AGL Earthing Accessories for Grounding & Bonding

Earthing accessories give AGL equipment, structures and electrical systems their connection to the project earthing arrangement. They are the connection hardware and interfaces that integrate CCRs, signs, bases, boxes and associated infrastructure into the earthing system. Select them from the project electrical design, conductor requirements, equipment type, connection method and installation environment, and always follow the approved project electrical design.

They are used for grounding and bonding connections on CCR systems, airfield lighting cable infrastructure, equipment bases and metallic structures, junction boxes and underground infrastructure, and airfield lighting signs and electrical equipment installations. They suit new AGL installations, maintenance and rehabilitation projects.

Metallic enclosures, signs, bases and structures are bonded to the project earthing system for safety. Where the design specifies a counterpoise, a bare earth conductor is laid with the series cable, normally above it, to protect cables and equipment from lightning, and earthing accessories connect to it.

No. The primary series circuit is insulated from earth, and the regulator monitors it for earth leakage. An earthing accessory must never create a path from a series-circuit conductor to earth. After installation, check earth-resistance values against the design.

Select by conductor material and size, connection configuration, terminal or lug requirements, the equipment connection point, environmental exposure and the required accessibility. The connection method can also be influenced by equipment construction, mechanical requirements and project specifications. The result should be a secure interface suited to the intended installation, installed per the approved electrical design and applicable procedures.

For CCR systems, accessories provide the connection interfaces between the CCR equipment and the designated site earthing system. Metallic bases and support assemblies that need bonding get an interface between the equipment and the grounding conductor, positioned so the connection stays secure and accessible. Signs and other electrical equipment need an accessory suited to their construction and conductor arrangement, without interfering with cable routing, access covers or maintenance areas. Around cable infrastructure the accessory should be compatible with the cable system, conductor and connection hardware.

Connections at junction boxes, handholes, pits and other underground infrastructure may be exposed to moisture and soil, so the material and connection should be selected for the conditions at that location. Underground connections should stay protected while still allowing inspection or testing where the project design requires it.

Confirm the equipment or structure that needs grounding, the earthing and bonding arrangement, conductor type and size, the connection method and equipment connection point, the installation environment and accessibility, compatibility with the associated AGL equipment and existing site earthing, and the applicable project requirements. Earthing work should be carried out by appropriately qualified personnel following the approved electrical installation procedures.

Include them in the electrical inspection. Check connection security and integrity, conductor condition, signs of corrosion, mechanical damage and accessibility, continuity and earth-resistance tests as required, and the condition of the associated grounding infrastructure. Any damaged, loose or deteriorated connection should be assessed and rectified per the project maintenance procedure.

Yes. They can be used when upgrading or replacing existing AGL equipment and infrastructure. Review the existing grounding before connecting new equipment, and make sure replacement accessories suit the updated equipment, conductor and project earthing design. Select materials that resist the expected environment, such as moisture, temperature variation, soil contact and chemicals, so the connection stays reliable throughout its service period.

Principal references include FAA AC 150/5340-30J on design and installation details for airport visual aids, FAA AC 150/5370-10 Item L-108 on underground power cable and counterpoise, ICAO Doc 9157 Part 5 on electrical systems, IS 3043 on earthing and IEC 62305 on lightning protection, along with DGCA India CAR Section 4 and airport specifications. Confirm material, conductor compatibility, connection method and dimensions against the approved project earthing design.

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. De-energise the circuit at the regulator, apply the site lock-out / tag-out procedure, verify the circuit is de-energised and the output is isolated before touching conductors, connectors, splices or transformers, and work under the airport’s permit-to-work system. See the electrical safety warning on this page.