Worksite lighting isn’t just a box to tick — it’s an important part of creating a safe, high-performing construction environment. On residential builds, commercial sites, and renos, the right lighting does more than brighten the area. It reduces risk and keeps the project efficient.
In this guide, we cut through the noise and break down exactly what Australian tradies need to know: lighting standards and recommendations for different tasks, the gear that’s worth investing in, and how to build a lighting setup that’s safe, compliant, and genuinely fit for the way you work.
Australian Standards for Worksite Lighting
AS/NZS 3012 — Electrical Installations for Construction & Demolition Sites
This standard outlines rules for temporary lighting, wiring, power distribution, voltage requirements, and safe operation of electrical equipment. Some of its regulations include:
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Mandates the use of controlled power sources e.g. explicitly prohibits the use of mains power in hazardous or restricted-access areas such as rooftops, where temporary systems must instead use extra-low voltage or battery lighting.
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Specifies installation, inspection, and maintenance requirements — including ensuring that all temporary electrical equipment is safely positioned to prevent trip hazards, water exposure, or contact with sharp edges.
AS/NZS 1680 — Interior and Workplace Lighting
Although broader in scope, it specifies recommended lighting levels for different tasks.
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Defines recommended illumination levels (lux) for a wide range of tasks, ensuring workers can see clearly during construction activities, inspections, and access/egress.
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Provides guidance on light placement, glare control, and uniformity, ensuring temporary lighting does not create shadows or visual hazards.
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Supports safe movement and task-specific lighting selection, ensuring the lighting solution matches the environment—for example, using shatter-protected luminaires and low-voltage alternatives in higher-risk zones like rooftops.
Safe Work Australia WHS Regulations
These require employers and site managers to ensure sufficient illumination to safely carry out work and move around the site.
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Places responsibility on PCBUs, employers, and site managers to ensure sufficient illumination for all work areas, including access ways, stairs, plant zones, and rooftops where workers must rely on non-mains-powered lighting solutions.
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Mandates risk management practices that consider electrical hazards, meaning that where mains power is unsafe or prohibited (e.g., rooftops), alternative safe systems such as battery lighting must be used.
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Require ongoing monitoring and review of lighting adequacy, ensuring that work is never conducted in poorly lit conditions and that lighting systems remain suitable as site conditions change
Minimum Lighting Levels (Lux Requirements)
Lux is the measurement of light intensity. Different tasks require different levels of brightness. Here are industry-recommended minimums for construction:
- General construction areas: 40–80 lux
- Movement areas, access ways: 20–40 lux
- Detailed carpentry, electrical, HVAC: 200–300 lux
- High-precision tasks: 400+ lux
- Roof spaces or confined areas: 150–200 lux
Tip: LED site lights are preferred because they deliver high lux output while using less power.
Temporary Site Lighting Requirements
Under AS/NZS 3012, temporary site lighting must meet the following rules:
Low Voltage & Safety
- Many Australian worksites use 240V LED site lights, but battery-powered options are also common.
- All hard-wired lighting must be protected by RCDs (residual-current devices).
- Cable management must ensure no trip hazards.
Weather & Impact Ratings
Lights must be:
- Water-resistant (minimum IP65 recommended)
- Impact-resistant and durable
Safe Mounting
Lighting must be fixed or place in stable, non-hazardous positions out of walkways and at a height that eliminates glare and shadows.
Types of Worksite Lighting & When to Use Them
1. Area Lights (Floodlights)
Traditionally used for larger general work areas and commercial sites, floodlights deliver high lux levels and durable performance — but they’re not without limitations. Their bulk can make them harder to reposition, and the beam spread doesn’t always reach into tight or obstructed areas.
From a safety perspective, floor-mounted floodlights introduce additional risks. They can become trip hazards, especially in busy zones, and often rely on long extension cords that add clutter and increase the chance of snagging, tangling, or accidental damage. Proper placement and cable management are essential to keeping the site both bright and safe.
Read More: Traditional Area Floodlights vs. LED Cables
2. Portable LED Work Lights
If you haven’t tried portable LED cables onsite, they’re an absolute game changer.
Our Plug & Play worksite LED cable, The Site Light, is a compact reel you can move between jobs. With adaptable setup options and up to 100m of length, the cable can cover multiple areas of the site and provide even, consistent illumination. The cable plugs straight into standard AC240V powerpoints, so there’s no need for lengthy extension cords or adapters.
We also have a battery-operated LED light cable for tradies who work in roof spaces, under floors, and tight areas where mains power connection isn’t easily available. We go into the regulations for roof works in more depth in this article.
Learn more about why LED cables make the best temporary site lights.
3. Headlamps or Tool-Mounted Lights
For targeted visibility in confined spaces, a headlamp or tool-mounted light works fine. Used often in electrical or plumbing work, these lights are a great supplement for an LED cable or floodlight — a hybrid approach is our recommendation.
Choosing the Right Worksite Lighting (Checklist)
Before buying or renting lighting equipment, ask:
Brightness: Does it meet the required lux level for the task?
Durability: Is it rated for dust, water, and impact?
Portability: Will the team need to move it frequently?
Power Source: 240V, battery, or both? Does the site have limited access to power?
Glare & Shadow Control: Even light spread with good coverage?
Cost Efficiency: LED models offer the best lifespan-to-cost ratio and energy consumption.
Future of Construction Lighting in Australia
Builders are increasingly choosing:
- Hybrid 240V plug & play and battery systems for convenience and flexibility to meet every need
- LED cables replacing area lights, as they can be mounted overhead to avoid hazards and provide even illumination across the entire site
These advancements make sites safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective to operate.
Up Next: Read our Safety Tips for Using Our LED Worksite Cable Lights
