Runway Centreline Light (RCL) fault diagnosis — from a single dark fixture through to series circuit faults, flicker, dim or incorrect-intensity output, colour and photometric errors, optical and prism damage, water ingress, and connector/transformer failure. Each topic follows the full engineering diagnostic record: symptom → observation → measurement → decision → fault location → root cause → verification → corrective action → preventive action.
Symptom — A runway centreline light (or a defined group of them) is not illuminating when the RCL series circuit is energised, reported either from a pilot report, ALCMS status, or routine night inspection.
Runway Centreline Lights (RCL) — inset, bi-directional or variable-colour L-852 fixtures fed via individual isolation transformers off the RCL series circuit, in-pavement base cans (L-867), primary series cable loop back to the CCR.
After repair, re-energise the circuit, confirm the fixture lights at all intensity steps, and walk/drive the affected section at night or with the circuit on to confirm no adjacent lights were disturbed during access.
SOP: SOP-RCL-01 (RCL Fault Isolation Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5340-30, FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852)
Diagram: RCL Circuit Layout Drawing, Base-Can Schedule
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting (verify series circuit output); Division 24 — Complete Runway Lighting Failure
Symptom — Exactly one runway centreline light is dark or malfunctioning while every other RCL on the same series circuit operates normally at the correct intensity.
Individual RCL inset fixture, its isolation transformer, L-823 connector, and base can.
Re-energise the circuit and confirm the fixture lights correctly at low, medium, and high intensity steps; recheck after 24–48 hours to rule out an intermittent connector fault.
SOP: SOP-RCL-01 (RCL Fault Isolation Procedure), SOP-RCL-03 (Fixture Replacement Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852), FAA AC 150/5345-26 (isolation transformers), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: RCL Base-Can Detail Drawing
Case Study: Division 25 — Field Case Study Troubleshooting
Symptom — A run of two or more adjacent runway centreline lights is dark or malfunctioning together, while the circuit remains energised and other sections of the same runway are lit normally.
RCL series circuit primary cable loop and the group of fixtures fed by the affected section.
After repair, megger the full affected loop end-to-end, re-energise, and confirm all fixtures in the previously dark section illuminate correctly across all intensity steps.
SOP: SOP-RCL-02 (Series Circuit Fault Location Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: IEC 60364 (insulation testing), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5340-30
Diagram: RCL Series Circuit Route Drawing
Case Study: Division 24 — Complete Runway Lighting Failure; Division 25 — Field Case Study Troubleshooting
Symptom — One or more runway centreline lights flicker, pulse, or vary in brightness instead of holding a steady output at the commanded intensity step.
RCL fixture, isolation transformer, connector, and the series circuit supplying it.
Monitor the repaired fixture over several operating cycles, including varying intensity steps and at least one period of the weather condition originally associated with the flicker, before closing out.
SOP: SOP-RCL-01 (RCL Fault Isolation Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: RCL Circuit Layout Drawing
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting (intensity step control)
Symptom — A runway centreline light illuminates but appears noticeably dimmer than adjacent fixtures at the same commanded intensity step.
RCL fixture optical/lamp assembly, isolation transformer secondary output, and lens condition.
Re-measure luminance output after corrective action and compare against neighbouring fixtures and the manufacturer's rated output for the commanded step.
SOP: SOP-RCL-04 (Lens Cleaning and Inspection Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I (light intensity requirements), FAA AC 150/5340-30
Diagram: RCL Photometric Specification Sheet
Case Study: Division 26 — Photometric & Intensity Compliance
Symptom — A runway centreline light shows the wrong colour for its position along the runway — for example, a white light in a section that should show alternating red/white, or a red light outside the final 300 m section.
RCL variable-colour fixture (dual-filter or two-lamp red/white assembly) and its position within the runway lighting colour-change scheme.
After correction, visually confirm the correct colour is displayed at the correct chainage during a night inspection, alongside the fixtures immediately either side of the colour-change boundary.
SOP: SOP-RCL-05 (Colour-Zone Verification Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I (Table 5-1, centreline light colour), FAA AC 150/5340-30
Diagram: RCL Colour-Zone Layout Drawing
Case Study: Division 26 — Photometric & Intensity Compliance
Symptom — One fixture, a group of fixtures, or an entire RCL circuit displays a brightness level that does not match the intensity step commanded by the CCR/ALCMS.
RCL fixture output relative to the commanded CCR intensity step, and the isolation transformer matching that step.
After correction, verify the fixture's output matches neighbouring fixtures across all intensity steps, not just the step at which the fault was originally reported.
SOP: SOP-RCL-01 (RCL Fault Isolation Procedure), SOP-CCR-08 (Intensity Step Verification)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5345-46
Diagram: RCL Circuit Design Specification
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting (Intensity Step Control); Division 26 — Photometric & Intensity Compliance
Symptom — A runway centreline light receives correct electrical power and the lamp/LED source operates, but the fixture fails to produce the correct beam pattern — light appears scattered, absent in the expected direction, or grossly asymmetric.
RCL fixture optical assembly — reflector, prism/lens system, and internal beam-forming components.
Verify beam pattern visually from the design sightline (or with a goniophotometer if available) after repair, and re-inspect after several operating cycles to confirm the fix is stable under thermal cycling.
SOP: SOP-RCL-06 (Optical Assembly Inspection Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852 photometric requirements), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I Appendix 2
Diagram: RCL Fixture Optical Assembly Diagram
Case Study: Division 26 — Photometric & Intensity Compliance
Symptom — Water is found inside the fixture housing, base can, or connector during inspection or maintenance, with or without an associated electrical fault already having occurred.
RCL fixture housing, gasket/seal system, base can drainage, and secondary connector.
Re-test insulation resistance after drying and resealing, and re-inspect the fixture after the next significant rainfall to confirm the ingress path has been fully resolved.
SOP: SOP-RCL-07 (Water Ingress Response Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852 environmental sealing requirements), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: RCL Base-Can and Gasket Detail Drawing
Case Study: Division 25 — Field Case Study Troubleshooting
Symptom — The fixture lens (top cover) is found cracked, chipped, scratched, or discoloured during inspection, potentially degrading light output or compromising the environmental seal.
RCL fixture lens/top cover assembly and its gasket interface with the fixture body.
After lens replacement, confirm the gasket seal is fully seated, re-torque fixings to specification, and re-test insulation resistance to confirm no residual ingress.
SOP: SOP-RCL-08 (Lens Replacement Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: RCL Fixture Lens Assembly Drawing
Case Study: Division 27 — FOD & Physical Damage Case Studies
Symptom — The internal prism element of the fixture (used to split or direct the beam for bi-directional or variable-colour operation) is found cracked, displaced, discoloured, or delaminated.
RCL fixture internal prism assembly, distinct from the outer lens/top cover.
After replacement, verify the beam pattern and colour presentation (if applicable) match the fixture's designed configuration, and re-inspect after several thermal cycles.
SOP: SOP-RCL-06 (Optical Assembly Inspection Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I Appendix 2
Diagram: RCL Fixture Optical Assembly Diagram
Case Study: Division 26 — Photometric & Intensity Compliance
Symptom — The fixture is correctly powered and optically intact, but its beam is not correctly aimed relative to the runway centreline and the intended sightline, resulting in reduced apparent intensity from the design viewing angle.
RCL fixture mounting/levelling relative to pavement surface and the design beam elevation/azimuth.
Re-inspect from the design sightline at night after realignment, and confirm the fixture remains correctly oriented after the next scheduled maintenance interval (checking that torque has held).
SOP: SOP-RCL-09 (Fixture Alignment Verification Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I Appendix 2 (light beam characteristics), FAA AC 150/5340-30
Diagram: RCL Fixture Installation and Alignment Drawing
Case Study: Division 26 — Photometric & Intensity Compliance
Symptom — The fixture body, top plate, or frangible coupling is found physically damaged — cracked, deformed, or partially sheared — typically from jet blast, snow removal equipment, vehicle contact, or aircraft overrun of the fixture.
RCL fixture housing, top plate, and frangible mounting coupling.
After fixture replacement, confirm correct electrical operation (megger and functional test) and correct alignment before returning the section to service, and complete an FOD sweep of the area.
SOP: SOP-RCL-03 (Fixture Replacement Procedure), SOP-RCL-10 (Frangible Coupling Inspection)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-852 frangibility requirements), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: RCL Fixture and Frangible Coupling Assembly Drawing
Case Study: Division 27 — FOD & Physical Damage Case Studies
Symptom — The L-823 secondary connector between the isolation transformer and the fixture (or between the primary cable and the transformer) is found failed — corroded, cracked, arced, or not maintaining a reliable connection.
L-823 primary and secondary connectors within the RCL base can.
Re-test insulation resistance and contact integrity after reconnection, and schedule a follow-up check after the next wet-weather period to confirm the seal is holding.
SOP: SOP-RCL-01 (RCL Fault Isolation Procedure), SOP-RCL-11 (Connector Maintenance Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-26 (L-823 connectors), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: RCL Base-Can Wiring Detail Drawing
Case Study: Division 25 — Field Case Study Troubleshooting
Symptom — The individual isolation transformer feeding an RCL fixture has failed — open-circuit, short-circuit, or significantly out of tolerance on secondary output — distinct from a fixture lamp/LED or connector fault.
RCL series-circuit isolation transformer (typically 30W/45W/65W class, matched to the fixture's lamp/LED rating).
After replacement with the correctly rated transformer, re-energise and confirm the fixture operates correctly across all intensity steps, and re-check insulation resistance at the next scheduled maintenance visit.
SOP: SOP-RCL-01 (RCL Fault Isolation Procedure), SOP-RCL-12 (Transformer Test and Replacement Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-26 (L-823/isolation transformers), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: RCL Circuit Design Specification
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting (series circuit fundamentals)
Quick answers about Runway Centreline Light (RCL) troubleshooting in the AGL Troubleshooting Atlas.
Division 05 is the Runway Centreline Light (RCL) Troubleshooting reference. It publishes 15 diagnostic topics, RCL-191 to RCL-205, for Runway Centreline Light (RCL) faults on airfield ground lighting systems.
Every topic follows the same diagnostic record: the symptom, equipment/system, possible causes ranked by likelihood (high, medium or low), required tools, safety precautions, diagnostic procedure, test points, root cause verification, corrective action, preventive action and related references (SOPs, standards, diagrams and case studies).
The 15 topics are RCL-191 to RCL-205: Runway Centreline Light Not Working; Single Centreline Light Failure; Multiple Centreline Light Failure; Centreline Light Flickering; Centreline Light Dim; Centreline Light Incorrect Color; Centreline Light Wrong Intensity; Centreline Light Optical Failure; Centreline Light Water Ingress; Centreline Light Lens Damage; Centreline Light Prism Damage; Centreline Light Alignment Error; Centreline Light Fixture Damage; Centreline Light Connector Failure; Centreline Light Transformer Failure.
Each procedure starts with observation before any intervention. For example, RCL-191 (Runway Centreline Light Not Working) begins: Check the ALCMS/CCR panel to see whether this is reported as a single light or part of a wider dark section, and confirm the actual current output of the affected RCL series circuit.
Each topic lists its own precautions. For example, RCL-191 (Runway Centreline Light Not Working) starts with: Coordinate all airside access through ATC/airfield operations and obtain a runway closure or inspection slot before approaching the light.
Related references in the topics include SOP-RCL-01 (RCL Fault Isolation Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure), SOP-RCL-03 (Fixture Replacement Procedure), SOP-RCL-02 (Series Circuit Fault Location Procedure), SOP-RCL-04 (Lens Cleaning and Inspection Procedure), SOP-RCL-05 (Colour-Zone Verification Procedure), SOP-CCR-08 (Intensity Step Verification) and SOP-RCL-06 (Optical Assembly Inspection Procedure), and 6 more.
Where a standard applies, it appears in the topic's Related References. Those cited in this division include ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5340-30, FAA AC 150/5345-46, FAA AC 150/5345-26, IEC 60364 and ICAO Annex 14 Vol I Appendix 2.
Use the search box at the top of the page to filter the 15 published topics by code, fault name or keyword; matching topics open automatically. Each diagnostic record can also be downloaded as a Word (.doc) file.
Centreline lighting faults often involve in-pavement fixtures, harsher environmental exposure, and less forgiving access.
Build the technical knowledge to understand in-pavement fixture failure modes, sealing and moisture ingress issues, and how to troubleshoot systematically in a high-consequence, hard-to-access location.
Diagnose systematically. Understand the circuit. Build real AGL expertise.
Please read before relying on any content on this page or on any record downloaded from it.