Diagnostic methodology for the AGL faults that will not sit still — conditions correlated with night, rain, dry weather, warm-up, heat, cold, CCR step, and switching, faults that clear on restart or cannot be reproduced at all, intermittent faults isolated to a connector, cable, transformer, fixture, CCR, or communication link, and the compound cases of multiple simultaneous intermittent faults, hidden underground faults, and chronic recurring faults that have outlasted several prior repairs. Each topic follows the full engineering diagnostic record: symptom → observation → measurement → decision → fault location → root cause → verification → corrective action → preventive action.
Symptom — A reported fault — a dark fixture, flicker, wrong intensity, or an earth-fault trip — is present only during night-time energised operation and cannot be reproduced during daytime testing or with the circuit run at reduced load in daylight.
Any AGL circuit or component under its actual night-time energised operating condition, as distinct from a daytime de-energised or low-load bench check.
Confirm the fault does not recur over at least two further night-time operating cycles under conditions similar to the original report, and log the correlating condition (temperature swing, specific step, or load current) in the maintenance record.
SOP: SOP-DIF-01 (Night-Correlated Fault Capture Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5340-30
Diagram: Overnight CCR Trend Log Template
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault — a dark or flickering fixture, an earth-fault trip, or reduced insulation resistance — is reported only during or shortly after rainfall and cannot be reproduced during dry-weather testing.
Any below-grade or in-pavement AGL component and its cable/joint network exposed to surface or groundwater ingress — base cans, L-823 connectors, cable joints, and isolation transformers.
Re-megger the repaired segment during or immediately after the next rain event and confirm the reading holds above the acceptable threshold; do not close out on a dry-weather reading alone.
SOP: SOP-DIF-02 (Weather-Correlated Insulation Fault Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: IEC 60364 (insulation testing), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, IS 12290
Diagram: Cable Route and Joint Location Drawing
Case Study: Division 25 — Field Case Study Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault is reported only during dry periods and clears or does not recur once rain returns — the reverse pattern of a typical moisture fault — most often surfacing as an earthing/grounding-related trip, a dust-related dimming, or a heat-related step fault.
Airfield earthing/grounding system, exposed connectors and lenses subject to dust and contamination, and any component whose behaviour is temperature-linked to dry-season heat.
Re-test earth resistance and/or luminance at the same location during the next dry spell and confirm the corrected value holds within the acceptable range.
SOP: SOP-DIF-03 (Seasonal Earthing Verification Procedure)
Standards: IS 3043 (earthing), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, IEEE 142
Diagram: Airfield Earthing/Grounding Layout Drawing
Case Study: Division 27 — Lightning Protection & Earthing
Symptom — Equipment operates correctly for a period after being switched on cold, then develops a fault — drift in output, a dropped fixture, a nuisance trip — once it has reached normal operating temperature.
CCR control electronics, thyristor/SCR banks, and any AGL component whose parameters are known to drift with self-heating during sustained operation.
Run the corrected equipment through a full sustained-operation cycle matching or exceeding the original time-to-fault and confirm no drift or fault recurs.
SOP: SOP-DIF-04 (Thermal Drift Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-10, ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: CCR Cabinet Thermal Layout Drawing
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault appears specifically once equipment reaches an elevated operating or ambient temperature — during peak daytime heat, after extended full-load running, or in a poorly ventilated enclosure — and clears once the equipment cools.
CCR cabinets, isolation transformers, and any AGL component subject to a temperature-dependent thermal cutout, derating, or component failure mode.
Run the corrected equipment through a full heat-soak cycle under conditions equal to or more severe than the original fault conditions and confirm no recurrence.
SOP: SOP-DIF-05 (Elevated-Temperature Fault Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-10, IS 12290
Diagram: CCR/Transformer Thermal Rating Chart
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault — a dark fixture, a nuisance trip, or a flicker — appears specifically during cold starts, early-morning low-temperature operation, or in winter conditions, and clears once the equipment warms up or ambient temperature rises.
Any AGL component subject to cold-related contraction, condensation, or low-temperature material and electronic behaviour — connectors, cable jackets, isolation transformers, and CCR electronics.
Confirm the fault does not recur through at least two further cold-start cycles under conditions similar to or colder than the original report.
SOP: SOP-DIF-06 (Cold-Start Fault Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-10, IS 12290
Diagram: Base Can Winterisation Detail Drawing
Case Study: Division 25 — Field Case Study Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault — a fixture dropping out, an earth-fault trip, or abnormal harmonics — appears only when the CCR is commanded to a higher intensity step and is absent at lower steps.
CCR output stage and the full series circuit under it, evaluated across its full range of commanded intensity steps.
Hold the circuit at the previously faulting step for an extended period after repair and confirm no recurrence, then re-verify across the full step range.
SOP: SOP-DIF-07 (Step-Dependent Fault Diagnostic Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5345-10, IEC 60364
Diagram: CCR Step-Output Trend Template
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault — flicker, dimming below spec, or an unstable output — appears only when the CCR is commanded to a lower intensity step and is absent at higher steps.
CCR output/regulation stage and the series circuit under it, particularly its behaviour at minimum or reduced-output configurations.
Hold the circuit at the previously faulting low step for an extended period and confirm stable, flicker-free output before closing out.
SOP: SOP-DIF-08 (Low-Step Regulation Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5345-10
Diagram: CCR Regulation Range Specification Sheet
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault — a nuisance trip, a fixture dropout, or a visible flash/flicker — occurs specifically during a CCR intensity-step change, circuit changeover, or on/off switching event, rather than during steady-state operation at any step.
CCR switching/contactor stage, transfer/changeover equipment, and any downstream component sensitive to switching transients.
Cycle the switching event (step change, energisation, or changeover) repeatedly under representative conditions and confirm no recurrence of the fault or trip.
SOP: SOP-DIF-09 (Switching Transient Diagnostic Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: IEC 60364, FAA AC 150/5345-10
Diagram: CCR Switching/Contactor Schematic
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault clears completely as soon as the CCR, ALCMS panel, or affected fixture is power-cycled or restarted, with no component replacement, and the equipment then runs normally — until the fault eventually recurs, often unpredictably.
CCR/ALCMS control electronics and firmware, and any component whose fault signature is consistent with a transient upset rather than a hard failure.
Monitor the equipment closely over an extended period after the underlying cause is addressed (firmware update, supply correction, or connection repair) and confirm the fault does not recur without a restart.
SOP: SOP-DIF-10 (Restart-Clearable Fault Logging Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-10, ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: CCR/ALCMS Event Log Template
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fault has been reliably reported — by a pilot, vehicle operator, or night inspection — but cannot be reproduced during a subsequent maintenance visit despite equipment appearing to test normally on every parameter checked.
Any AGL component or circuit where a genuine reported fault does not correlate with any abnormal reading during a standard follow-up test.
Where the fault is eventually reproduced, verify per the relevant condition-specific procedure. Where it remains unreproduced, verify only that the location has been placed under active monitoring rather than treating the absence of a repeat as confirmation of no fault.
SOP: SOP-DIF-11 (Non-Reproducible Fault Investigation Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5340-30
Diagram: Structured Intermittent Fault Report Form
Case Study: Division 22 — DIF-545 Recurring Unidentified Fault
Symptom — A fixture or circuit segment exhibits an intermittent open, high-resistance, or short condition traced specifically to an L-823 or similar field connector, rather than the cable, transformer, or fixture itself.
L-823 series/secondary connectors and equivalent field-mate connectors throughout the AGL network, including their base-can mounting and strain relief.
Re-test the replaced or reseated connector under mechanical flex and, where possible, monitor over several operating cycles including varying weather conditions before closing out.
SOP: SOP-DIF-12 (Intermittent Connector Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46 (L-823/L-824), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: L-823 Connector Assembly Detail
Case Study: Division 07 — Taxiway Lighting Troubleshooting
Symptom — A circuit exhibits an intermittent open, short, or insulation-resistance drop traced to the primary series cable itself — not a connector or joint — typically appearing under specific mechanical, thermal, or moisture conditions and clearing otherwise.
Primary series circuit cable between base cans, including any buried, ducted, or exposed sections along the affected run.
Re-test the repaired segment by megger and, where the original fault was condition-dependent, under the same flex or thermal conditions that originally reproduced it, before backfilling or closing out.
SOP: SOP-DIF-13 (Intermittent Cable Fault Location Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: IEC 60364, ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, IS 12290
Diagram: Cable Route and Joint Location Drawing
Case Study: Division 08 — Taxiway Centreline / Guidance Lighting Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fixture or group of fixtures exhibits an intermittent dropout, flicker, or earth-fault contribution traced specifically to an isolation transformer, which tests within tolerance on a static bench check but fails under live or mechanically disturbed conditions.
Series-circuit isolation transformers at individual fixtures, including their primary/secondary windings, potting/encapsulation, and base-can mounting.
Re-test the replacement transformer under load and mechanical flex, and monitor the fixture over several operating cycles before closing out.
SOP: SOP-DIF-14 (Intermittent Transformer Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46, IS 12290
Diagram: Isolation Transformer Wiring Detail
Case Study: Division 05 — Runway Centreline Lighting Troubleshooting
Symptom — A fixture flickers, drops out, or varies in output intermittently, with the transformer, connector, and cable feeding it all confirmed sound, pointing to the fixture body, lamp/LED module, or internal wiring itself.
AGL fixture body — lamp/LED module, internal wiring, lens/optic assembly, and driver electronics where applicable — with the upstream circuit confirmed fault-free.
Reinstall the repaired or replacement fixture and monitor over several operating cycles, including varying intensity steps and weather, before closing out.
SOP: SOP-DIF-15 (Intermittent Fixture Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-46, ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: Fixture Internal Wiring Diagram
Case Study: Division 06 — Touchdown Zone Lighting Troubleshooting
Symptom — A CCR exhibits an intermittent fault — an output drop, an unexpected trip, a step-command error, or an internal alarm — that does not correlate with a specific external circuit condition and appears to originate within the CCR itself.
CCR power stage (thyristor/SCR bank, transformer), control card, and internal protection/monitoring circuitry.
Run the repaired CCR through an extended operating cycle across its full step range, including switching events and, where practical, extended full-load duration, confirming no recurrence.
SOP: SOP-DIF-16 (Intermittent CCR Diagnostic Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: FAA AC 150/5345-10, IEEE C57 (transformer/power electronics)
Diagram: CCR Internal Power and Control Schematic
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — A CCR, ALCMS panel, or field device intermittently loses or corrupts its communication link — fieldbus, Modbus/SCADA, or fibre — producing sporadic status errors, lost commands, or false alarms without a corresponding physical output fault.
ALCMS/SCADA communication network, including fieldbus wiring or fibre runs, media converters, network switches, and communication cards at the CCR or remote I/O end.
Monitor the communication error log over an extended period after repair, including through the specific conditions (switching events, weather) that previously correlated with the fault, and confirm no recurrence.
SOP: SOP-DIF-17 (Intermittent Communication Fault Diagnostic Procedure)
Standards: IEC 61850 (where applicable), FAA AC 150/5345-10
Diagram: ALCMS/SCADA Communication Network Schematic
Case Study: Division 01 — CCR Troubleshooting
Symptom — Two or more separate circuits, fixtures, or systems develop intermittent faults at overlapping times, raising the question of whether they share a common root cause rather than being coincidental independent failures.
Multiple AGL circuits, systems, or components potentially sharing a common upstream supply, earthing system, environmental exposure, or maintenance history.
After addressing the shared root cause, monitor all previously affected circuits simultaneously over an extended period and confirm all resolve together rather than one recurring independently.
SOP: SOP-DIF-18 (Common-Cause Multi-Fault Investigation Procedure)
Standards: IEC 60364, IS 3043 (earthing), ICAO Annex 14 Vol I
Diagram: Airfield Single-Line Diagram (Supply, Earthing, and Routing)
Case Study: Division 24 — Complete Runway Lighting Failure
Symptom — A confirmed insulation, continuity, or earth-fault condition exists somewhere within a buried or ducted cable run, but the fault location cannot be determined from accessible base cans, pull boxes, or surface inspection alone.
Buried or ducted primary series cable, joints, and duct/handhole infrastructure between accessible above-grade access points.
Re-megger and load-test the repaired and backfilled segment, and update the as-built drawing with the confirmed route and repair location before closing out.
SOP: SOP-DIF-19 (Buried Cable Fault Location Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure)
Standards: IEC 60364, ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, IS 12290
Diagram: Underground Cable Route and Duct Layout Drawing
Case Study: Division 08 — Taxiway Centreline / Guidance Lighting Troubleshooting
Symptom — The same fault symptom recurs repeatedly at the same location or circuit over an extended period despite multiple maintenance visits, component replacements, or repairs, with no single corrective action yet producing a lasting fix.
Any AGL circuit or component with an open, chronic fault history spanning multiple maintenance cycles and, typically, more than one prior corrective attempt.
Monitor the location through at least one full seasonal cycle and multiple representative operating conditions after the systemic correction, and confirm no recurrence before considering the chronic ticket closed.
SOP: SOP-DIF-20 (Chronic Recurring Fault Root-Cause Procedure)
Standards: ICAO Annex 14 Vol I, FAA AC 150/5340-30, IS 12290
Diagram: Chronic Fault Register Template
Case Study: Division 22 — DIF-536 Fault Cannot Be Reproduced
Quick answers about Division 22 — Difficult / Intermittent Faults Troubleshooting in the AGL Troubleshooting Atlas.
Division 22 is the Difficult / Intermittent Faults Troubleshooting reference. It publishes 20 diagnostic topics, DIF-526 to DIF-545, in a single subsection.
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 20 topics are DIF-526 to DIF-545: Fault Appears Only at Night; Fault Appears Only During Rain; Fault Appears Only During Dry Weather; Fault Appears After Warm-Up; Fault Appears When Equipment Is Hot; Fault Appears When Equipment Is Cold; Fault Appears at Higher CCR Step; Fault Appears at Lower CCR Step; Fault Appears During Switching; Fault Disappears After Restart; Fault Cannot Be Reproduced; Intermittent Connector Fault; Intermittent Cable Fault; Intermittent Transformer Fault; Intermittent Fixture Fault; Intermittent CCR Fault; Intermittent Communication Fault; Multiple Simultaneous Intermittent Faults; Hidden Underground Fault; Recurring Unidentified Fault.
Each procedure starts with observation before any intervention. For example, DIF-526 (Fault Appears Only at Night) begins: Cross-check every reported occurrence against the night flight-check log and any available CCR trend history to confirm the fault is genuinely absent during daytime energised checks.
Each topic lists its own precautions. For example, DIF-526 (Fault Appears Only at Night) starts with: Coordinate all night airside access through ATC/apron control before approaching any fixture on an active movement area.
Related references in the topics include SOP-DIF-01 (Night-Correlated Fault Capture Procedure), SOP-DIF-02 (Weather-Correlated Insulation Fault Procedure), SOP-CCR-04 (CCR LOTO Procedure), SOP-DIF-03 (Seasonal Earthing Verification Procedure), SOP-DIF-04 (Thermal Drift Diagnostic Procedure), SOP-DIF-05 (Elevated-Temperature Fault Diagnostic Procedure), SOP-DIF-06 (Cold-Start Fault Diagnostic Procedure) and SOP-DIF-07 (Step-Dependent Fault Diagnostic Procedure), and 13 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, IEC 60364, IS 12290, IS 3043, IEEE 142, FAA AC 150/5345-10, FAA AC 150/5345-46, IEEE C57 and IEC 61850.
Use the search box at the top of the page to filter the 20 published topics by code, fault name or keyword; matching topics open automatically. Each diagnostic record can also be downloaded as a Word (.doc) file.
Intermittent faults are the hardest category in this entire manual — present one moment, gone the next, and easy to write off as a one-off.
Build the technical knowledge to understand data-logging strategies, thermal and vibration-induced intermittents, and how to design a test that actually catches a fault that won't stay still.
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