What is mounting hardware?
The bolts, washers and fittings that hold a fixture to its base or support, in position and in alignment.
Mounting hardware is the set of bolts, washers, clamps and fittings that fix a light fixture to its base or support. It holds the fixture in position and in alignment, and clamps it against the gasket at the joint.
1It holds position and aim
A fixture has to stay put through vibration, traffic, jet blast and wind. It also has to stay square, because a tilted fixture aims its light the wrong way. The same clamping force keeps the gasket compressed and the joint sealed.
2Inset and elevated fixtures mount differently
An inset fixture is typically bolted to the flange of a base can set in the pavement. An elevated fixture is typically mounted on a stake or base through a frangible coupling, so that it breaks away if hit. Follow the manufacturer’s arrangement, and never swap a frangible part for one that is not.
3Right parts, right torque
The usual faults are loose or missing bolts, corrosion, wrong torque or wrong parts, and poor seating. Tighten only to the value the manufacturer specifies, and replace hardware only with the specified type. Too little torque lets the fixture work loose; too much can damage the threads, flange or gasket.
| Part | What it does | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Bolts and washers | Clamp the fixture to its base | Loose, missing or corroded |
| Gasket and flange | Seat and seal the joint | Over-tightening crushes the gasket |
| Torque | Sets the clamping force | Wrong value loosens or damages |
| Alignment | Keeps the fixture aimed correctly | A tilted fixture aims wrongly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is mounting hardware on an airfield light fixture?
Mounting hardware is the set of bolts, screws, washers, clamps and fittings that fix a light fixture to its base or support. It holds the fixture in position and in alignment, and clamps it against the gasket or seal at the joint.
Q2How does mounting differ between inset and elevated fixtures?
An inset fixture is typically bolted to the flange of a base can set in the pavement. An elevated fixture is typically mounted on a stake or base through a frangible coupling, so that it breaks away if hit by an aircraft. The exact arrangement depends on the product, so follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Q3Why does the tightening torque matter?
The torque sets how hard the fixture is clamped. Too little and the bolts can work loose from vibration, so the fixture moves or tilts and the seal is lost. Too much and it can damage the threads, the flange or the gasket. Tighten to the value the manufacturer specifies.
Q4What happens when mounting hardware is loose, corroded or the wrong type?
A loose or missing bolt lets the fixture move, tilt or work free. Corroded hardware can seize and break when forced. Wrong parts, such as the wrong length, material or strength, weaken the fixing. A tilted fixture also aims its light in the wrong direction.
Q5How should mounting hardware be checked or replaced?
Only as the manufacturer's instructions allow. Look for loose, missing, corroded or damaged hardware and check that the fixture is seated square on its base. Replace hardware only with the specified type, and never replace a frangible part with one that is not frangible.
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