A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
Arriving at the aircraft the cabin lights were at the dimmest setting. The escape path lights weren't glowing. Manually turned on the emergency lights to see if this aircraft had the electric escape path lights. Was not sure about how this aircraft's escape path lights worked so I called [Maintenance]. [Maintenance] was not sure which system was on the aircraft. Contract maintenance was called out. The Photoluminescent system is installed on this aircraft. The Photoluminescent system was completely discharged. Maintenance recharged the system. [Maintenance] should have a list that shows the type of escape path light system on each aircraft. On Remain Overnight aircraft with the Photoluminescent system the cabin lights need to stay on bright to keep the Photoluminescent system charged.
A319 Captain reported the new photoluminescent escape path lighting system had discharged overnight because the cabin lights were dimmed during the down time.