What is energisation?
The controlled first switch-on of a finished circuit — bringing the CCR up at its lowest step and watching the current before brightness is raised.
Energisation is the first live step of commissioning. Once the pre-commissioning hold point is cleared, the CCR is switched on at its lowest brightness step and the output current is brought up and watched. Because the circuit is live, the area is kept clear and nothing is connected or disconnected.
If current and alarms are steady, brightness is raised one step at a time, checking the output at each, and the readings go into the energisation log. Anything abnormal means switch off and isolate; a stable result releases the circuit to functional testing.
- Release. Confirm the hold point is cleared, the loop is closed and the area is clear.
- Switch on. Energise the CCR at its lowest step and let the output current rise.
- Monitor. Check current, CCR alarms and that the lamps respond.
- Step up. Raise brightness one step at a time, checking each.
- Record. Log current, voltage, times and witnesses.
- Hand over. Stable circuit goes to functional testing; abnormal means switch off and isolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is energisation in airfield ground lighting?
The controlled first switch-on of a completed series lighting circuit. The CCR is energised, output current is brought up and monitored, and the circuit is checked while live. It is the first live step of commissioning and follows pre-commissioning.
Q2What must be complete before a circuit is energised?
The pre-commissioning hold point must be cleared, with all test records reviewed and no open items. The loop must be closed and intact, the area and equipment clear of people, and the energisation permitted under the site procedure.
Q3Why start at the lowest brightness step?
The lowest step runs the circuit at the lowest current, so any fault that remains does the least harm and is easiest to see. Once the circuit is steady, brightness is stepped up one step at a time, checking the output at each.
Q4What is checked once the circuit is live?
Output current against the rated value for each step, CCR status and alarm indications (including any open-circuit or earth-fault warning), that the lamps respond, and that nothing shows abnormal heat, noise or arcing. The readings are written into the energisation log.
Q5Why must a live series loop never be opened?
A CCR works to hold the circuit current constant. Opening the loop while it is live can drive a dangerous voltage across the break. The CCR is switched off, locked out and the circuit isolated before any connection is opened.
Q6What happens if something abnormal appears?
The CCR is switched off and the circuit isolated. The fault is found with the circuit dead, rectified, and the affected pre-commissioning checks repeated and recorded before energisation is attempted again.
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