SS 4 covers emergency lighting that lights escape routes and exits if normal power fails, including battery luminaires, central systems and photoluminescent markings. It is listed wherever present. Inspection is typically to AS/NZS 2293.2 at six-monthly and annual intervals, with an IQP issuing an annual Form 12A.
At a glance
| Specified system | SS 4 |
| Official name | Emergency lighting systems |
| Typical intervals | 6-monthly and annual (varies by task; see below) |
| Standards often cited | AS/NZS 2293.1, AS/NZS 2293.2, AS 2293.3, NZS 6742, NZS 6104 |
| Annual certificate | Form 12A from an IQP, attached to the building warrant of fitness |
What SS 4 covers
- Schedule 1 item 4: "Emergency lighting systems."[1]
- The handbook says inspection confirms the lighting works for the required duration if general lighting fails.[2]
- Examples: lighting along the evacuation path and lighting that identifies exitways.[2]
- Westland lists central back-up systems, self-contained (battery) luminaires and photoluminescent stair nosings, markings and exit signs.[3]
Which buildings have it
- The handbook says emergency lighting is listed on a compliance schedule in all cases where present.[2]
- MBIE names emergency lighting among features that trigger a compliance schedule in most non-single-residential buildings.[4]
How often it is inspected
| System | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | 3-monthly | 6-monthly | Annual | 2–5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 4 Emergency lighting | no | no | no | no | no |
| Task | Typical frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection/maintenance per AS/NZS 2293.2 (central and self-contained systems) | Six-monthly and annual | IQP[3] |
| Inspection to standard | Annual | IQP[5] |
| Test interface with the emergency warning system (where connected) | Annual | IQP[2] |
| Generator forming part of the system inspected to NZS 6104 | Per NZS 6104 Part 8 | IQP[5] |
What an inspection typically covers
- Confirm the system runs for the required duration when general lighting fails.[2]
- Planned preventative and responsive maintenance to the nominated standard.[2]
- Photoluminescent products: unchanged, clean, visible, unobstructed, and nearby lights within 4 m working.[3]
- Log each inspection, test or maintenance task with date, work, faults, remedy and who did it; keep 24 months on site.[5]
Standards commonly cited
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| AS/NZS 2293.1:2018 | Emergency escape lighting and exit signs - System design, installation and operation[5] |
| AS/NZS 2293.2:2019 | Emergency escape lighting and exit signs - Inspection and maintenance (inspection per Section 3)[5] |
| AS/NZS 2293.2:1995 | Inspection and maintenance - Section 2 central systems, Section 3 single-point systems[3] |
| AS/NZS 2293.3:2018 (AS 2293.3:2005 for older installations) | Emergency escape luminaires and exit signs[3] |
| NZS 6742:1971 | Code of practice for emergency lighting in buildings (existing systems)[5] |
| NZS 6104:1981 | Specification for emergency electricity supply in buildings (generators)[5] |
Titles as listed in council and MBIE documents. Inspections follow the standard and edition named in the building's compliance schedule, usually the edition the system was installed to. Changing to a different edition needs an amendment to the compliance schedule.
Building Code context
- Westland cites Building Code F6 (visibility in escape routes), including F6.3.4 duration for photoluminescent products.[3]
- AS 2293.1/2293.3 are cited as modified by F6/AS1 Appendix B; AS 2293.3 also by F8/AS1 Appendix A.[3]
- PNCC cites NZS 6104:1981 as modified by F6/AS1 Appendix C.[5]
Questions
How often is SS 4 inspected?
MBIE and council guidance shows tasks at these intervals: 6-monthly and annual, with an IQP certifying the system each year. The building's compliance schedule sets the actual frequency.
Which standards apply to SS 4?
Commonly cited: AS/NZS 2293.1, AS/NZS 2293.2, AS 2293.3, NZS 6742, NZS 6104. The compliance schedule names the standard and edition for each building.
Who can certify SS 4?
An independently qualified person (IQP) registered with the council for this system. They issue a Form 12A each year, which the owner attaches to the building warrant of fitness.
Sources
- Building (Specified Systems, Change the Use, and Earthquake-prone Buildings) Regulations 2005, Schedule 1 — Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz), Reprint as at 16 December 2019
- Compliance Schedule Handbook, Amendment 3 — MBIE, 14 February 2014 (first published 25 May 2007)
- Specified Systems Guidance for Customers, WBCA 003 v1.0.1 — Westland District Council BCA, 16 September 2025
- Compliance schedules — MBIE Building Performance, last updated 21 March 2016
- SS 4 Emergency Lighting Systems form — Palmerston North City Council / Manawatu District Council
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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