Inspection & maintenance
Hong Kong emergency lighting: units, exit signs and inspection planning
Emergency lighting helps people find escape routes when normal lighting fails; exit signs identify the way out. A light working on mains power may still have a backup fault. Learn what to prepare for checks and repairs.
Quick answers
If the emergency light is on normally, does the battery need checking?
Normal mains operation does not establish backup performance. Have the contractor inspect the equipment against its applicable specification; do not interrupt shared power yourself.
Legal information
Requirements vary by premises. Confirm the work with the responsible professional using the premises use, approved plans, licence conditions and any written directions.
Identify the equipment and supply arrangement
FSD publishes both emergency-lighting specifications and requirements for licensed or registered premises. Self-contained battery units and centrally supplied systems need to be assessed against the applicable premises documents.
Record lighting and exit-sign locations, models, quantities and known faults, with label photos where accessible. This helps the contractor distinguish individual unit issues from problems needing review of a shared supply.
Check emergency lighting and backup power
Appropriate contractors should inspect emergency-mode performance and records against the applicable requirements. Occupants and staff should not switch off building power themselves to test whether fittings remain illuminated.
Before the visit, explain operating hours, access restrictions and high-level fitting positions. Include known battery, damage or recurring-fault concerns so the inspection and repair quotation can address them explicitly.
Review coverage after layout changes
New partitions, displays or decoration can hide signs and lighting. After alterations, check whether exit signs remain visible along the routes people use to leave, then ask the contractor to review fitting positions and any tests needed.
After inspection or repair, keep fitting models, test results, replacement details and relevant certificates. Tell staff whom to contact if a light is damaged or shows a fault, and ask them to report its location so repair can be arranged.
Practical checklist
- Identify self-contained or central-supply equipment
- List fittings, exit signs and locations
- Provide previous certificates and test records
- Describe partition and ceiling changes
- Agree high-level access and testing windows
Enquire about emergency-lighting inspection and repair
Send fitting photos, quantities and the address, including any layout changes or recurring faults, so we can discuss a survey.
- Review equipment, supply and layout
- Inspect, test and repair defects
- Maintenance arrangements and supporting records
Official sources
The official documents below provide the full requirements and any updates.
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