to be expected. However, on
float-charging, negligible water consumption indicates undercharging and excessive water
consumption indicates overcharging.
Experience will determine the normal pattern, and instances of marked departure from this
pattern should be investigated to determine the cause and appropriate corrective action taken.

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Individual cells of a battery which display these abnormalities should be inspected for—
(a)

internal short-circuits; and

(b)

loose or corroded intercell connections.

A2 BATTERY FLOAT-VOLTAGE LIMITS During a routine test, if the battery
float-voltage is discovered to be outside the limits determined from data in the operating and
maintenance manual, the cause may be one of the following:
(a)

Faulty voltage regulation of the battery charger.

(b)

Mains voltage variation outside the input voltage tolerances specified for the battery
charger in Section 3 of AS/NZS 2293.1.

(c)

Battery charger overloaded. This may occur where an emergency lighting load is
connected permanently across the battery and the load exceeds that for which the
battery charger is designed.

(d)

Inaccurate d.c. voltmeter.

A3 CELL FLOAT-VOLTAGES / ELECTROLYTE DENSITY During routine tests of

cells, individual cells displaying abnormal cell voltages or electrolyte density should be
checked for—
(a)

internal short-circuits; and

(b)

loose or corroded intercell connections.
NOTE: Electrolyte density refers to lead-acid batteries.

When the cause is identified, appropriate corrective action should be taken. The importance
of this lies in the fact that early cell failure or loss of reserve capacity may result from a
float-voltage outside the specified limits.
A4 NEUTRALIZING SPILT BATTERY LIQUID Spilt battery liquid can be neutralized
by application of the following solutions:
(a)

Liquid from lead-acid batteries — washing soda.

(b)

Liquid from nickel-cadmium batteries — 3% boric acid solution.

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13

AS / NZS 2293.2:1995

APPENDIX

B

CLEANING OF EMERGENCY LUMINAIRES AND EXIT SIGNS
(Informative)
Emergency luminaires and exit signs should be cleaned at regular intervals to remove
accumulated dust or other deposits from the light transmitting and reflecting surfaces.
To maintain the overall efficiency of the luminaire or exit sign, it is essential that the correct
cleaning compound be used for the particular materials involved. Table B1 provides guidance
on appropriate cleaning materials and their use.
NOTE: The information in Table B1 has been based on recommendations for the maintenance of
interior lighting systems in Section 12 of AS 1680.1.

TABLE

B1

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CLEANING SOLUTIONS AND THEIR USE
Material to be
cleaned

Most suitable
cleaner

Alternative
cleaners

Remarks

—

Acidic or alkaline cleaners
may cause chalking of the
oxide surfaces. Aluminium
should be rinsed thoroughly
after cleaning.

Aluminium

Soap and water

Glass

Detergents and water

Proprietary
glazing cleaners

Polishing pastes and fluids
are not recommended as
these may leave a film on
the glass surface which
affects its characteristics in
relation to moisture and dirt
adhesion. Kerosene should
not be used.

Plastic

Non-ionic detergents
and water

Ordinary
detergents and
water

Dust accumulates from a
static charge developing on
the plastic. It should not,
therefore, be wiped but
allowed to drip-dry after
cleaning. Anti-static
treatments are
commercially available
either as a polish, spray or
solution in the rinse bath.
Petroleum-based solvents
should not be used.

Vitreous enamel

Detergents and water

Proprietary
glazing cleaners

See above remarks for
‘Glass’.

Stoved enamel

Detergents and water

—

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Abrasive cleaners should
not be used as they will
damage the finish.