Reviewed by Lee Gundenswager (Lead Electrician, Connex Lic #92217) and Darren Standring (Owner). Last updated 2026-08-17.
Exit signs are the illuminated green-and-white signs that mark the way out of a building when the power fails or smoke fills a corridor. In Queensland commercial buildings they are a legal requirement, not a nice-to-have — and like emergency lighting, they have to be installed to standard, positioned correctly, and tested every six months. Connex Electrical installs, upgrades and certifies exit signs and exit lighting for businesses across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
What is an exit sign (and how it differs from an emergency light)?
The two work together but do different jobs:
- Exit signs mark where the exits are — the illuminated running-man pictogram or “EXIT” sign over doorways and along escape routes.
- Emergency lights provide the light to see by along the escape path once normal lighting fails.
Both run on battery backup so they stay on during a power outage, and both fall under the same Australian Standards and testing regime.
Exit sign requirements: where they must go
Exit sign placement is governed by the National Construction Code (NCC / BCA), Part E4 and designed to AS/NZS 2293.1. In practice, illuminated exit signs are required:
- Above or adjacent to every required exit door
- Along escape routes wherever the direction of egress is not obvious
- At changes of direction and at intersections of corridors
- Wherever an occupant could otherwise be unsure which way leads out
The rule of thumb: from any point on an escape path, an occupant should always be able to see an exit sign pointing them toward the way out. Getting this right is a design question, which is why it should be assessed by a licensed electrician against the building’s layout.
Modern LED exit signs vs old fittings
Older buildings often still run legacy exit signs with fluorescent tubes or failing nickel-cadmium batteries that no longer hold their rated duration. Modern LED exit signs use a fraction of the power, run cooler, last far longer, and use maintained lithium or NiMH batteries that pass discharge testing reliably. If your signs are yellowing, flickering, or failing their 6-monthly test, an LED upgrade usually pays for itself in reduced maintenance and power use — and brings the building back to current standard.
Exit signs must be tested too
Exit signs are covered by the same AS/NZS 2293.2 maintenance regime as emergency lights: a 6-monthly full-duration discharge test confirming the sign stays illuminated on battery for its rated duration, with every result recorded in the building’s log book. A dark or dead exit sign in an emergency defeats its entire purpose, so testing is not optional.
What Connex does
- Free assessment and compliant design — we check exit sign coverage against your building’s layout and the NCC, and quote a fixed price up front.
- Supply and installation of modern LED exit signs and emergency luminaires to AS/NZS 2293.1.
- Upgrades and repairs — replacing failed or legacy signs and bringing non-compliant buildings up to standard.
- 6-monthly testing and log books to AS/NZS 2293.2, scheduled so you never miss a due date.
- Licensed and insured — QLD Electrical Contractor Licence #92217, $20M public liability, lifetime workmanship guarantee.
Call 0474 207 609 or book online for exit sign installation, upgrades and testing across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
Exit Sign Installation & Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
Are exit signs a legal requirement in Queensland?
Yes. Illuminated exit signs are required in most commercial and public buildings under the National Construction Code (Part E4), designed and installed to AS/NZS 2293.1. Under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 the building owner or occupier must keep them maintained and tested.
Where do exit signs need to be installed?
Above or adjacent to every required exit door, along escape routes where the way out is not obvious, and at changes of direction or corridor intersections. From any point on an escape path an occupant should be able to see an exit sign pointing to the way out. Exact placement is set by the NCC and the building’s layout.
What is the difference between an exit sign and an emergency light?
An exit sign marks where the exits are (the illuminated running-man or EXIT sign), while an emergency light provides light to see by along the escape path when normal lighting fails. Both run on battery backup and both fall under AS/NZS 2293.
Do exit signs need to be tested?
Yes — exit signs are tested every six months under AS/NZS 2293.2, the same as emergency lights, with a full-duration discharge test confirming the sign stays lit on battery for its rated duration. Every result is recorded in the log book.
Should I upgrade old exit signs to LED?
Usually yes. Legacy fluorescent or old nickel-cadmium exit signs often fail their discharge test, use more power and cost more to maintain. Modern LED exit signs run cooler, last longer, pass testing reliably and bring the building back to current standard.
Do you install and test exit signs across North Brisbane?
Yes — North Lakes, Mango Hill, Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Petrie, Burpengary, Brendale, Narangba, Morayfield, Caboolture, Redcliffe and surrounding areas. Connex handles supply, installation, upgrades, repairs and 6-monthly testing.