What is condition grading?
One grade for the whole asset — good, fair, poor or critical — built from what the inspector saw, measured and tested, so the worst problems are dealt with first.
Condition grading gives each inspected asset one standard grade that sums up its condition. The visual, mechanical, electrical and photometric findings are first classified one by one, then brought together so that fixtures, cables, transformers, signs and civil parts can be compared on the same scale.
The grade is set by the worst finding, not by an average. A clean fixture with good light output but an exposed conductor is graded on the conductor. In the example scheme shown, a sound and performing asset is Grade 1 and continues the routine cycle. A minor change is Grade 2 and is recorded and monitored. Active deterioration or reduced performance is Grade 3 and repair is planned and re-checked. A safety hazard or loss of function is Grade 4 and critical: it is reported and made safe first.
One overall grade for the asset, taken from the worst of its classified findings. It drives priority, planning and trending.
The classification of a single defect, such as minor, major or critical. Several defect classes feed one asset grade.
- Complete the inspections. Visual, mechanical, electrical and photometric, each done to the site’s procedure and under the permit-to-work.
- Classify each finding. By its effect on safety and performance, not by how it looks.
- Take the worst. The highest classification on the asset decides the grade.
- Assign the grade. Use the site’s scheme and its written criteria, so two inspectors reach the same grade.
- Act on it. Continue the routine cycle, monitor, plan repair, or report and make safe, as the procedure requires.
- Record and compare. Keep the grade, the reason and the photographs, and compare with the last inspection to see the trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is condition grading in AGL inspection?
Giving each inspected asset one standard grade that sums up its condition, so assets can be compared, repairs prioritised and change tracked from one inspection to the next. The grade is assigned after the visual, mechanical, electrical and photometric findings are combined, and it points to the action the site's procedures require.
Q2How is the condition grade decided?
The grade follows the worst finding, not an average. An asset with a clean body and good light output but an exposed conductor is graded on the conductor. Each finding is first classified by its effect on safety and performance, and the asset takes the highest grade among them.
Q3What do the grades mean?
In this example four-grade scheme, Grade 1 is good: sound and performing, so the routine cycle continues. Grade 2 is fair: minor change, recorded and monitored. Grade 3 is poor: active deterioration or reduced performance, so repair is planned and the asset is re-checked. Grade 4 is critical: a safety hazard or loss of function, so it is reported and made safe first.
Q4Is condition grading the same as classifying a defect?
No. A defect is classified by itself, for example minor, major or critical. Condition grading looks at the whole asset and gives one overall grade. An asset can carry several minor defects and still be Grade 2, while a single critical defect makes it Grade 4. Many minor defects together can justify a worse grade where the site scheme says so.
Q5Who sets the grading scheme and the limits?
The airport or the maintenance organisation sets the scheme in its procedures, using the manufacturer's data, the project design and the applicable standard. Grade names, numbers of grades and acceptance limits differ from site to site, so the scheme shown here is an example. Apply your own site's scheme.
See It. Understand It. Then Learn How to Engineer It.
Recognising an AGL system visually is the first step. The next step is knowing how to design, install, test, commission and maintain them correctly.
Build Practical AGL Engineering Skills
Go deeper with structured training from Precision AGL Academy, covering:
Learn how each light, sign and circuit works as part of a complete airport lighting system, not just as an isolated diagram.