Low Intensity Obstruction Light
For applicable low-intensity obstacle-marking applications.
View Details Obstruction Lighting
Dual / Combination Beacon for Aviation Obstacles
Multiple obstruction-lighting functions in one coordinated assembly
Dual and combination beacons suit structures where more than one lighting mode, intensity or operating characteristic is required by the approved obstruction-lighting arrangement, configured for functions, operating conditions, control philosophy and aviation authority requirements.
Supplied by Precision AGL Solutions
Product Overview
Dual / Combination Beacon
What It Is
Dual or combination beacons combine multiple obstruction-lighting functions within a coordinated system, for towers, communication masts, industrial structures, tall infrastructure and other aviation obstacles.
A combination beacon may integrate different lighting characteristics into one assembly, simplifying equipment installation while maintaining the required obstruction-lighting functions. It can reduce layout, cabling and maintenance effort versus separate units where the project permits.
May Combine Different
- Light intensities and light colours
- Flash characteristics and operating modes
- Day/night functions
- Control states and monitoring functions
Applications
Considered for Each Structure Type
Towers & mastsCommunication towers and telecommunications masts.
Industrial & utilityTall industrial structures, utility and transmission structures.
Airport-adjacentAirport-adjacent infrastructure, elevated platforms and major installations.
Multi-modeTowers requiring multiple modes or coordinated intensity arrangements.
New & modernizationNew installations, replacement and modernization projects.
Monitored systemsSystems requiring integrated monitoring and control.
Determine the final configuration from the approved obstruction-lighting assessment and applicable aviation requirements.
Combination Lighting Configuration
Selected According to Project Requirements
Configuration Is Determined By
- Structure height and location
- Applicable aviation authority, required light classification
- Day/night operating requirements
- Required intensity and colour, flashing or steady operation
- Existing lighting infrastructure, control and monitoring requirements
Verification
Always confirm the final configuration against the approved aviation obstruction-lighting design.
Key Features
Coordinated Multi-Function Assembly
Multiple functionsMultiple obstruction-lighting functions in one coordinated assembly.
ConfigurableConfigurable intensity arrangements, aviation-specified colour options, steady and/or flashing modes where applicable.
SynchronizationSynchronization capability where required.
Control & monitoringIntegrated control options, local and remote monitoring options.
CompactStructure-mounted, compact equipment arrangement.
Outdoor-ratedOutdoor environmental construction, suitable for new and retrofit applications, project-specific electrical and mounting configurations.
Technical Data
Typical Specification
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Beacon type | Dual / combination obstruction beacon |
| Lighting modes | Configuration dependent |
| Intensity | Project and classification dependent |
| Colour | Aviation-specified, configuration dependent |
| Operation | Steady, flashing or combined modes |
| Flash characteristics | Configuration dependent |
| Light source | LED or approved source |
| Power supply | Model dependent |
| Power consumption | Model dependent |
| Monitoring | Local and/or remote, where specified |
| Control | Integrated or external, configuration dependent |
| Mounting | Tower, mast, platform or project-specific |
| Dimensions | Model dependent |
| Environmental protection | Outdoor-rated construction, configuration dependent |
| Operating temperature | Model dependent |
| Cable / connection | Project-specific interface |
Confirm exact optical, electrical, mechanical and environmental parameters against the selected beacon configuration.
Dual Lighting Operation
Two Distinct Functions From One Assembly
Functions May Operate According To
- Day operation, night operation
- Reduced-visibility conditions, required intensity changes
- Aviation authority requirements, automatic control states
Control Philosophy
Establish the operating sequence during project engineering and reflect it in the approved control philosophy.
Obstacle Light Types
Mode and Colour Follow the Light Type
| Light type | Mode and colour (ICAO Annex 14 Ch. 6) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Low-intensity, Types A and B | Steady (fixed) red | Lower levels of a structure, and low obstacles |
| Medium-intensity, Type A | Flashing white (about 20,000 cd by day and twilight, 2,000 cd at night) | Day, twilight and night marking of structures |
| Medium-intensity, Type B | Flashing red | Night marking; often paired with Type A as a dual system |
| Medium-intensity, Type C | Steady red | Night marking of extensive objects |
| High-intensity, Types A and B | Flashing white (about 200,000 cd Type A or 100,000 cd Type B by day, 20,000 cd at twilight, 2,000 cd at night) | Tall structures; day and twilight marking, reduced at night |
Dual Lighting Systems
- White flashing in day and twilight, red at night is a common dual arrangement (FAA uses red/white dual systems)
- Changeover is made by a photocell or controller at defined ambient light levels
- All lights on one structure should flash together unless the design states otherwise
- Failure of a light should raise an alarm, and the authority should be told if it cannot be restored quickly
Engineering Note
Intensity values, number of levels and spacing come from the approved obstruction-lighting assessment. Medium and high-intensity levels differ between ICAO and FAA, so confirm the standard used for the project.
Intensity Selection
Determined by the Approved Assessment
Required Combination Can Depend On
- Structure height and location
- Aviation obstacle classification
- Day/night visibility requirements
- Applicable regulations, surrounding lighting, required conspicuity
Principle
Do not select intensity solely by structure height. The approved aviation obstruction-lighting assessment determines the configuration.
Flash Operation
Specified Flash Characteristics
May Include
- Defined flash duration, flash interval, repetition rate
- Coordinated operation, synchronization between units
- Automatic operating-mode changes
Confirmation
Exact flash characteristics are configuration-dependent; confirm during technical selection.
Synchronization
Coordinated Operation Across Units
Coordinates
- Multiple beacons
- Upper and intermediate lighting levels
- Separate obstruction-lighting assemblies
- Local controllers and central control equipment
Method
Depending on the project, synchronization may use a dedicated timing arrangement or another approved reference.
Monitoring & Fault Detection
Operational Status and Fault Information
Possible Monitoring Functions
- Light-source and individual lighting-mode status
- Power, controller, flashing and communication status
- Fault indication, remote alarm output
Integration
Integrate with an existing site SCADA, building-management or airport infrastructure system where compatible interfaces are required.
Automatic Control
Defined Conditions, Reliable Mode Selection
Control Functions May Include
- Automatic day/night switching, photocell input
- Lighting-mode selection, flash control
- Synchronization, system enable/disable
- Fault reporting, remote status indication
Principle
The architecture should ensure the required lighting mode is selected reliably and abnormal operating conditions can be identified.
Electrical Configuration
Engineered for Each Function
Important Considerations
- Supply voltage, AC/DC configuration, power consumption
- Circuit, surge and lightning protection
- Cable routing, connector arrangement, earthing
- Control and monitoring interfaces
Principle
Where several functions share one beacon, the design should clearly identify supply and control requirements for each function.
Mounting Arrangements
Secure Support on Elevated Structures
Typical Applications
- Tower platforms, mast tops
- Structural brackets, equipment platforms
- Rooftop structures, dedicated beacon support assemblies
Principle
Maintain the required optical orientation with secure support under site wind and vibration conditions, and provide access for inspection, testing and maintenance.
Environmental Performance
Outdoor Exposure
Beacons May Be Exposed To
- Wind, rain and moisture, dust, solar radiation
- Temperature variation, vibration
- Coastal environments, industrial contamination, severe weather
Material Selection
Select enclosure, optics, fasteners and mounting materials for site conditions. For corrosive environments, consider suitable materials and protective finishes during engineering.
Installation Considerations
Confirm Before Installing
Confirm
- Approved configuration, required functions
- Structure height and geometry, mounting position, optical orientation
- Required intensity, colour, flashing characteristics
- Electrical supply, control, monitoring, synchronization
Also Confirm
- Cable routing, lightning and surge protection
- Maintenance access
- Install per approved project drawings and applicable aviation requirements
System Architecture
A Typical Combination-Beacon Arrangement
Combination beaconIntegrated lighting functions
Local controllerMode selection, flash, synchronization
Power supplyPer function requirements
Monitoring / alarm interfaceStatus and fault outputs
Larger installations may connect multiple beacon assemblies to a common control and monitoring system, adapted for lighting levels, redundancy, monitoring philosophy and site infrastructure.
Commissioning
Verify All Integrated Functions
InspectBeacon, mounting, optical orientation
ElectricalConnections, supply voltage, protection
Test functionsEach lighting function, colour and optical output
Flash & syncFlashing characteristics, synchronization
ControlAutomatic mode selection
MonitoringAlarm outputs, cable entries, sealing
RecordCommissioning results
Where required, perform photometric and functional verification with suitable calibrated equipment.
Maintenance
Each Function Still Needs Periodic Verification
Routine Maintenance May Include
- Visual inspection, cleaning optical surfaces
- Checking mounting hardware, cable entries, electrical connections
- Testing each lighting mode, flash operation, synchronization
- Testing monitoring signals, inspecting enclosure integrity, replacing damaged components
Intervals
Follow manufacturer recommendations, site procedures and applicable aviation requirements.
Troubleshooting
Typical Conditions and Checks
| Condition | Possible Cause | Recommended Check |
|---|---|---|
| One lighting function not operating | Power, control or light-source fault | Check corresponding supply and controller |
| Entire beacon not operating | Loss of power or common control fault | Check supply, protection and controller |
| Incorrect operating mode | Control or configuration issue | Verify mode-selection logic |
| Flashing incorrect | Controller or configuration fault | Check flash settings |
| Multiple beacons unsynchronized | Timing or communication fault | Inspect synchronization system |
| Monitoring alarm active | Light, controller or communication fault | Review system status |
| Reduced optical output | Dirty or damaged optical surface | Inspect and clean optical components |
| Moisture inside enclosure | Seal or cable-entry issue | Inspect enclosure and sealing |
| Mechanical movement | Loose mounting | Inspect and secure mounting hardware |
Replacement & Retrofit
Consolidating Legacy Equipment
Retrofit Assessment Should Consider
- Existing lighting classifications, beacon positions
- Required intensity, colour, flash characteristics
- Structure geometry, existing power supply, cable configuration
- Control system, monitoring interfaces, synchronization
- Current aviation requirements
Principle
Modernization may consolidate separate legacy equipment. Select a combination beacon only where its integrated functions satisfy the complete approved obstruction-lighting requirement.
Procurement Checklist
For Combination Beacon Selection, Provide
Structure & Lighting
- Structure type, height, location
- Applicable aviation authority
- Existing obstruction-lighting configuration
- Required lighting modes, intensity levels, colours
- Steady or flashing operation, flash characteristics
System & Site
- Number of beacon positions
- Available power supply, existing control system
- Synchronization and monitoring requirements
- Mounting arrangement, environmental conditions
- New installation or retrofit status
Standards & References
Authority- and Project-Dependent
Review Against
- ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I, Chapter 6 (obstacle lighting) and Doc 9157 Part 4
- FAA AC 70/7460-1 (obstruction marking and lighting; edition 1N issued 11 Aug 2026, cancelling 1M) with AC 150/5345-43J (obstruction lighting equipment)
- DGCA India CAR Section 4 and aviation authority NOC conditions
- Approved project documentation
- Current authority criteria
- National aviation regulation, airport standard or engineering specification where specific
Principle
Requirements vary by structure type, location, lighting classification and authority. Confirm during final product selection.
Documentation & Support
Technical Selection and Documentation
Documentation May Include
- Product datasheet, photometric information
- Electrical specifications, mounting drawings, wiring diagrams
- Installation and maintenance instructions
- Control-system, synchronization, monitoring and alarm information
- Compliance documentation, where applicable
Why Precision AGL Solutions
We supply obstruction-lighting equipment for towers, masts, industrial structures and airport infrastructure, supporting multi-function and multi-level systems, flash synchronization, monitoring and alarm integration, modernization and technical selection and documentation.
FAQ
Dual / Combination Beacon — Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dual or combination beacon?
A dual or combination beacon combines multiple obstruction-lighting functions in one coordinated assembly for towers, communication masts, industrial structures, tall infrastructure and other aviation obstacles. It may integrate different light intensities and colours, flash characteristics and operating modes, day and night functions, and control and monitoring functions. Where the project permits, it can reduce layout, cabling and maintenance effort compared with separate units.
What are the obstacle light types and their colours?
Under ICAO Annex 14 Chapter 6, low-intensity Types A and B are steady red. Medium-intensity Type A is flashing white, about 20,000 cd by day and twilight and 2,000 cd at night, Type B is flashing red and Type C is steady red. High-intensity Types A and B are flashing white, about 200,000 cd for Type A or 100,000 cd for Type B by day, 20,000 cd at twilight and 2,000 cd at night. The mode and colour follow the light type.
What is a dual lighting system?
A common dual arrangement is white flashing light in day and twilight and red at night, and the FAA uses red/white dual systems. The changeover is made by a photocell or controller at defined ambient light levels. All lights on one structure should flash together unless the design states otherwise, and the control philosophy should be established during project engineering.
How is the required intensity decided?
The approved aviation obstruction-lighting assessment determines it. It can depend on structure height and location, the aviation obstacle classification, day and night visibility requirements, the applicable regulations, surrounding lighting and the required conspicuity. Intensity should not be selected solely by structure height, and medium and high-intensity levels differ between ICAO and FAA, so confirm the standard used for the project.
Which structures use dual or combination beacons?
They are considered for communication towers and telecommunications masts, tall industrial structures, utility and transmission structures, airport-adjacent infrastructure, elevated platforms and major installations. They also suit towers needing multiple modes or coordinated intensity arrangements, new installations, replacement and modernization projects, and systems requiring integrated monitoring and control. The final configuration comes from the approved obstruction-lighting assessment and applicable aviation requirements.
How are flash and synchronization handled?
Flash characteristics, such as duration, interval and repetition rate, are configuration-dependent and should be confirmed during technical selection. Synchronization can coordinate multiple beacons, upper and intermediate lighting levels, separate obstruction-lighting assemblies, and local and central controllers. Depending on the project, it may use a dedicated timing arrangement or another approved reference.
What monitoring and automatic control can a combination beacon have?
Monitoring can cover light-source and individual lighting-mode status, power, controller, flashing and communication status, fault indication and remote alarm output, and it can be integrated with an existing SCADA, building-management or airport infrastructure system. Automatic control can include day/night switching with a photocell input, mode selection, flash control, synchronization, enable/disable, fault reporting and remote status indication. A failed light should raise an alarm, and the authority should be told if it cannot be restored quickly.
What electrical, mounting and environmental points need attention?
Consider the supply voltage, AC/DC configuration, power consumption, circuit, surge and lightning protection, cable routing, connectors, earthing and the control and monitoring interfaces, and identify the supply and control needs of each function. Mounting on tower platforms, mast tops, brackets or rooftop structures must hold the optical orientation under site wind and vibration and allow access for inspection and maintenance. Select enclosure, optics, fasteners and mounting materials for wind, rain, dust, solar radiation, temperature variation and, where relevant, coastal or industrial corrosion.
What are the common faults and checks?
If one lighting function is not operating, check its supply, controller and light source. If the whole beacon is out, check the supply, protection and controller. An incorrect operating mode points to mode-selection logic, incorrect flashing to the flash settings and unsynchronized beacons to the timing or communication system. Reduced optical output suggests a dirty or damaged optical surface, moisture inside the enclosure suggests a seal or cable-entry problem and mechanical movement suggests loose mounting hardware. An active monitoring alarm should be reviewed against the system status.
Can a combination beacon replace legacy obstruction-lighting equipment?
Modernization may consolidate separate legacy equipment, but a combination beacon should be selected only where its integrated functions satisfy the complete approved obstruction-lighting requirement. The retrofit assessment should consider the existing lighting classifications and beacon positions, required intensity, colour and flash characteristics, structure geometry, existing power supply and cable configuration, control system, monitoring interfaces, synchronization and current aviation requirements.
Which standards apply to combination beacons?
Review against ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I Chapter 6 on obstacle lighting and Doc 9157 Part 4, FAA AC 70/7460-1 (edition 1N issued 11 Aug 2026, cancelling 1M) together with AC 150/5345-43J on obstruction lighting equipment, and DGCA India CAR Section 4 and aviation authority NOC conditions. Also review the approved project documentation, current authority criteria and any national regulation, airport standard or engineering specification. Requirements vary by structure type, location, lighting classification and authority.
What information is needed to select a combination beacon?
Provide the structure type, height and location, the applicable aviation authority, the existing obstruction-lighting configuration, and the required lighting modes, intensity levels, colours, steady or flashing operation and flash characteristics. Also provide the number of beacon positions, the available power supply, any existing control system, synchronization and monitoring requirements, the mounting arrangement, environmental conditions and whether it is a new installation or a retrofit.
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
Request Combination Beacon Selection
Planning a coordinated obstruction-lighting system for a tower, mast, industrial structure or other aviation obstacle? Send the structure height, location, existing lighting arrangement, required lighting modes, intensity requirements, operating characteristics, power supply and applicable project specification. We can review the application and recommend the appropriate Dual / Combination Beacon configuration, including lighting modes, optical characteristics, mounting, control and monitoring interfaces.
- Emailprecisionaglsolutions@gmail.com
- Websiterahulsharmaagl.in
- LinkedInPrecision AGL Solutions
- Phone+91 98214 96412
Engineering Note
Dual and combination beacon configurations are application- and authority-dependent. Lighting modes, intensity, colour, flash characteristics, synchronization, control functions and installation arrangement must be confirmed against the approved aviation obstruction-lighting assessment and current project requirements.
Complete this confirmation before procurement or installation.
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.