Retrofit & Upgrade

Halogen-to-LED Conversion Kit for AGL Fixtures

A controlled upgrade path for compatible legacy airfield lighting fixtures

Runway & Taxiway RetrofitAssessed Against Existing Fixture & TransformerPhased Modernisation

Conversion kits let selected runway and taxiway fixtures be modernised without necessarily replacing the complete fixture assembly. Each conversion is assessed against the existing fixture, isolating transformer, driver arrangement and project requirements before installation.

Supplied by Precision AGL Solutions

Halogen-to-LED Conversion Kit for AGL

What It Is

A properly selected kit supports improved lifecycle management, reduced maintenance and continued use of suitable existing airfield lighting infrastructure. Because fixtures vary in optical design and electrical configuration, every conversion needs assessment before installation.

Precision AGL Solutions supports retrofit assessment from the existing fixture model and available technical information.

Key Features

  • Retrofit solution for compatible legacy AGL fixtures
  • LED replacement for selected halogen configurations
  • Designed around existing fixture compatibility
  • Application-specific optical characteristics
  • Electrical interface matched to the retrofit, with isolating-transformer loading considered
  • Compatible driver arrangement where required
  • Compact mechanical configuration, temperature-performance considerations
  • Supports phased airfield lighting modernisation

Retrofit and Modernisation Projects

Runway & taxiwayRunway lighting retrofit and taxiway lighting retrofit.
Legacy modernisationLegacy fixture modernisation, replacement of ageing halogen light sources.
RefurbishmentAirfield lighting refurbishment, maintenance-driven fixture conversion.
Lifecycle extensionFixture lifecycle extension and planned AGL technology upgrades.
Energy efficiencyAirport lighting energy-efficiency projects.
RehabilitationSelected rehabilitation and upgrade programs.

Description

ParameterDescription
Conversion typeHalogen-to-LED retrofit
LED ratingSelected according to fixture and application
Power consumptionApplication and LED configuration dependent
Optical characteristicsSelected to suit the existing fixture optical system
Electrical interfaceMust match the retrofit and fixture configuration
DimensionsSelected to suit the existing fixture
Driver arrangementIntegrated or separate, according to configuration
Circuit typeSeries (constant-current) circuit through an isolating transformer
Transformer loadExisting isolating-transformer characteristics must be verified
Temperature performanceSelected for the intended fixture and operating environment
Fixture compatibilityConfirmed against existing fixture model
InstallationRetrofit according to applicable fixture and project requirements

Modernise Suitable Fixtures, Retain Existing Infrastructure

Potential Benefits

  • Lower light-source power consumption, longer LED operating life
  • Reduced lamp replacement and routine maintenance
  • Improved availability of replacement light-source technology
  • Support for phased modernisation
  • Retention of suitable existing fixture infrastructure

Caveat

Halogen fixtures can stay mechanically serviceable while their light-source technology becomes less attractive over the lifecycle. Actual benefit depends on the fixture, LED module, electrical system and operating conditions.

Not Every Fixture Can Use the Same Kit

Identification Details

  • Fixture manufacturer, model, type
  • Installed halogen lamp type and rating
  • Optical assembly, lens or filter arrangement, reflector configuration
  • Internal dimensions, existing electrical connection
  • Isolating-transformer characteristics, existing driver or ballast arrangement

Tip

The fixture model and photographs help determine whether a suitable conversion configuration is available.

Equivalent Performance Is Not Automatic

Assessment May Consider

  • LED light-emitting area, optical position, beam characteristics
  • Reflector geometry, lens arrangement, filter requirements
  • Light distribution, fixture alignment, required photometric performance

Principle

Simply replacing a halogen lamp with an LED does not guarantee equivalent airfield-light performance. Where the optical system is retained, position and configure the LED source appropriately within the fixture.

Colours must stay inside the chromaticity limits for green, yellow, blue, red or white, so the module colour must match the original fixture colour and be verified.

Critical to Any Conversion

Check Against

  • Existing supply arrangement, isolating-transformer output
  • Load characteristics, LED input and driver requirements
  • Current and voltage characteristics
  • Connector arrangement, existing fixture wiring
  • Monitoring or control requirements

Caution

Do not treat a retrofit as a simple lamp substitution where the original fixture was designed around a different electrical load.

The converted fixture must also give the required intensity at every brightness step of the regulator, not only at full output.

Series-Circuit Considerations

Relevant Considerations

  • Transformer type and rating, secondary output characteristics
  • LED driver input requirements
  • Minimum and maximum operating conditions
  • Regulator circuit behaviour, circuit monitoring, load compatibility

Principle

Verify the kit and driver arrangement suit the existing transformer and series circuit. Where the LED load differs substantially from the halogen lamp, additional system-level assessment may be required.

The CCR holds the series circuit at constant current, so a lower or different LED load changes the circuit load, power factor and brightness-step behaviour. Re-check the CCR rating and minimum load for the whole circuit, and plan conversion circuit by circuit. Never open an energised series circuit: isolate and lock off the CCR first.

An LED load is usually much lower than the halogen lamp load the transformer was rated for. A lightly loaded transformer can show higher secondary voltage and a distorted current waveform, so confirm the driver is designed for a series-circuit secondary and that the CCR and transformer suppliers accept the combined load.

Integrated or Separate

Consider

  • Input and output characteristics
  • Mounting arrangement, connector configuration
  • Environmental conditions, thermal performance, protection features
  • Compatibility with the LED module and the existing series-circuit system

Principle

Select the driver to provide the electrical interface the LED module needs while remaining compatible with the existing fixture and circuit.

Assess the Thermal Conditions Inside the Fixture

Thermal Assessment May Include

  • Fixture internal temperature, LED and driver operating temperature
  • Heat dissipation, mounting arrangement, ventilation
  • Continuous operating conditions

Principle

Maintain suitable thermal performance without compromising the fixture enclosure or optical assembly.

Secure Fit Without Interference

Mechanical Checks

  • Module dimensions, mounting points, fixing method
  • LED position, connector clearance, driver location
  • Cable routing, heat-management provisions
  • Access for future maintenance

Fixture Modification

If the fixture needs modification, establish the scope before conversion begins.

Safety-Critical

Assessment Can Include

  • Existing fixture model and installation position
  • Light distribution, required intensity, optical alignment
  • Series-circuit characteristics, transformer compatibility, environmental conditions

Principle

Undertake retrofit only where the resulting configuration meets the applicable project and operational requirements.

Maintain the Intended Function

Assessment Factors

  • Existing taxiway fixture, LED module compatibility
  • Optical distribution, colour requirements where applicable
  • Series-circuit interface, transformer loading, driver arrangement
  • Mechanical fit, environmental performance

Principle

The retrofit should maintain the intended function of the original taxiway lighting installation.

Inspect the Complete Fixture

Refurbishment Inspection May Cover

  • Housing, lens, reflector, filter, seals
  • Connectors, wiring, mounting hardware, frangible components
  • Isolating transformer, LED module, driver

Benefit

Replacing worn components at the same time helps establish a more reliable refurbished assembly.

Stage Modernisation Rather Than Replace Everything

A Phased Program Can Prioritise

  • High-maintenance fixtures, older halogen installations
  • Frequently accessed locations
  • Fixtures with declining spare-part availability
  • Areas scheduled for rehabilitation, circuits targeted for energy efficiency

Principle

Coordinate with the airport's overall AGL maintenance and modernisation strategy.

Verify Before Converting

FixtureIdentify the existing fixture model
Lamp & electricalExisting lamp and electrical configuration
OpticsCheck the optical system
TransformerVerify isolating-transformer compatibility
Module & driverLED module and driver requirements; mechanical fit
WiringConnector and wiring, inspect fixture for damage
Install & testInstall per procedure; electrical, optical and operational checks

Any fixture modification should follow applicable airport maintenance procedures and project requirements.

Monitor the Converted Fixtures

Monitor

  • LED illumination, light output and uniformity
  • Driver operation, connector condition, fixture temperature
  • Moisture ingress, lens and optical condition, mechanical security
  • Series-circuit behaviour, regulator or monitoring alarms

Records

Records should identify the converted fixture and installed LED module so future teams know which configuration is in use.

Simplify Future Maintenance

Recommended Information

  • Fixture manufacturer, model, location
  • Original lamp type and rating
  • LED conversion kit identification, LED module rating, driver type
  • Transformer information, installation date, retrofit status
  • Replacement parts required

Benefit

Helps airports establish appropriate spare LED module and driver inventories.

Evaluate Against Airport Requirements

Particular Attention

Resulting photometric performance, electrical compatibility, transformer loading, optical configuration, mechanical integrity and environmental suitability, against applicable airfield lighting requirements, project specifications and airport authority procedures.

Changed Configurations

Where a retrofit changes the original fixture configuration, establish whether additional inspection, testing, approval or documentation is required before return to service. A converted fixture must still meet the original photometric requirements, and its certification status should be confirmed.

Reference documents: 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 Appendices 1 and 2 (colours and light characteristics) and Doc 9157 Parts 4 and 5. Verify the current edition of each.

Halogen-to-LED Conversion Kit — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a halogen-to-LED conversion kit for AGL fixtures?

A conversion kit lets selected runway and taxiway fixtures be modernised from halogen to LED without necessarily replacing the complete fixture assembly. A properly selected kit supports better lifecycle management, reduced maintenance and continued use of suitable existing airfield lighting infrastructure. Because fixtures vary in optical design and electrical configuration, every conversion is assessed against the existing fixture, isolating transformer, driver arrangement and project requirements before installation.

Can every halogen fixture be converted?

No. Not every fixture can use the same kit, and compatibility must be confirmed against the existing fixture model. Useful identification details are the fixture manufacturer, model and type, the installed halogen lamp type and rating, the optical assembly, lens or filter arrangement and reflector configuration, internal dimensions, the existing electrical connection, the isolating-transformer characteristics and any existing driver or ballast arrangement. The fixture model and photographs help determine whether a suitable conversion configuration is available.

Is swapping a halogen lamp for an LED enough?

No. Replacing a halogen lamp with an LED does not guarantee equivalent airfield-light performance. The assessment considers the LED’s light-emitting area and optical position, beam characteristics, reflector geometry, lens arrangement, filter requirements, light distribution, alignment and the required photometric performance. Colours must stay inside the chromaticity limits for green, yellow, blue, red or white, so the module colour must match the original fixture colour and be verified.

What electrical checks apply on a series circuit?

A retrofit should not be treated as simple lamp substitution. The CCR holds the series circuit at constant current, so a lower or different LED load changes the circuit load, power factor and brightness-step behaviour. Re-check the CCR rating and minimum load for the whole circuit, plan conversion circuit by circuit and confirm the converted fixture gives the required intensity at every brightness step. An LED load is usually much lower than the halogen load the transformer was rated for, and a lightly loaded transformer can show higher secondary voltage and a distorted current waveform. Never open an energised series circuit; isolate and lock off the CCR first.

What should be checked on 50 Hz series circuits in India?

Confirm the circuit frequency and the transformer type. 50 Hz circuits use the L-831, and a 60 Hz L-830 is not an equivalent substitute. Work out the new total circuit load, because lower-wattage LED units can fall below the regulator’s minimum load or regulation range. Do not leave a large transformer lightly loaded, check circuit current at every brightness step including the regulator’s current tolerance, and confirm compatibility with existing lamp-out or circuit monitoring. Record before-and-after readings of circuit current, secondary current and insulation resistance at handover.

Does the conversion need a driver?

The driver arrangement may be integrated or separate, according to the configuration. It should provide the electrical interface the LED module needs while remaining compatible with the existing fixture and series circuit, considering input and output characteristics, mounting arrangement, connector configuration, environmental conditions, thermal performance and protection features. Confirm the driver is designed for a series-circuit secondary and that the CCR and transformer suppliers accept the combined load.

What temperature and mechanical checks are needed?

Assess the fixture internal temperature, LED and driver operating temperature, heat dissipation, mounting arrangement and ventilation under continuous operation, without compromising the fixture enclosure or optical assembly. Mechanical checks cover module dimensions, mounting points, fixing method, LED position, connector clearance, driver location, cable routing, heat-management provisions and access for future maintenance. If the fixture needs modification, establish the scope before conversion begins.

What are the benefits of converting halogen fixtures to LED?

Potential benefits are lower light-source power consumption, longer LED operating life, reduced lamp replacement and routine maintenance, better availability of replacement light-source technology, support for phased modernisation and retention of suitable existing fixture infrastructure. The actual benefit depends on the fixture, the LED module, the electrical system and the operating conditions.

How are runway and taxiway retrofits different?

Runway lighting retrofit is safety-critical and should be undertaken only where the resulting configuration meets the applicable project and operational requirements, considering the existing fixture and position, light distribution, required intensity, optical alignment, series-circuit characteristics, transformer compatibility and environmental conditions. A taxiway retrofit should maintain the intended function of the original installation, considering module compatibility, optical distribution, colour requirements, the series-circuit interface, transformer loading, driver arrangement, mechanical fit and environmental performance.

What maintenance and records are needed after conversion?

Monitor LED light output and uniformity, driver operation, connector condition, fixture temperature, moisture ingress, lens and optical condition, mechanical security, series-circuit behaviour and regulator or monitoring alarms. Records should identify the converted fixture and installed LED module so future teams know which configuration is in use, including the fixture manufacturer, model and location, original lamp type and rating, conversion kit identification, LED module rating, driver type, transformer information, installation date and replacement parts required. This also helps airports plan spare LED module and driver inventories.

Which standards and approvals apply to a converted fixture?

A converted fixture must still meet the original photometric requirements, and its certification status should be confirmed. Where a retrofit changes the original fixture configuration, establish whether additional inspection, testing, approval or documentation is needed before return to service. 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 Appendices 1 and 2, and Doc 9157 Parts 4 and 5. Verify the current edition of each.

50 Hz Series Circuits (India): Check Before You Order

Indian airfield series circuits run from a 50 Hz supply. Replacing lamps or fixtures changes the load on the regulator and transformers, so check the whole circuit, not only the new unit.

  • Confirm the circuit frequency and the transformer type. 50 Hz circuits use the L-831; a 60 Hz L-830 is not an equivalent substitute.
  • Work out the new total circuit load. Lower-wattage LED units can fall below the regulator's minimum load or regulation range; confirm limits with the CCR manufacturer.
  • Do not leave a large transformer lightly loaded. Match the transformer rating to the new fixture load.
  • Check circuit current at every brightness step after the change, including the regulator's current tolerance.
  • Confirm compatibility with existing lamp-out or circuit monitoring.
  • Record before-and-after readings (circuit current, secondary current, insulation resistance) at handover.

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 a Retrofit Assessment

To assess a Halogen-to-LED Conversion Kit for AGL, send the existing fixture details: manufacturer, model and type, existing halogen lamp type and rating, photographs of the fixture and lamp compartment, isolating-transformer details, existing driver or ballast information, connector details and any fixture drawings or documentation. We review them for LED module, optical, electrical, transformer and mechanical compatibility.

Submitting opens your email client with the enquiry pre-filled. Attach drawings or datasheets in the email if available.

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.

Talk to Precision AGL Solutions

Follow Precision AGL Solutions

Our Academy: Precision AGL Academy