Car Park

Clear, low-maintenance lighting that makes drivers and pedestrians feel safe at all hours.

Emergency Lighting Requirements for the Car Park Sector in Australia

Emergency lighting in car parks is critical for occupant safety, accident prevention, and regulatory compliance. Below is an overview of the requirements under Australian regulations.

1. Governing Standards & Regulations

Commercial emergency lighting must comply with:

  • National Construction Code (NCC) – Volume 1 (Building Code of Australia, BCA)
  • AS/NZS 2293.1:2018 – Emergency lighting & exit signs
  • AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) – Electrical safety
  • AS 2890.1:2004 – Parking facilities design (includes lighting guidance).
  • Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) – Ensures accessible exit routes.

Mandatory in:

  • Indoor Carpark (Enclosed, underground, or multi-storey car parks)
  • Public access car parks (e.g., shopping centres, hospitals, airports)
  • Exit paths, stairwells, ramps, and pedestrian walkways (all escape routes).
  • Areas with limited natural light (entrance of carpark)

A. Illumination Levels

Area
Minimum Lux
Duration

Pedestrian Escape routes

0.2 lux

90 minutes

Exit doors & stairwells

1 lux

90 minutes

Vehicle ramps

1 lux

90 minutes

B. Exit Signage

  • Green & white pictograms (AS 2293.1 compliant)
  • Mounted 2-2.7m high, unobstructed
  • Directional arrows where exits aren’t visible
  • Required at all final exits and stairwell entries
  • Pedestrian pathways: Clearly marked and illuminated.
  • Stairwells & ramps: Each step must be visible.
  • Exit doors & lobbies: Must be well-lit.
  • Vehicle ramps & intersections: Prevent collisions in low light.
  • Vehicle areas: Ensure 1 lux on ramps and intersections.
Test
Action

6-Monthly

90-minute test as per AS 2293.2

Annually

90-minute test and additional testing as per AS 2293.2

Documentation

Logbook - Required for audits
  • Shopping Centres: High-density areas requires extra illumination.
  • Residential Buildings: Must align with strata safety regulations.
  • Airports/ Hospitals: Additional redundancy (generator-backed systems).
  • Stairwells & Carpark: Microwave sensor products recommended for reduced energy consumption
  • New builds: Full compliance required
  • Existing buildings: Gradual upgrades during renovations
  • Major refurbishments: Must meet current standards
  • Fines & legal liability under WHS laws.
  • Increased injury risk during evacuations.
  • Invalidated insurance in case of incidents.

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