THE AGL ENGINEERING CENTRE by Precision AGL Academy · Component Hub

Airfield Ground Lighting Components Complete AGL Component Guide

The electrical, optical, mechanical and control components of an AGL system, how they connect, and how to select, test, maintain and troubleshoot them as one chain. Each category links to a detailed engineering guide.

Overview

What Are AGL Components?

An Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system is built from interconnected electrical, optical, mechanical and control components. Each has a specific function, and the performance of one can directly affect the others. Understanding them supports design, selection, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning, photometric verification, maintenance, troubleshooting and rehabilitation.

Power supply
CCR
Primary series circuit
Isolation transformer
Secondary connection
Light fixture
Optical output

Electrical

Supply, distribute, regulate and connect electrical power.

Lighting

Produce the required visual guidance.

Mechanical

Mount, protect, position and support the lighting equipment.

Control

Operate, monitor and manage the lighting system.

The wider system also includes PAPI, approach lighting, signs, control, monitoring and civil and mechanical infrastructure. Never evaluate a component in isolation: a fixture depends on its transformer, series circuit and CCR, and its final performance also depends on alignment, mounting, optical condition and control setting.
Architecture

AGL System Architecture

Power path

Airport power supply feeds the CCR, which drives the primary circuit. Each light on the circuit is fed through its own isolation transformer.

Control path

ATC and airport operations command the ALCMS, which controls the CCRs and receives monitoring information. The CCRs feed the AGL series circuits and airport light fixtures.

ATC / airport operations
ALCMS
CCR and monitoring
AGL series circuits
Airport light fixtures

Five relationships that must all work

PathChain
ElectricalCCR → cable → transformer → connector → fixture
MechanicalFoundation → base → mounting → fixture
OpticalLight source → optics → lens → beam
ControlOperator → ALCMS → CCR → circuit → fixture
MonitoringFixture, circuit or CCR → monitoring → ALCMS → operator
A reliable AGL system requires all five relationships to work correctly.
Interactive

Follow a Component Path

Pick a path to see what to check along it. This is a learning aid; the project specification sets the actual tests.

Check along the path

    Watch for

      Electrical

      Electrical AGL Components

      Constant Current Regulator (CCR)

      Maintains the selected current through the series lighting circuit. May also provide multiple intensity steps, local and remote control, monitoring, fault indication, protection and an ALCMS interface, so it is both a power and, in monitored systems, a control component. CCR working principle

      Isolating transformer

      Connects an individual light to the series circuit while separating primary and secondary. Match primary and secondary current, wattage, frequency, insulation, environmental protection, connectors and fixture compatibility. Airport isolating transformer

      Primary cable

      Carries the controlled series current. Select for voltage rating, insulation, conductor size, environment, circuit length, temperature, mechanical protection and the airport specification. A primary fault can affect multiple fixtures. Cables and connectors

      Secondary cable

      Links the transformer secondary to the fixture, generally for one fixture. Common problems: connector failure, cable damage, insulation deterioration, water ingress, mechanical damage and high-resistance connections.

      Connectors

      Join primary cable to transformer, transformer to secondary lead, and secondary lead to fixture. Primary connectors serve the series circuit; secondary connectors serve the transformer-to-fixture link. A mated connector can still have poor contact or moisture.

      Junction boxes

      Protected space for connections, and for transformers in some designs. Select for installation environment and loading. Junction boxes and housings

      SERIES LOOP · THE PRINCIPLE ONE LOOP · ONE CURRENT · EQUAL LIGHT CCR I FIXED OUT RTN I I I T1 SAME LIGHT T2 SAME LIGHT T3 SAME LIGHT T4 SAME LIGHT 1 THE CCR SENDS ONE CURRENT AROUND THE LOOP 2 THE SAME CURRENT PASSES EVERY LIGHT IN TURN 3 SAME CURRENT = SAME BRIGHTNESS THE PRINCIPLE ONE LOOP, ONE CURRENT LIGHTS CONNECTED END TO END THE RESULT EQUAL BRIGHTNESS WHATEVER THE POSITION OR CABLE LENGTH THE TRADE-OFF ONE BREAK STOPS THE LOOP SO THE LOOP MUST STAY COMPLETE SCHEMATIC · LOOP SHORTENED · NOT TO SCALE
      Figure 1. The series circuit principle: one current loop from the CCR passes every light and isolation transformer in turn.AGL Visual Encyclopedia: What is the AGL series circuit principle?
      Lighting

      Lighting Components

      Each light type has its own optical characteristics, installation geometry, colour requirements, beam pattern, photometric criteria and maintenance needs.

      ComponentFunctionNotes
      Runway edge lightsLateral runway guidance
      Threshold lightsIdentify the runway threshold
      Runway end lightsVisual indication at the runway end
      Runway centreline lightsLongitudinal guidance where installed
      Touchdown zone lightsGuidance within the touchdown area
      Approach lightsApproach visual guidanceA coordinated system: units, centreline and crossbar lights, elevated and inset fixtures, sequencing, power, PAPI
      Taxiway edge lightsDefine taxiway lateral limits
      Taxiway centreline lightsCentreline guidance
      Stop barsHolding-point information
      Runway guard lightsAwareness at runway holding positionsElevated or in-pavement; may flash; may integrate with runway protection logic
      PAPIVisual approach-slope guidanceFour units; 4 white to 4 red as the aircraft descends
      APAPIAbbreviated PAPI, generally two unitsA separate configuration, not just a smaller PAPI
      REILDistinctive runway end or threshold identificationTypically two units, control, power, synchronization where applicable

      PAPI needs particular attention

      Siting, elevation, spacing, horizontal alignment, aiming, threshold crossing geometry, photometry and maintenance. Authority requirements and the airport design decide between PAPI and APAPI.

      Taxiway lighting works with

      Taxiway signs, centreline guidance, stop bars, control systems and monitoring.

      FIXTURE INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION CROSS-SECTION OF AN INSET FIXTURE BASE CAN RETAINING RING AND BOLTS PRISM OR WINDOW GASKET OR O-RING SEAL REFLECTOR OR OPTIC LAMP HOLDER OR LED BOARD BODY CABLE ENTRY SECONDARY LEAD AND PLUGto the isolating transformer WHAT THE CONSTRUCTION HAS TO DO Stay sealedGasket keeps water out Stay rigidBody takes wheel loads Manage heatLamp heat or LED heat path Stay serviceableSource and seals replaceable SCHEMATIC · CONSTRUCTION DIFFERS BETWEEN PRODUCTS · NOT TO SCALE
      Figure 2. Inside a runway light fixture: optical, sealing and mounting parts that make up the lighting component.AGL Visual Encyclopedia: What is inside a runway light fixture?
      Runway end identifier lights flashing at a runway threshold
      Photo 1. Runway end identifier lights (REIL): a pair of synchronized flashing units at the threshold corners, a small example of a complete lighting component.Credit: Federal Aviation Administration. US Government work, public domain. Source page
      Mechanical

      Mechanical AGL Components

      Mechanical infrastructure keeps equipment positioned and protected. It influences fixture elevation, alignment, stability, drainage, maintenance access, vehicle and aircraft loading, and frangibility where applicable.

      Light bases

      The mounting interface between airfield infrastructure and the fixture; depending on design, also a transformer housing, junction box or cable-access enclosure. Consider loading, diameter, depth, material, corrosion protection, drainage, fixture interface, cable entry and alignment.

      Transformer housings

      Physical protection for an isolation transformer. Consider transformer size, depth, drainage, cable routing, connector access, mechanical protection and environment. Select housing and transformer as a compatible system.

      Frangible supports

      Designed to break away under applicable conditions rather than become an unacceptable obstacle hazard. Used with elevated runway, taxiway and approach lights, signs and PAPI. Consider fixture weight, mounting height, support arrangement, break point, foundation and nearby aircraft movement.

      Mounting assemblies

      Mounting plates, baseplates, bolts, spacer rings, extensions, adjustment mechanisms, brackets, frangible couplings and elevation adjustment components. Incorrect mounting causes misalignment, wrong elevation, instability and poor photometric performance.

      Control

      Control and Monitoring Components

      Modern AGL systems increasingly use centralized control and monitoring: ALCMS, CCR control interfaces, remote-control panels, monitoring equipment, circuit selectors, PLC and RTU interfaces, communication equipment, status panels and alarms.

      ALCMS

      Centralized control and monitoring of lighting circuits: circuit on/off, intensity selection, status monitoring, fault alarms, event logging, equipment status, remote control and interfaces with airport operational systems. It is part of the control and monitoring architecture, not only a user interface.

      CCR control

      The interface between the control system and the regulator: start and stop, brightness selection, local or remote selection, status, fault indication and monitoring. Commissioning should verify both the command and the feedback.

      Remote control

      Lets authorized staff operate lighting without being at the CCR cabinet: on/off, intensity step, status and alarms. May sit in ALCMS, a control desk, SCADA or an airport operations control system.

      Monitoring

      Covers CCR status, circuit status, lighting failures, alarms, communication status, control-system faults and equipment availability, so staff can respond to failures sooner.

      Operator
      ALCMS
      Control interface
      CCR
      AGL circuit
      Lighting
      Status information travels back the other way: lighting, monitoring, ALCMS, operator.
      Runway visual range equipment beside a runway
      Photo 2. Runway visual range (RVR) equipment beside a runway. Visibility readings like these feed the decision on which lighting intensity step to use.Credit: Federal Aviation Administration. US Government work, public domain. Source page
      Quick Reference

      AGL Components by Function

      FunctionMain components
      Power regulationCCR
      Primary distributionPrimary AGL cable
      Electrical isolationIsolation transformer
      Secondary connectionSecondary cable and connector
      Visual guidanceRunway, taxiway and approach lights
      Approach guidancePAPI and APAPI
      Runway identificationREIL
      Runway protectionRunway guard lights and stop bars
      Physical mountingLight bases and mounts
      Transformer protectionTransformer housing
      Cable connectionJunction boxes and connectors
      ControlALCMS and CCR control
      MonitoringMonitoring and status system
      Mechanical safetyFrangible supports
      Optical verificationPhotometer and photometric system
      Testing

      Components, Photometry and Testing

      Every component that affects the physical or electrical condition of a light can affect its photometric performance. Interpret photometry together with electrical and mechanical information.

      CCR
      Electrical circuit
      Transformer
      Connector
      Light fixture
      Optical system
      Photometric output
      Mechanical components matter too: base, fixture position, fixture alignment, beam direction, photometric performance.

      Typical testing and inspection

      ComponentTypical testing or inspection
      CCRCurrent, voltage, control, protection, monitoring
      Primary cableContinuity, insulation, circuit characteristics
      TransformerElectrical condition, insulation, rating verification
      ConnectorVisual, connection, electrical integrity
      Light fixtureFunctional, optical, photometric
      PAPIFunctional, alignment, optical, photometric
      SignFunctional, electrical, illumination, control
      Light baseMechanical, drainage, alignment
      Junction boxElectrical, physical, drainage
      ALCMSControl, communication, monitoring, alarms

      Project testing matrix

      ComponentFactory testSite testFunctionalPhotometric
      CCRWhere specifiedYesYes—
      TransformerWhere specifiedYesYes—
      Cable—YesYes—
      Connector—YesYes—
      Runway lightWhere specifiedYesYesYes
      Taxiway lightWhere specifiedYesYesYes
      PAPIYes / where specifiedYesYesYes
      SignWhere specifiedYesYesAs applicable
      ALCMSYes / where specifiedYesYes—
      Light baseYes / where specifiedYes——
      "Where specified" is deliberate: the required FAT, SAT and test regime depends on project procurement and applicable standards.
      THE DIAGRAM · ANGLE ACROSS, CANDELA UP read a value straight off the grid WHERE IT FITS · THE POLAR PLOT, FLATTENED the same section, drawn two ways -30° -20° -10° 0° 10° 20° 30° 0 25 % 50 % 75 % PEAK HALF PEAK 0° BEAM AXIS HORIZONTAL PLANEwide curve VERTICAL PLANEnarrow curve ANGLE FROM THE BEAM AXIS CANDELA 3 4 5 1 2 SAME PEAK POLAR DIAGRAMangle round a centre CARTESIAN DIAGRAMangle along a line UNROLL 6 −90° 90° −90° 0° 90° ANGLE 1ANGLE ALONG THE BOTTOMmeasured from the beam axis, left and right 2CANDELA UP THE SIDEthe higher the curve, the stronger the light 3ONE CURVE PER PLANEhorizontal and vertical drawn together 4PEAK ON THE AXISthe highest point sits at zero degrees 5HALF-PEAK POINTSthe width between them is the beam spread 6THE POLAR PLOT, FLATTENEDthe same section, laid out along a line CORRECT READINGANGLE ACROSS, CANDELA UP Run up from the angle to the curve, then read across the height WRONG READINGANGLE READ AS DISTANCE The bottom axis is degrees, not metres along the airfield SCHEMATIC · ILLUSTRATIVE SHAPES · NOT THE CURVES OF ANY AGL LIGHT TYPE
      Figure 3. A Cartesian photometric diagram: how intensity is plotted across angles to verify a fixture's beam.AGL Visual Encyclopedia: What is a Cartesian photometric diagram?
      Troubleshooting

      Troubleshooting Along the System Path

      When a light fails, follow the system path rather than replacing the fixture first. Click a symptom to see where to start.

      Single light failure

      Possible Cause

      • Fixture
      • Secondary connector
      • Transformer
      • Primary connector
      • Primary circuit

      Multiple lights failure

      Possible Cause

      • CCR
      • Primary circuit
      • Common cable or equipment
      • Transformers
      • Fixtures

      Low intensity

      Possible Cause

      • Measurement
      • Cleaning
      • Alignment
      • Electrical supply
      • Transformer
      • Fixture

      Control problem

      Possible Cause

      • Operator command
      • Control system
      • Communication
      • CCR
      • Circuit

      Maintenance by component

      CCR

      Electrical, thermal, control and monitoring condition.

      Transformer

      Physical integrity, connections, electrical performance.

      Cable

      Insulation, continuity, physical condition.

      Connector

      Contact, sealing, moisture, damage.

      Fixture

      Optical, electrical and mechanical condition.

      Base

      Alignment, corrosion, drainage, stability.

      PAPI

      Optical, mechanical, electrical and alignment performance.

      ALCMS

      Controls, communications, alarms, monitoring.

      This system-based approach reduces unnecessary component replacement.

      Selection

      Selecting, Specifying and Replacing Components

      Electrical compatibility

      Does it match the circuit?

      Optical compatibility

      Does it give the required optical performance?

      Mechanical compatibility

      Does it fit and withstand the application?

      Environmental suitability

      Can it operate in the actual airport environment?

      Regulatory compliance

      Does it meet project and authority requirements?

      Maintainability and lifecycle

      Can it be inspected and replaced efficiently, with spares and support available?

      A procurement specification identifies

      • Component type and application
      • Electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements
      • Dimensions, materials and connectors
      • Test requirements and approvals or certification
      • Documentation, spare parts and warranty

      Compatibility pairs to check

      • CCR and transformer: current
      • Transformer and fixture: wattage, current, secondary
      • Fixture and base: mechanical interface
      • Fixture and connector: electrical and physical
      • ALCMS and CCR: control and communication
      • LED fixture and existing CCR: electrical load
      A component that meets its own specification can still be unsuitable if it is incompatible with the installed system.

      Replacement

      Select by application, electrical characteristics, mechanical interface, optical characteristics, environmental requirements and applicable approval, not by appearance. A transformer chosen only by wattage can be wrong if the primary and secondary current arrangement or frequency differs, and a runway fixture replaced without checking its optics can create a photometric problem.

      SELECTION FLOWCHART · FOUR DECISIONS IN ORDER 1LOAD How big is the circuit? Lamps, transformers, cable → Total kW at top step Room to grow → Next standard size up 2OUTPUT What current and steps? 6.6 A series circuit → Rated output 6.6 A 3-step or 5-step → Steps match the design 3SUPPLY What feeds it? Single- or three-phase → Input matches supply Voltage and frequency → As on rating plate 4CONTROL How is it run and housed? Tower or ALCMS control → Remote interface fitted Indoor vault → Cooling suits the vault CONFIRM BEFORE ORDERING kW rating · output current and steps · input supply · control interface · cooling · standard compliance FLOWCHART · THE MANUFACTURER DATA SHEET AND STANDARD DECIDE THE FINAL CHOICE
      Figure 4. How a CCR is selected: the decision stages from load and circuit data to the final rating.AGL Visual Encyclopedia: How is a CCR selected?
      Lifecycle

      Projects, Lifecycle and Asset Management

      New airports: specify as a system

      Coordinate electrical (CCRs, cables, transformers, connectors, junction boxes), lighting (runway, taxiway, approach, PAPI, signs, stop bars, runway guard lights), mechanical (bases, housings, foundations, mounting, frangible supports) and control (ALCMS, remote controls, monitoring, communications).

      Rehabilitation: survey before replacing

      Assess existing equipment, age, condition, electrical and photometric performance, spare-parts availability and compatibility with new equipment, then decide to retain or replace. This avoids replacing components that can stay in reliable service.

      01

      Design

      Define the system.

      02

      Specification

      Set requirements.

      03

      Procurement

      Buy to the specification.

      04

      Factory testing

      Where specified.

      05

      Installation

      Install to the approved design.

      06

      Commissioning

      Test and baseline.

      07

      Operation

      Run the system.

      08

      Preventive maintenance

      Scheduled checks.

      09

      Corrective maintenance

      Fix faults.

      10

      Performance monitoring

      Track trends.

      11

      Replacement or upgrade

      Renew as needed.

      12

      Retest

      Verify.

      Asset records

      Asset ID, type, manufacturer, model, serial number, location, circuit, installation date, warranty, and maintenance, fault, test, photometric and replacement history. Larger airports can integrate with GIS, CMMS or maintenance-management systems.

      Spare parts

      Light assemblies, replaceable LED modules, lamps where applicable, PAPI units, transformers, connectors, CCR control components, fuses and protection devices, sign components, hardware, gaskets, lenses and filters. Quantities depend on airport size, criticality, availability, failure history, supplier lead time and operations.

      Example inventory

      CategoryComponentAsset data
      ElectricalCCRModel, rating, circuit
      ElectricalTransformerType, wattage, current
      ElectricalPrimary cableType, circuit, route
      ElectricalConnectorType, location
      LightingRunway or taxiway lightFixture type, location
      LightingPAPIUnit, model, location
      MechanicalLight baseType, size, location
      MechanicalTransformer housingType, location
      ControlALCMSSystem, configuration
      ControlMonitoringDevice, communication

      Product quality

      Does the component meet its specification?

      Installation quality

      Was it installed correctly?

      System quality

      Does it perform correctly within the whole AGL system?

      Reference

      Standards for AGL Components

      The applicable standard depends on the product and project, and can involve ICAO, the national civil aviation authority, FAA where applicable, airport technical specifications, project specifications, manufacturer requirements and applicable electrical standards. FAA publishes specialist documents for CCRs, light fixtures, isolation transformers, PAPI systems and light bases and transformer housings.

      For an Indian airport project, the governing project documents and the applicable DGCA and ICAO framework control the final equipment requirements. Do not assume one certification scheme applies to every airport worldwide, and confirm the current edition of any reference before relying on it.
      Keyword Reference

      AGL System Components, Airport Lighting Components & Equipment Selection

      The main building blocks of an airfield lighting system and how to choose them.

      AGL system components

      AGL system components are the equipment that makes up an airfield lighting installation: CCRs, series circuit cables, isolating transformers, connectors, light fixtures, bases, signs, PAPI units, control and monitoring equipment, and the civil items that support them. Each must suit the others and the standard being followed.

      Airport lighting components

      Airport lighting components is the wider term for everything used in airside lighting, including approach, runway, taxiway, apron and obstruction lighting. Most systems share the same electrical backbone of CCRs, series circuits and transformers, with different fixtures for each application.

      AGL equipment selection

      AGL equipment selection means choosing components that meet the specification, work together and can be supported over the system's life. Check approval to the relevant standard, compatibility with the CCR and series circuit, installation location, spares and maintenance support. See Selecting, Specifying and Replacing Components above.

      Keyword Reference

      Runway, Taxiway & Approach Lighting Components, Beacons and Light Types

      Components by application, and the main fixture types.

      Runway lighting components

      Runway lighting components include edge, threshold, end, centreline and touchdown zone fixtures, with their transformers, connectors and bases, all fed from series circuits. Fixtures differ in colour, intensity and mounting, and are chosen to the runway category and standard.

      Taxiway lighting components

      Taxiway lighting components include edge and centreline fixtures, stop bars, guard lights and signs, with their transformers, connectors and bases. Colours and patterns follow the standard, and the components must work with the control and monitoring arrangements for the taxiway system.

      Approach lighting components

      Approach lighting components include centreline barrettes, crossbars, side rows and sequenced flashing lights, with their support structures, transformers, flashers and control equipment. These are mostly elevated units, so structure and alignment are part of the component choice.

      Airport beacon lighting

      Airport beacon lighting is the rotating or flashing light on or near an aerodrome that helps pilots find it from the air. Beacon colour and flash pattern follow the standard, and the unit needs a reliable supply and regular checks of its lamp or LED, drive and alignment.

      In-pavement airport lights

      In-pavement airport lights are mounted flush with the pavement surface, as with many runway centreline, touchdown zone and taxiway lights. They must withstand aircraft and vehicle loads, so the fixture, base and seals are chosen for strength and sealing, and installed and levelled carefully.

      Recessed airfield lights

      Recessed airfield lights sit in a base set into the pavement or ground, with the optical surface at or near the surface. The base, drainage, sealing and cable entry need care at installation, because water ingress is a common cause of later faults.

      Omnidirectional airfield lights

      Omnidirectional airfield lights show light in all directions around the fixture, instead of in one direction. They are typical for taxiway edge lights and some other uses. Check the fixture's approval, colour and intensity against the standard for the application.

      SECTIONS · FOUR RUNWAY FIXTURES ELEVATED EDGE edge of the runway marks the runway edges white, seen along the runway raised on a frangible coupling INSET CENTRELINE runway centreline marks the runway axis white, colour-coded near the end flush, takes wheel loads INSET TOUCHDOWN touchdown zone marks the touchdown zone white, one direction flush, takes wheel loads THRESHOLD / END start and end of runway marks threshold and end green outward, red inward raised, frangible coupling
      Figure 5. Different runway fixtures: elevated and inset types, break points and flush bases.AGL Visual Encyclopedia: Different runway fixtures
      Checklist

      Component Selection Checklist

      Click an item to mark it complete.

      Application and electrical

      Application identified (runway, taxiway, approach, PAPI, sign, other)
      Voltage
      Current
      Frequency
      Power
      Circuit type
      Connector
      0 / 7 complete

      Mechanical and environmental

      Dimensions
      Mounting
      Loading
      Frangibility
      Foundation or interface
      Temperature
      Water and dust
      Corrosion and de-icing chemicals
      UV and weather exposure
      0 / 9 complete

      Performance and compliance

      Intensity
      Colour
      Beam distribution
      Alignment
      Reliability
      Authority requirements
      Project specification
      Equipment approval or certification
      Manufacturer requirements
      0 / 9 complete

      Lifecycle

      Spare parts
      Warranty
      Service support
      Maintenance requirements
      Expected availability
      0 / 5 complete
      Final Engineering Perspective

      The visible light is one part of a chain: CCR, cable, connector, transformer and fixture, with a base, housing and mounting around it and ALCMS above it. Select, install, test and maintain the chain, not the parts.

      Understand the component. Understand its interface. Understand the complete AGL system.

      Test Yourself

      Quick Knowledge Check

      Q1. Which component controls the current in an AGL series circuit?

      A. The light base
      B. The CCR
      C. The junction box
      D. The frangible support

      Q2. What does an isolation transformer do?

      A. Regulates series current
      B. Separates the primary series circuit from the individual fixture while transferring power
      C. Mounts the fixture
      D. Monitors alarms

      Q3. A single light fails. Where should you start?

      A. Replace the CCR
      B. Fixture, then secondary connector, transformer, primary connector and primary circuit
      C. The ALCMS
      D. Nowhere

      Q4. Why should a transformer not be replaced by wattage alone?

      A. Wattage does not matter
      B. The primary and secondary current arrangement or frequency may differ
      C. Transformers are all identical
      D. Appearance decides

      Q5. A control commissioning test should verify what?

      A. Command only
      B. Feedback only
      C. Both command and feedback
      D. Neither
      Explore More

      Explore More AGL Engineering

      LIBRARY

      Component Library

      Browse individual AGL components.

      Open Component Library →
      ELECTRICAL

      CCR Working Principle

      Constant current regulators and series circuits.

      Open CCR Working Principle →
      ELECTRICAL

      Airport Isolating Transformer

      Ratings, types and testing.

      Open Airport Isolating Transformer →
      HARDWARE

      Junction Boxes & Transformer Housings

      Light bases and housings.

      Open Junction Boxes & Transformer Housings →
      CABLES

      AGL Cables & Connectors

      Primary and secondary cabling.

      Open AGL Cables & Connectors →
      CONTROL

      ALCMS

      Lighting control and monitoring.

      Open ALCMS →
      VISUAL AID

      PAPI Engineering Guide

      Working principle, geometry and siting.

      Open PAPI Engineering Guide →
      MAINTENANCE

      AGL Maintenance

      Preventive and corrective maintenance.

      Open AGL Maintenance →
      PROCESS

      Testing & Commissioning

      Electrical, optical and handover testing.

      Open Testing & Commissioning →
      PERFORMANCE

      AGL Photometry

      Photometry concepts and reporting.

      Open AGL Photometry →
      SYSTEM

      Runway Lighting Systems

      Runway lighting layouts and functions.

      Open Runway Lighting Systems →
      SYSTEM

      Taxiway Lighting Systems

      Taxiway lighting layouts and functions.

      Open Taxiway Lighting Systems →

      Specify the System, Not the Parts.

      From component selection to commissioning records and maintenance history, explore the complete AGL knowledge base.

      AGL Engineering Hub

      Explore the AGL Engineering Knowledge Hub

      Fundamentals

      Standards & Compliance

      Runway, Taxiway & Approach Lighting

      Surface Movement & Safety

      PAPI

      Electrical Engineering & Power

      Photometry & Testing

      Maintenance, Inspection & Safety

      Resources, Documentation & Careers

      FAQ

      AGL Components FAQ

      Q1What are the main components of an AGL system?

      The main categories are electrical, lighting, mechanical and control components. Typical components include CCRs, transformers, cables, connectors, runway and taxiway lights, PAPI, signs, light bases, junction boxes and ALCMS.

      Q2What is the most important electrical component in AGL?

      In a series-circuit system the CCR is one of the most important, because it controls the series-circuit current.

      Q3What does an AGL isolation transformer do?

      It electrically separates the primary series circuit from the individual light fixture while transferring power to the fixture.

      Q4What is an airport light base?

      The physical mounting interface for an AGL fixture. Depending on design it can also serve as a transformer housing or junction box.

      Q5What is an airport junction box?

      A protected enclosure for electrical connections and, in some designs, for transformer and fixture interfaces.

      Q6What components are used in runway lighting?

      Edge lights, threshold lights, runway end lights, centreline lights, touchdown-zone lights and approach lighting.

      Q7What components are used in taxiway lighting?

      Taxiway edge lights, centreline lights, stop bars, runway guard lights and associated signs.

      Q8What are the components of a PAPI?

      Four light units, optical systems, mounting and aiming arrangements, electrical connections, and associated control and infrastructure.

      Q9What is ALCMS?

      ALCMS stands for Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring System. It provides centralized control, status monitoring and alarm functions for airport lighting.

      Q10What is the difference between primary and secondary AGL cable?

      The primary cable forms part of the airport series circuit. The secondary connection normally links an isolation transformer to the individual light fixture.

      Q11Why are isolation transformers used in AGL?

      They provide electrical separation between the airport series circuit and the individual fixture.

      Q12Why are AGL connectors important?

      They maintain electrical continuity and environmental and mechanical integrity at connections within the lighting circuit.

      Q13Which AGL components require photometric testing?

      Lighting fixtures and visual aids such as runway lights, taxiway lights, approach lights and PAPI may require it, depending on the applicable requirements.

      Q14Which AGL components require electrical testing?

      CCRs, cables, transformers, connectors, control equipment and associated circuits can require electrical testing, depending on the project and maintenance procedure.

      Q15How do AGL components work together?

      The CCR controls the series circuit, the cable distributes power, isolation transformers interface with individual fixtures, the fixtures generate the optical output, mechanical components position the equipment, and control systems operate and monitor the installation.

      Q16How should an AGL component be selected?

      Consider electrical compatibility, optical performance, mechanical requirements, environmental conditions, regulatory and project requirements, installation interface, maintainability and lifecycle support.

      Q17Can a component from one manufacturer be connected to another manufacturer's system?

      Potentially, but verify compatibility first: electrical, mechanical, optical, control and certification requirements should all be considered.

      Q18Are AGL components standardized?

      Many categories have established international, national or authority-specific requirements, but exact dimensions, ratings, interfaces and approvals vary by standard and application.

      Q19What is the difference between an AGL manufacturer and an AGL supplier?

      A manufacturer produces the equipment. A supplier may manufacture, distribute or source it, and its technical responsibility depends on the contract.

      Field Insight

      Engineering & Expert Notes

      Learn the System Path Before the Parts List
      Understanding

      Follow supply to CCR, cable, transformer, fixture and control. Knowing how each component connects explains why a fault in one place shows up somewhere else.

      Part Numbers and Standards References Belong in Your Records
      Specification

      Record the approved type for each installed item. When the part is later replaced, the correct specification should be known without relying on memory or a worn label.

      Compatibility Matters More Than a Visual Match
      Interfaces

      Connectors, transformers and fixtures can look interchangeable but differ in rating or approval. Verify the interface rather than assuming that a part that fits will perform correctly.

      Mechanical Items Deserve the Same Attention as Electrical Ones
      Mechanical

      Bases, frangible couplings and mountings carry load, drainage and safety functions. Their condition affects electrical performance even though they carry no current.

      Plan Spares Around Failure Rates, Not Convenience
      Spares

      Stock the items that fail most and take longest to obtain. Review usage periodically and avoid keeping obsolete types that no longer match the installed base.

      Update the Asset Register When Anything Changes
      Records

      A register that no longer reflects the field slows fault finding and audits. Capture swaps, upgrades and relocations at the time the work is closed out.

      Precision AGL Academy

      Understand AGL. Build Your Engineering Skills.

      You now understand the electrical, lighting, mechanical and control components of an AGL system and how they work as one chain, from selection and testing to maintenance and lifecycle.

      Take the next step with Precision AGL Academy.

      Learn AGL Step by Step

      Build your knowledge through structured technical learning covering:

      AGL Fundamentals Components Electrical Systems Design Photometry Testing Troubleshooting Maintenance

      Move from understanding how AGL works to developing the practical knowledge needed to analyse, operate and maintain complete AGL systems.

      Understand the system. Build the knowledge. Apply the engineering.