What is the commissioning sequence?
The planned order for bringing an AGL system into service — each stage passed and recorded before the next begins.
Commissioning follows a fixed order, because each stage depends on the one before it. The installation is checked and tested first, then energised under control, then proven function by function. Only then is the whole system tested together, including the ALCMS link, the PAPI and the signs.
Every stage ends at a hold point: work stops until the result is checked and recorded. If a stage is failed, it is corrected and re-tested before moving on. When all stages have passed and the owner accepts, the system is ready for service.
- Pre-commissioning. Check the installation and complete the circuit tests before any power is applied.
- Energisation. Switch on under control and raise the brightness steps in turn, watching the readings.
- Functional testing. Prove each light, control, step and alarm, locally and remotely.
- System integration. Run the circuits, CCRs, interlocks and controls together, including fault behaviour.
- ALCMS interface. Confirm commands, status feedback and failure handling between the control system and the field.
- PAPI commissioning. Aim and set the PAPI to the approach slope angle, and confirm by flight check where required.
- Sign commissioning. Check sign legends, brightness steps, and control and status.
- Final acceptance. Review the records, witness key tests and sign the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is the commissioning sequence in airfield ground lighting?
The planned order in which an AGL installation is brought into service: pre-commissioning checks, energisation, functional testing, system integration, the ALCMS interface, PAPI commissioning, sign commissioning, and finally acceptance by the owner. Each stage is passed and recorded before the next one starts.
Q2Why does the order of commissioning matter?
Each stage relies on the one before it. A circuit that has not passed its insulation and continuity checks should not be energised, and a control interface cannot be proven until the lights respond correctly locally. Following the order finds faults early, when they are cheapest and safest to fix.
Q3What is a hold point in commissioning?
A point in the sequence where work stops until a stated condition is met and recorded, for example the circuit is stable on every brightness step. Work continues only after the result is checked against the limits and signed off by the responsible person.
Q4Where does system integration fit in the sequence?
After the circuits work on their own. Functional testing proves each circuit and control individually. System integration then proves the circuits, CCRs, interlocks and controls working together, including how the system behaves when a fault is introduced.
Q5Why are PAPI and signs commissioned separately?
They have their own setting-up and checks. A PAPI must be aimed and set to the correct approach slope angle, and a sign must show the correct legends at the right brightness. These checks are done after the main circuits are proven and before the owner accepts the whole system.
Q6What happens if a stage fails?
The fault is recorded and corrected, and the affected tests are repeated. The sequence does not move on until the stage passes, and the record keeps the failure, the correction and the passing re-test. Anything already passed that the repair could affect is re-checked.
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