The Heart of Every Emergency Light: Why the Battery Matters Most

When mains power fails, emergency lights take centre stage—guiding people to safety and ensuring visibility when it matters most. But what truly powers that performance isn’t the LED or fitting design—it’s the battery.

At JB Battery, we know better than anyone that the battery is the heart of every emergency light. It’s the energy storage component that quietly stands by, charged and ready, until that critical moment when the lights go out.

The True Role of the Battery in Emergency Lighting

The battery is what separates an emergency light from a standard luminaire. It provides instant backup power the moment mains supply is lost, keeping exit paths, stairwells, and key areas illuminated.

In Australia and New Zealand, emergency fittings must operate for a minimum of 90 minutes on battery power under AS/NZS 2293 requirements. But in practice, that performance depends entirely on battery quality, condition, and maintenance.

A well-designed and properly maintained battery ensures:

• Instant response — lights turn on the moment power is lost.
• Reliable runtime — maintains illumination for the full rated duration.
• Safety assurance — reliable performance every time it’s needed.

For this reason, the battery isn’t just a component—it’s the core of the system.

JB Battery: Powering Australia’s Emergency Lighting Industry

Since 1999, JB Battery has supplied Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and LiFePO₄ batteries and packs to Australia and New Zealand’s leading emergency lighting brands and OEMs—including long-term partnerships with companies like Clevertronics.

From cell selection and pack design to testing, assembly, and technical support, we’ve built a reputation for reliability and expertise across the full battery lifecycle.

Our packs are engineered specifically for emergency lighting use—designed for long standby life, stable discharge, and excellent performance across Australia’s wide temperature range. Whether it’s a legacy Ni-Cd pack or a new-generation lithium model, we build every battery to meet the industry’s highest standards.

The Importance of Maintenance and Testing

Batteries in emergency light fittings spend most of their life on standby—but when they’re needed, they must deliver 100% of their rated performance. That’s why regular testing and maintenance are essential.

Routine Testing

Australian compliance standards recommend periodic discharge tests to confirm that each fitting can operate for its rated duration (usually 90 minutes). Many newer fittings include automatic self-test systems that simulate a mains failure and monitor battery condition.

JB Battery supports this testing framework by supplying reliable, long-life packs that maintain capacity over repeated charge and discharge cycles.

Scheduled Replacement

Even the best batteries age over time. Typical replacement intervals are:

• Ni-Cd / Ni-MH: 3–5 years
• LiFePO₄: 6–10 years

Proactive replacement schedules prevent unexpected failures and reduce overall maintenance costs. Bulk replacement programs, especially across large facilities, ensure continued compliance and reliability.

Environmental Conditions

Temperature extremes accelerate battery wear. Roof spaces, car parks, and outdoor fittings can run hot—sometimes above 40 °C—significantly shortening service life. JB Battery packs are temperature-rated and quality-tested to handle Australian conditions with minimal capacity loss.

Recycling and Sustainability

As a responsible importer and assembler, JB Battery supports compliant recycling pathways for used batteries through initiatives like B-cycle, helping our customers meet their environmental obligations.

When the Battery Is Neglected, the System Fails

Inadequate battery maintenance leads to common—and costly—problems:

• Lights that turn off after just a few minutes of operation.
• Flickering or dim illumination during blackouts.
• Leaking or swollen packs that damage fittings.
• Entire networks of fittings failing compliance tests simultaneously.

At best, this means expensive callouts and downtime. At worst, it means compromised safety in an emergency. Regular testing and timely replacement prevent these issues before they arise.

Practical Tips for Installers and Facility Managers

1. Test regularly — every 6 months or as per AS/NZS 2293 guidelines.
2. Record results — maintain a battery test log for each fitting.
3. Replace proactively — don’t wait for failure; plan ahead.
4. Use trusted packs — always install certified, like-for-like replacements.
5. Inspect terminals and wiring — poor connections can mimic battery faults.
6. Recycle responsibly — follow proper disposal and recycling procedures.

JB Battery: Your Trusted Partner in Emergency Lighting Energy Storage

With over two decades of experience, JB Battery is a trusted name in battery pack design, OEM supply, and local technical support for the emergency lighting industry across Australia and New Zealand.

• Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and LiFePO₄ packs for all major emergency light brands.
• Custom pack design and assembly for new fittings or legacy models.
• Local warranty and after-sales support.
• Stock availability in Sydney for fast delivery and maintenance programs.

When reliability and safety matter, the battery matters most—and JB Battery ensures it performs every time.

About JB Battery

JB Battery is a leading manufacturer and assembler of high-quality Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, and LiFePO₄ battery packs, serving the emergency lighting, solar, and industrial energy markets across Australia and New Zealand. Established in 1999, we are the sole distributor for Ronda Battery in the Oceanic region and a trusted supplier to major OEMs.

From design and production to recycling and sustainability, we power Australia’s emergency lighting industry—one reliable pack at a time.