LED Retrofit Module
LED light-source module for upgrading compatible existing airfield lighting fixtures.
View Details Replacement Parts
AGL Driver / Ballast for Fixture Replacement & Retrofit
Matched to the fixture, light source and electrical configuration
Drivers and ballasts regulate the electrical operation of compatible airfield light sources and are important replacement components during maintenance. The range supports compatible fixtures, LED retrofit applications and legacy lighting systems where the electrical interface requires replacement or refurbishment.
Supplied by Precision AGL Solutions
Introduction
AGL Driver / Ballast
What It Does
Drivers and ballasts regulate the electrical operation of compatible airfield light sources and are important replacement components during maintenance. The AGL Driver / Ballast range supports compatible fixtures, LED retrofit applications and legacy lighting systems where the electrical interface requires replacement or refurbishment.
Selection
Select the correct driver or ballast according to the fixture model, light source, input supply and existing electrical configuration. Compatibility is particularly important when upgrading conventional fixtures to LED technology.
Applications
Where Drivers / Ballasts Are Used
- LED airfield lighting fixtures
- Existing conventional lighting systems
- LED retrofit applications
- Airfield lighting refurbishment
- Lifecycle replacement
- Maintenance and repair
- Fixture electrical upgrades
- Replacement of obsolete or damaged drivers
- Halogen-to-LED conversion projects
- Airport lighting rehabilitation programs
Key Features
Compatibility-Led Replacement
- Designed for compatible airfield lighting applications
- Supports controlled electrical operation of the intended light source
- Suitable for LED fixtures and selected legacy systems
- Available for replacement and retrofit applications
- Selection based on fixture and light-source compatibility
- Electrical characteristics matched to the intended application
- Compact installation options for compatible equipment
- Suitable for maintenance and lifecycle replacement
- Supports standardised replacement of compatible electrical components
- Can be supplied with compatible connector arrangements where specified
Technical Data
Typical Requirements
| Parameter | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Input Characteristics | Selected according to fixture and available supply |
| Output Characteristics | Matched to the compatible light source and fixture |
| Power | Selected according to connected light source requirements |
| Frequency | Compatible with the applicable electrical supply (50 Hz or 60 Hz) |
| Circuit type | Series (constant-current, through an isolating transformer) or parallel (constant-voltage) |
| Brightness steps | Output must follow the CCR or dimmer steps used on the circuit |
| Protection | Selected according to application and fixture requirements |
| Dimensions | Suitable for the available installation space |
| Connectors | Compatible with existing or specified fixture connections |
| Fixture Compatibility | Determined by fixture model, light source and electrical configuration |
| Installation | Internal or external installation according to fixture design |
LED Driver & Ballast Applications
Match the Electrical Interface to the Light Source
LED Driver Applications
LED light sources need an appropriate electrical interface for controlled operation. The driver supplies the conditions required by the compatible LED module or fixture and must be matched to the LED light source, not selected solely by physical dimensions. For retrofits, evaluate it together with:
- LED retrofit module
- Existing fixture
- Input supply
- Internal wiring
- Connector arrangement
- Protection requirements
- Monitoring or control system
- Circuit type: series (constant-current) or parallel (constant-voltage)
On a series circuit, the driver must work from the transformer secondary current at every CCR brightness step, hold stable output across the steps, and present a load the CCR can regulate. LED loads change the circuit power factor and load profile, so confirm the CCR rating and the number of fixtures per circuit.
An unsuitable driver can affect LED operation, reliability and overall fixture performance.
Ballast Applications
Ballasts are associated with discharge or fluorescent sources in legacy equipment. Halogen lamps in series-circuit fixtures normally run directly from the isolating transformer secondary and have no ballast. Replacement should consider the original fixture design and lamp characteristics, and be compatible with:
- Existing lamp type
- Lamp rating
- Fixture electrical arrangement
- Input supply
- Internal wiring
- Connection system
- Available installation space
For systems converting to LED, the existing ballast may need to be replaced or removed as part of the approved retrofit arrangement.
Fixture Compatibility
The Primary Selection Consideration
Review Where Available
- Fixture manufacturer
- Fixture model
- Existing light source
- Existing driver or ballast model
- Input voltage
- Frequency
- Output characteristics
- Connector type
- Physical dimensions
- Internal mounting arrangement
- Fixture application
Why It Matters
Providing the existing driver or ballast information helps identify a suitable replacement and reduces the risk of installing an incompatible component.
Electrical Characteristics & Protection
Matched to the Complete Fixture Assembly
Electrical Characteristics
Selection may include evaluation of:
- Input voltage
- Input frequency
- Input current
- Output voltage
- Output current
- Output power
- Operating range
- Protection features
- Electrical connections
Confirm against the fixture manufacturer's requirements or approved retrofit configuration before installation.
Protection Features
Airfield equipment operates in demanding outdoor environments. Depending on the specific driver or ballast, protection may include suitable measures for:
- Electrical overload
- Short-circuit conditions
- Thermal conditions
- Input disturbances and surges
- Open-circuit or secondary-side faults
- Abnormal operating conditions
Consider protection as part of the complete fixture electrical design rather than a standalone component specification.
Mechanical Installation & Thermal
Secure Mounting and Heat Dissipation
Mechanical Installation
Install securely using the mounting arrangement specified for the compatible fixture. Considerations:
- Available mounting space
- Fixing points
- Clearance from other components
- Cable routing
- Connector access
- Heat dissipation
- Service accessibility
- Environmental protection
The installation should not interfere with optical components, moving parts, covers, seals or other fixture assemblies.
Thermal Characteristics
Thermal performance matters for both LED drivers and conventional ballasts. Install within the specified operating conditions, with adequate clearance for heat dissipation where required.
For retrofits, review the thermal conditions inside the existing fixture, as the original enclosure may have been designed around a different light source and electrical component.
Connectors & Electrical Interface
Check Connector Compatibility
Check For
- Connector type
- Pin arrangement
- Cable size
- Polarity where applicable
- Electrical rating
- Mechanical fit
- Environmental protection
Connection
Replacement drivers and ballasts may connect directly to existing fixture wiring or use a specified connector arrangement.
Where the existing connector is damaged, obsolete or incompatible, a Replacement Connector Kit may be required.
Retrofit Applications
A Complete-System Assessment
Existing fixtureModel and configuration
LED retrofit moduleLight-source conversion
DriverElectrical interface
Electrical supplyInput supply
During an LED retrofit, the driver or ballast is an important part of the overall conversion arrangement. All components should be compatible as a complete system. Replacing only one component without checking the complete electrical interface can result in incorrect operation or an unsuitable installation, so review the existing fixture model and driver information before selecting replacement components.
Maintenance & Inspection
Include in Fixture Inspections
Inspection May Include
- Correct fixture operation
- Physical condition
- Mounting security
- Electrical connections
- Connector condition
- Signs of overheating
- Moisture ingress
- Abnormal noise or operating behaviour where applicable
- Damage to wiring or insulation
- Compatibility with the installed light source
Normal Maintenance
Drivers and ballasts should be included within the normal maintenance inspection of the associated airfield lighting fixture.
Any component showing signs of damage, overheating or abnormal operation should be assessed before continued service.
Replacement & Legacy Systems
Lifecycle Maintenance
Replacement and Lifecycle
Drivers and ballasts are replaceable components and may require renewal during a fixture's service life, because of:
- Component failure
- Electrical degradation
- Obsolescence
- Fixture refurbishment
- LED conversion
- Availability of replacement components
- Planned lifecycle maintenance
- Damage during maintenance
Where the fixture remains suitable, replacing the driver or ballast can be a controlled maintenance solution without replacing the complete fixture.
Legacy Lighting Systems
Existing installations may contain fixtures based on conventional light sources and older electrical arrangements. Base replacement selection on the existing fixture configuration rather than assuming compatibility with a current-generation component.
Where legacy components are no longer available, the preferred route may be a compatible retrofit module or a complete fixture upgrade.
Installation Considerations
Before Replacing a Driver or Ballast
- Fixture model
- Existing component model
- Light-source type
- Electrical supply
- Driver or ballast characteristics
- Connector arrangement
- Mounting arrangement
- Environmental conditions
- Available replacement documentation
After installation, check the fixture for correct electrical operation at every brightness step, and confirm that the light output still meets the required photometric performance. Isolate and lock off the CCR before opening any series circuit; never open an energised series circuit.
Safety
Electrical Safety — Isolation and Lock-Out
WARNING — never open a live series circuit. An open series circuit driven by a constant-current regulator can produce dangerously high voltage. Opening, cutting or disconnecting any part of an energised circuit can cause serious injury or death and damage equipment.
- De-energise the circuit at the regulator and apply the site lock-out / tag-out (LOTO) procedure before any work
- Where the circuit must be isolated or shorted, use the series circuit cut-out switch or approved isolation device — not an improvised bypass
- Verify the circuit is de-energised and the output is isolated before touching conductors, connectors, splices or transformers
- Work only under the airport's permit-to-work system, using qualified personnel and the manufacturer's instructions
- Follow the applicable national electrical safety regulations and site procedures
Standards & Project Requirements
Fixture and Project Requirements Take Precedence
Reference documents: FAA AC 150/5345-46F (light fixture specification), AC 150/5345-47C (isolating transformers), AC 150/5345-53D (equipment certification), FAA Engineering Brief 67 (non-incandescent light sources), ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I and Doc 9157 Parts 4 and 5. Verify the current edition of each before procurement.
Driver and ballast selection should follow the requirements of the compatible fixture, approved retrofit configuration, airport specifications and applicable project requirements.
Where the airfield authority or project documentation specifies a particular component, electrical interface or replacement procedure, those requirements take precedence. For retrofit projects, evaluate the driver as part of the complete fixture conversion rather than as an independent replacement component.
FAQ
AGL Driver / Ballast — Frequently Asked Questions
What does an AGL driver or ballast do?
Drivers and ballasts regulate the electrical operation of compatible airfield light sources and are important replacement components during maintenance. The range supports compatible fixtures, LED retrofit applications and legacy lighting systems where the electrical interface needs replacement or refurbishment. Selection depends on the fixture model, light source, input supply and existing electrical configuration.
What is the difference between an LED driver and a ballast?
An LED driver supplies the conditions an LED module or fixture needs for controlled operation and must be matched to the LED light source, not selected only by physical dimensions. Ballasts are associated with discharge or fluorescent sources in legacy equipment. Halogen lamps in series-circuit fixtures normally run directly from the isolating transformer secondary and have no ballast. When a system converts to LED, the existing ballast may need to be replaced or removed as part of the approved retrofit arrangement.
How do I select the correct replacement driver or ballast?
Fixture compatibility is the primary consideration. Where available, provide the fixture manufacturer and model, the existing light source, the existing driver or ballast model, input voltage, frequency, output characteristics, connector type, physical dimensions, the internal mounting arrangement and the fixture application. This information helps identify a suitable replacement and reduces the risk of installing an incompatible component.
What matters when a driver is used on a series circuit?
On a series circuit the driver must work from the transformer secondary current at every CCR brightness step, hold a stable output across the steps and present a load the CCR can regulate. LED loads change the circuit power factor and load profile, so confirm the CCR rating and the number of fixtures per circuit. An unsuitable driver can affect LED operation, reliability and overall fixture performance.
Which supply, frequency and protection features should be checked?
The frequency should be compatible with the applicable supply, 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and the circuit type is series (constant-current, through an isolating transformer) or parallel (constant-voltage). Output must follow the CCR or dimmer brightness steps used on the circuit. Depending on the specific unit, protection may cover electrical overload, short-circuit conditions, thermal conditions, input disturbances and surges, open-circuit or secondary-side faults and abnormal operating conditions. Confirm everything against the fixture manufacturer’s requirements or the approved retrofit configuration before installation.
What connector and mounting checks are needed?
Check the connector type, pin arrangement, cable size, polarity where applicable, electrical rating, mechanical fit and environmental protection. If the existing connector is damaged, obsolete or incompatible, a Replacement Connector Kit may be required. Install securely using the mounting arrangement specified for the fixture, allowing for fixing points, clearance, cable routing, connector access, heat dissipation and service accessibility, without interfering with optical components, covers or seals.
How does the driver fit into an LED retrofit?
During an LED retrofit the driver is part of the complete conversion: the existing fixture, the LED retrofit module, the driver and the electrical supply must all be compatible as a system. Replacing only one component without checking the complete electrical interface can result in incorrect operation or an unsuitable installation. Review the existing fixture model and driver information before selecting replacement components, and check the thermal conditions inside the fixture, because the original enclosure may have been designed around a different light source.
When do drivers and ballasts need replacing?
They are replaceable components and may need renewal because of component failure, electrical degradation, obsolescence, fixture refurbishment, LED conversion, availability of replacement parts, planned lifecycle maintenance or damage during maintenance. Where the fixture remains suitable, replacing the driver or ballast can be a controlled maintenance solution without replacing the complete fixture. For legacy systems, base the selection on the existing fixture configuration, and where legacy parts are no longer available the preferred route may be a compatible retrofit module or a complete fixture upgrade.
What should be checked after replacing or inspecting a driver or ballast?
After installation, check the fixture for correct electrical operation at every brightness step and confirm that the light output still meets the required photometric performance. Routine inspection should include the physical condition, mounting security, electrical connections, connector condition, signs of overheating, moisture ingress, abnormal noise or behaviour, damage to wiring or insulation and compatibility with the installed light source. Any component showing damage, overheating or abnormal operation should be assessed before continued service.
Which standards and requirements apply to drivers and ballasts?
Selection should follow the requirements of the compatible fixture, the approved retrofit configuration, airport specifications and applicable project requirements, and where the airfield authority or project documents specify a component, interface or procedure, those take precedence. Reference documents include FAA AC 150/5345-46F (light fixtures), AC 150/5345-47C (isolating transformers), AC 150/5345-53D (equipment certification), FAA Engineering Brief 67 (non-incandescent light sources), ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I and Doc 9157 Parts 4 and 5. Verify the current edition of each before procurement.
Is it safe to replace a driver or ballast while the series circuit is energised?
No. An open series circuit driven by a constant-current regulator can produce dangerously high voltage, and opening, cutting or disconnecting any part of an energised circuit can cause serious injury or death. Isolate and lock off the CCR first, apply the site lock-out / tag-out procedure, use the series circuit cut-out switch or an approved isolation device and work under the airport’s permit-to-work system. See the electrical safety warning on this page.
Procurement Information for Indian Projects
Indian public tenders commonly ask for the documents below. State which ones your tender requires when you send the enquiry, so they are covered in the quotation.
- Manufacturer / OEM authorisation
- Country of origin and local-content declaration (for Make in India purchase preference)
- Type-test and routine-test certificates, and the FAA / ICAO / IEC compliance documents named in the specification
- Datasheets, drawings and installation instructions
- Warranty, delivery period and spares support
- GeM catalogue or tender-portal requirements, where applicable
Provide Fixture Model and Existing Driver Information
We can support driver and ballast selection for maintenance, replacement and LED retrofit applications. Provide the fixture model and existing driver or ballast information for compatibility review.
- Emailprecisionaglsolutions@gmail.com
- Websiterahulsharmaagl.in
- LinkedInPrecision AGL Solutions
- Phone+91 98214 96412
Product Disclaimer
Product availability, configuration, dimensions, electrical characteristics, photometric performance, certifications and compliance status depend on the selected manufacturer and project specification. The technical values published on this page should not be treated as a substitute for the manufacturer's current approved Technical Data Sheet.
Final selection shall be based on the approved project specification, applicable aviation standards, authority requirements, manufacturer documentation and site conditions. Use of this page is also subject to the Legal Notice, Disclaimer & Terms of Use.
Standards and editions referenced on this site are listed on the Standards Reference page.