PRECISION AIRFIELD CIRCUIT TESTING & ELECTRICAL EVALUATION SERVICES AUSTRALIA-WIDE
Circuit Testing & Evaluation
Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) systems are among the most safety critical assets on any aerodrome. Their performance directly influences aircraft guidance, situational awareness, and the safe movement of aircraft during low visibility or night operations. To maintain compliance with ICAO Annex 14, MOS 139, and other regulatory frameworks, airports must ensure that their AGL circuits are tested, evaluated, and maintained to a consistently high standard.
AGL circuit testing is not simply a maintenance task—it is a structured engineering process that verifies electrical integrity and system reliability across the entire airfield lighting network. A well executed testing program provides assurance that every circuit and component is operating within your design’s specification, delivering the optimal light output and operational resilience required for safe airfield operations.
Why AGL Circuit Testing Matters
AGL circuits operate in a uniquely harsh environment. Constant electrical load cycling, moisture ingress, cable & transformer degradation all contribute to gradual performance decline. Without routine testing and evaluation, these issues can remain hidden until they cause operational disruptions or non compliance conclusions during Electrical Aerodrome Technical Inspections (EATI).
Effective circuit testing provides airports with:
- Regulatory compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and your Aeronautical Ground Lighting Configuration Manual (AGLCM)
- Early detection of electrical faults like insulation breakdown, and load imbalances
- Improved operational reliability, reducing the risk of outages or NOTAMs
- Data driven maintenance planning, enabling predictive rather than reactive interventions
- Confidence during audits, inspections, and certification processes
AGL circuit testing is the backbone of a safe, compliant, and resilient airfield lighting system.
What AGL Circuit Testing Involves
A comprehensive AGL circuit evaluation covers the electrical testing of the cables, joints and transformers’ integrity. While each airport’s infrastructure is unique, a typical testing program includes the following components.
1. Primary Circuit Testing
Primary circuits supply power from the constant current regulator (CCR) to the series circuit. Testing includes:
- Insulation resistance testing to identify moisture ingress, cable degradation, or joint failures
- Loop resistance measurements to confirm cable integrity and detect high resistance joints
- Load and current verification to ensure the CCR is operating within its designed range
These tests provide a clear picture of the electrical condition of the circuit and help pinpoint emerging issues before they escalate.
2. Transformer Testing
Each fixture is connected via an isolating transformer. Testing includes:
- Transformer continuity checks
- Connector and pit integrity inspections
- Verification of correct fixture load and compatibility
Secondary circuit issues are a common cause of intermittent outages and low intensity performance, making this step essential to the AGL system.
3. System Level Functional Testing
Beyond individual components, the entire AGL system must be evaluated as an integrated network. This includes:
- CCR step response and stability
- Circuit behaviour under load changes
- Monitoring system accuracy (ALCMS)
Functional testing ensures the system behaves predictably under operational conditions.
Common Issues Identified During AGL Testing
Routine testing frequently uncovers issues such as:
- Water ingress in pits and transformers
- Cable insulation breakdown
- Incorrect fixture orientation or torque
- Photometric degradation due to contamination or ageing
- High resistance joints causing voltage drop
- Incorrect CCR settings or calibration drift
- LED driver failures or inconsistent colour output
Identifying these issues early prevents operational disruptions and reduces long term maintenance costs.
Benefits of a Structured AGL Testing Program
Airports that implement a consistent testing and evaluation program experience:
- Higher system reliability and fewer unplanned outages
- Improved compliance with regulatory audits and inspections
- Reduced maintenance costs through early fault detection
- Better asset management with data driven decision making
- Enhanced safety for aircraft operations in all conditions
A structured approach transforms AGL maintenance from reactive to proactive, ensuring long term performance and operational resilience.
Supporting Airports With Professional AGL Testing
Our team provides comprehensive AGL circuit testing and evaluation services using industry leading equipment that are regularly calibrated. We deliver:
- Detailed electrical reports
- Compliance assessments aligned with CASA standards and your AGLCM
- Corrective action recommendations
- Asset condition grading and lifecycle insights
- Support for audits, certification, and engineering reviews
Whether you need routine testing, post installation verification, or a full scale compliance audit, we help ensure your airfield lighting system performs exactly as it should safely, reliably, and in full regulatory compliance.
Ensure your airfield lighting circuits operate safely and efficiently with expert circuit testing & evaluation.