LED AGL RETROFIT PROJECTS
LED technology can be considered for upgrading suitable existing Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) installations. An LED retrofit should be evaluated as a complete system so that the new lighting equipment operates correctly with the existing airfield electrical infrastructure.
A retrofit project may involve selected runway, taxiway, approach or visual guidance equipment, while retaining suitable parts of the existing AGL installation. The evaluation should consider the existing equipment, electrical configuration, control system, installation conditions and project requirements.
LED AGL Applications
The actual scope depends on the existing installation and the approved retrofit requirements.
Why Consider LED Retrofit?
An LED retrofit project may be considered as part of an airport lighting modernisation programme. However, the existing CCRs, series circuits, transformers and connectors were selected for the original lamps.
LED conversion should therefore be evaluated as a system upgrade rather than simply a change from one light source to another.
Existing AGL System Evaluation
Before replacing existing lighting equipment with LED units, the surrounding AGL system should be reviewed.
CCR Compatibility
The existing Constant Current Regulator and its operating characteristics should be considered before introducing new LED equipment.
- Relationship between CCR and series circuit
- Proposed LED fixture characteristics
Isolating Transformers & Connectors
Existing transformers and primary/secondary connectors should be checked for suitability with the proposed LED equipment.
- Transformer characteristics
- Primary connector compatibility
- Secondary connector compatibility
- Installation condition
Series Circuit, Cable & Control
The series circuit, cable condition and control system should be reviewed before introducing replacement LED fixtures.
- Circuit configuration & electrical characteristics
- Primary & secondary cable condition
- Lighting controls & monitoring interfaces
LED Retrofit Process
A typical LED AGL retrofit can involve the following stages.
LED Retrofit Is More Than Fixture Replacement
Replacing a conventional light with an LED unit should not be considered in isolation. A change to the lighting fixture can affect how the equipment interacts with the existing AGL system — for this reason, LED retrofit planning should begin with an assessment of the existing installation.
LED Retrofit by Application Area
The suitability of each application should be evaluated against the existing AGL infrastructure and project requirements.
Runway Lighting
LED technology can be considered for suitable runway lighting retrofit applications.
- Runway edge lighting
- Threshold lighting
- Runway end lighting
- Runway centreline lighting
- Touchdown zone lighting where applicable
Taxiway Lighting
Suitable taxiway lighting applications can be evaluated as part of an LED upgrade project.
- Taxiway edge lighting
- Taxiway centreline lighting
- Holding-position lighting where applicable
- Runway guard lighting where applicable
Approach & Visual Guidance
LED upgrades may also be considered for suitable approach and visual guidance applications.
- Approach lighting
- Visual guidance equipment
- Other suitable lighting systems
Airfield Signs
Where suitable, LED technology may also be considered for airfield sign applications.
- Existing sign configuration
- Electrical supply & control arrangements
- Equipment compatibility
- Testing requirements
Rehabilitation Integration & Retained Infrastructure
LED upgrades can be incorporated into wider runway or taxiway rehabilitation projects where technically suitable. One of the key considerations in an AGL retrofit is determining which parts of the existing infrastructure can remain in service — the suitability of existing equipment should be evaluated rather than assumed.
Testing & Photometric Verification
Following installation, applicable testing can help verify that the upgraded AGL system is functioning correctly, following the applicable project specifications and approved procedures. Where applicable, photometric testing can be used to assess lighting performance after an LED retrofit.
LED Retrofit Maintenance Considerations
An LED retrofit can change the maintenance requirements of an existing AGL installation. Maintenance should continue to consider the complete AGL system.
Why System-Level LED Retrofit Planning Matters
An LED AGL retrofit involves more than selecting a replacement fixture.
A system-level approach helps determine whether the proposed LED equipment is appropriate for the existing installation.
LED AGL Retrofit Project Support
We support LED retrofit requirements related to the following areas.
Existing System Assessment
Review of existing AGL equipment and infrastructure before conversion.
Runway LED Retrofit
Evaluation of suitable LED upgrades for runway lighting applications.
Taxiway LED Retrofit
Evaluation of suitable LED upgrades for taxiway lighting applications.
Approach Lighting Retrofit
Assessment of suitable LED upgrades for applicable approach lighting systems.
Airfield Sign Retrofit
Evaluation of suitable LED-based airfield sign applications.
Electrical Compatibility Review
Assessment of CCRs, transformers, cables, connectors and series circuits.
Testing & Commissioning
Verification of the upgraded system following installation.
Photometric Verification
Assessment of applicable lighting performance after the retrofit.
Rehabilitation Integration
Integration of suitable LED upgrades into broader airport rehabilitation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any existing AGL system be converted to LED?
Do isolating transformers need to be checked during LED retrofit?
Should the CCR be checked before LED retrofit?
Can LED retrofit include taxiway lighting?
Can existing AGL cables be retained during an LED retrofit?
Can existing transformers and connectors be retained?
Is an LED retrofit the same as replacing the light fixture?
Can LED retrofit be part of runway rehabilitation?
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Planning an LED AGL Retrofit?
Share your existing AGL configuration, CCR details, transformer information, lighting schedule, BOQ or proposed retrofit scope for a technical compatibility review.