High Intensity Obstruction Light
For applicable high-intensity obstacle-marking applications.
View Details Aviation Obstruction Lighting
Structure & Mast Lighting for Aviation Obstacle Marking
Coordinated marking of towers, masts and tall structures
Structure and mast lighting systems for aviation obstacle marking and tall-structure visibility, configured to structure height, geometry, location and applicable aviation requirements.
Supplied by Precision AGL Solutions
Product Overview
Structure & Mast Lighting
What It Is
Structure and mast lighting systems provide coordinated visual marking of towers, masts and other tall structures that require aviation identification.
Precision AGL Solutions supports complete obstruction-lighting configurations based on structure height, geometry, location, applicable aviation requirements and project specifications.
Integrated Solution
These systems can combine multiple lighting levels, beacon arrangements, control equipment and monitoring functions to provide an integrated aviation obstacle-marking solution.
Applications
Where Structure & Mast Lighting Is Used
Communication towersAviation obstruction marking.
Telecommunications mastsAviation obstruction marking.
Airport structuresStructures requiring aviation identification.
Industrial mastsTall industrial structures.
Tall buildingsRooftop and building marking.
Utility structuresUtility and transmission towers.
Transmission towersElevated infrastructure.
Construction & specialist structuresTemporary and specialist structures.
Other aviation obstaclesOther obstacles requiring visual marking.
The final lighting arrangement should be determined from the approved obstruction-lighting assessment and applicable aviation authority requirements.
System Configuration
A Complete Structure-Lighting System May Incorporate
Components
- Low-intensity obstruction lights
- Medium-intensity obstruction lights
- High-intensity obstruction lights
- Dual or combination beacons
- Aviation red obstacle lights
- Flashing beacon systems
- Steady-burning lights
- Photocell or automatic day/night control
- Central control equipment
- Remote monitoring and alarm interfaces
- Mounting brackets and support hardware
- Cabling and associated electrical equipment
Lighting levels and positions are selected according to the structure geometry, height and applicable obstruction-marking requirements.
Key Features
What the System Provides
Features
- Coordinated structure and mast obstruction lighting
- Multiple lighting levels available
- Steady or flashing configurations
- LED technology where applicable
- Structure-specific mounting arrangements
- Day/night automatic control options
- Remote monitoring options
- Defined optical performance
- Outdoor-rated construction
- Project-specific cable routing
- Suitable for new installations and upgrades
Technical Data
Typical Specification
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Structure Type | Tower, mast, building or other elevated structure |
| Lighting Level | Low, medium, high or combination configuration |
| Light Source | LED or approved source, configuration dependent |
| Colour | Aviation-specified red/white, as applicable |
| Operation | Steady or flashing |
| Flash Pattern | Project/configuration dependent |
| Intensity | Application dependent |
| Power Supply | Project dependent |
| Control | Local or remote, as specified |
| Monitoring | Optional/project dependent |
| Mounting | Structure-specific |
| Cable Routing | Structure and project dependent |
| Environmental Protection | Outdoor-rated, configuration dependent |
Exact technical parameters should be confirmed against the selected lighting equipment and approved project requirements.
Structure Assessment
Selection Begins With an Assessment of the Installation
Important Selection Information
- Overall structure height
- Structure geometry
- Platform and obstruction levels
- Structure location
- Nearby airport or heliport operations
- Surrounding terrain
- Existing obstruction lighting
- Applicable aviation authority
- Required lighting classification
- Electrical supply
- Control and monitoring requirements
- Environmental conditions
For tall or complex structures, develop the lighting arrangement as a complete system rather than selecting individual lights independently.
Lighting Levels
Low, Medium, High and Combination Beacons
Different structures may require more than one type or intensity of obstruction light. The appropriate configuration depends on the approved obstruction-lighting design.
Low-intensity
Used for applicable portions of structures requiring lower-intensity visual identification.
Medium-intensity
Used where enhanced conspicuity is required for structure marking.
High-intensity
Used for applications requiring high-intensity obstacle identification, subject to the applicable requirements.
Dual / combination beacons
Used where more than one lighting mode or intensity arrangement is required within a coordinated beacon assembly.
| Level | ICAO Annex 14 Types | Typical Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Low-intensity | Types A and B | Steady red |
| Medium-intensity | Types A, B and C | Type A flashing white; Type B flashing red; Type C steady red |
| High-intensity | Types A and B | Flashing white, with intensity controlled according to ambient light |
The lighting level, number of lights, vertical spacing between levels and steady or flashing mode follow the structure height and the aviation authority's requirements or approval. Confirm them for every structure before ordering. FAA obstruction-lighting types and height thresholds differ from ICAO (for example L-810, L-864, L-865 and L-856 under AC 150/5345-43J), so apply the system the aviation authority has specified for the structure.
Placement Principles (ICAO Annex 14, Chapter 6)
- At least one light is placed as close as practicable to the top of the structure. On a chimney or similar structure, the top light sits slightly below the top to limit smoke contamination.
- Further lights are placed at intermediate levels so the full extent of the structure is indicated.
- The number and arrangement of lights at each level must show the structure from every direction in azimuth.
- Annex 14 links the lighting level to height: low-intensity lights suit smaller structures (typically below about 45 m), medium-intensity lights suit structures of about 45 m to 150 m, and high-intensity lights are used above about 150 m. Treat these figures as indicative and take the binding values from the aviation authority approval.
Mounting Arrangements
Installed at Selected Levels and Structural Locations
Typical Arrangements
- Mast-top mounting
- Platform mounting
- Tower-leg mounting
- Cross-arm mounting
- Building rooftop mounting
- Structural-bracket mounting
- Dedicated beacon support structures
Mounting systems should provide secure attachment while maintaining the required optical orientation and allowing practical access for inspection and maintenance.
Electrical System
Coordinated With the Site Electrical Infrastructure
Electrical Considerations
- Supply voltage
- AC/DC requirements
- Power consumption
- Circuit protection
- Surge protection
- Earthing
- Cable routing
- Junction boxes
- Control panels
- Lighting controllers
- Remote status outputs
For large structures, review cable routing and voltage-drop considerations as part of the complete system design.
Control & Monitoring
Automatic Control and Monitoring Integration
Potential Functions
- Day/night switching
- Photocell control
- Flash control
- Lighting-level selection
- System status indication
- Individual light monitoring
- Controller fault indication
- Remote alarm outputs
- Communication with site monitoring systems
Establish monitoring requirements during system selection so that compatible lighting equipment and control interfaces are specified.
Flash Pattern & Synchronisation
Coordination Between Multiple Lights
Where flashing obstruction lights are required, establish the flash characteristics and coordination between multiple lights as part of the system design. Flashing lights on one structure normally flash simultaneously unless the applicable standard specifies otherwise.
Depending on the Application, the System May Require
- Defined flash frequency
- Synchronized operation
- Coordinated beacon groups
- Day/night operating modes
- Automatic switching
- Controller-based sequencing
The final flash arrangement should comply with the applicable project and aviation requirements.
Cable Routing
Careful Routing on Large Structures
The Installation Should Account For
- Vertical cable runs
- Structural movement
- Wind-induced vibration
- Cable support
- Weather exposure
- Junction points
- Electrical separation
- Maintenance access
- Surge and lightning protection
Select cable type and installation method for the structure, electrical system and environmental conditions.
Environmental Performance
Demanding Outdoor Conditions
Exposure Includes
- Wind
- Rain
- Snow and ice
- UV exposure
- Temperature variation
- Dust
- Humidity
- Coastal environments
- Industrial contamination
- Vibration
Equipment selection should consider enclosure protection, materials, corrosion resistance, cable entries and mounting hardware appropriate to the installation environment.
Installation
Before Installation, Confirm
- Approved obstruction-lighting layout
- Structure dimensions and lighting levels
- Mounting locations
- Required optical orientation
- Electrical supply
- Control and monitoring architecture
- Cable routes and support points
- Lightning and surge protection
- Maintenance access
- Applicable aviation requirements
Installation should follow the approved project drawings and equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Commissioning
Verify the Operation of the Installed System
Typical Checks
- Mechanical inspection
- Mounting verification
- Cable and termination inspection
- Supply-voltage verification
- Light-function testing
- Flash-pattern verification
- Synchronisation testing where applicable
- Day/night control testing
- Monitoring and alarm testing
- Remote communication testing
- Final system-status verification
Retain commissioning records as part of the project documentation.
Maintenance
Reliable Obstruction-Lighting Performance
Typical Activities
- Visual inspection of lights
- Cleaning optical surfaces
- Checking mounting hardware
- Inspecting cable supports
- Checking electrical connections
- Functional testing
- Testing control equipment
- Checking monitoring and alarms
- Inspecting corrosion and enclosure condition
- Replacing failed or degraded components
Maintenance frequency should reflect the structure environment, manufacturer recommendations and site procedures.
Replacement & Upgrade
Replacement and Modernization Projects
Systems can be supplied for new installations as well as replacement and modernization projects.
Upgrade Considerations May Include
- Existing light types
- Existing mounting positions
- Existing cable infrastructure
- Available power supply
- Existing control system
- Monitoring interface
- Required lighting intensity
- Current aviation requirements
- Access and maintenance arrangements
LED-based replacement systems may also provide opportunities to reduce power consumption and maintenance requirements, subject to project suitability.
Standards & References
Verify Before Procurement and Installation
Applicable Requirements
Requirements depend on the structure, location, aviation environment and applicable authority. Select and configure the complete system against the current applicable aviation obstruction-lighting requirements, approved project documentation and any relevant national or airport-specific standards.
Verify requirements before procurement and installation, particularly for structure height, lighting intensity, flash characteristics, mounting levels and monitoring.
- ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I, Chapter 6 – visual aids for denoting obstacles
- ICAO Doc 9157 Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 4 – Visual Aids
- FAA AC 150/5345-43J – Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment (confirm the current revision letter)
- FAA AC 70/7460-1N – Obstruction Marking and Lighting (issued 11 August 2026; it replaces 70/7460-1M, so check which edition your project or FAA determination cites)
- DGCA India requirements and the aviation-authority approval or NOC conditions for the structure
Confirm the applicable edition of each document before procurement and installation.
FAQ
Structure & Mast Lighting — Frequently Asked Questions
What is structure and mast lighting?
Structure and mast lighting systems provide coordinated visual marking of towers, masts and other tall structures that require aviation identification. They can combine multiple lighting levels, beacon arrangements, control equipment and monitoring functions into an integrated aviation obstacle-marking solution, based on structure height, geometry, location, applicable aviation requirements and project specifications.
Which structures need obstruction lighting?
Typical applications are communication towers, telecommunications masts, airport structures, industrial masts, tall buildings and rooftops, utility structures and transmission towers, construction and specialist structures, and other aviation obstacles needing visual marking. The final arrangement should be determined from the approved obstruction-lighting assessment and applicable aviation authority requirements.
What can a structure-lighting system include?
A complete system may incorporate low-, medium- and high-intensity obstruction lights, dual or combination beacons, aviation red obstacle lights, flashing beacon systems, steady-burning lights, photocell or automatic day/night control, central control equipment, remote monitoring and alarm interfaces, mounting brackets and support hardware, and cabling and associated electrical equipment.
What are the low-, medium- and high-intensity levels?
Under ICAO Annex 14, low-intensity lights (Types A and B) are steady red. Medium-intensity lights (Types A, B and C) are flashing white for Type A, flashing red for Type B and steady red for Type C. High-intensity lights (Types A and B) are flashing white, with intensity controlled according to ambient light. Annex 14 links the level to height: low-intensity lights suit smaller structures (typically below about 45 m), medium-intensity suit about 45 m to 150 m, and high-intensity are used above about 150 m, but treat these figures as indicative and take the binding values from the aviation authority approval. FAA types and height thresholds differ from ICAO (for example L-810, L-864, L-865 and L-856 under AC 150/5345-43J).
How are lights placed on a structure?
Under ICAO Annex 14 Chapter 6, at least one light is placed as close as practicable to the top of the structure, and on a chimney or similar structure the top light sits slightly below the top to limit smoke contamination. Further lights are placed at intermediate levels so the full extent of the structure is indicated, and the number and arrangement of lights at each level must show the structure from every direction in azimuth. The lighting level, number of lights, vertical spacing and mode follow the structure height and the aviation authority's requirements or approval.
What information is needed to assess a structure for lighting?
Important information includes the overall structure height and geometry, platform and obstruction levels, structure location, nearby airport or heliport operations, surrounding terrain, existing obstruction lighting, the applicable aviation authority, the required lighting classification, electrical supply, control and monitoring requirements and environmental conditions. For tall or complex structures, develop the lighting arrangement as a complete system rather than selecting individual lights independently.
How are the lights mounted and cabled?
Typical mounting arrangements are mast-top, platform, tower-leg, cross-arm, building rooftop, structural-bracket and dedicated beacon support mounting, providing secure attachment, the required optical orientation and practical access for inspection and maintenance. Electrical considerations include supply voltage, AC/DC requirements, circuit and surge protection, earthing, junction boxes and controllers, and for large structures cable routing and voltage drop should be reviewed as part of the system design. Cable routing should also account for vertical runs, structural movement, wind-induced vibration, cable support, weather exposure and lightning protection.
How do control, monitoring and flash synchronisation work?
Control and monitoring can include day/night switching, photocell control, flash control, lighting-level selection, system status indication, individual light monitoring, controller fault indication, remote alarm outputs and communication with site monitoring systems. Flashing lights on one structure normally flash simultaneously unless the applicable standard specifies otherwise, so the system may require a defined flash frequency, synchronised operation, coordinated beacon groups or controller-based sequencing.
What is checked at commissioning?
Typical checks are mechanical inspection, mounting verification, cable and termination inspection, supply-voltage verification, light-function testing, flash-pattern verification, synchronisation testing where applicable, day/night control testing, monitoring and alarm testing, remote communication testing and final system-status verification. Retain commissioning records as part of the project documentation.
How is a structure lighting system maintained?
Typical activities are visual inspection of lights, cleaning optical surfaces, checking mounting hardware and cable supports, checking electrical connections, functional testing, testing control equipment, checking monitoring and alarms, inspecting corrosion and enclosure condition, and replacing failed or degraded components. Maintenance frequency should reflect the structure environment, manufacturer recommendations and site procedures.
Can an existing structure lighting system be upgraded?
Yes. Systems can be supplied for new installations as well as replacement and modernization projects. Upgrade considerations include the existing light types, mounting positions, cable infrastructure, available power supply, control system, monitoring interface, required intensity, current aviation requirements and access and maintenance arrangements. LED-based replacement systems may also reduce power consumption and maintenance requirements, subject to project suitability.
Which standards apply to structure and mast lighting?
References include ICAO Annex 14 Vol. I Chapter 6 (visual aids for denoting obstacles), ICAO Doc 9157 Part 4, FAA AC 150/5345-43J (obstruction lighting equipment; confirm the current revision letter), FAA AC 70/7460-1N (obstruction marking and lighting, which replaces 70/7460-1M, so check which edition your project or FAA determination cites), and DGCA India requirements with the aviation-authority approval or NOC conditions for the structure. Verify the requirements before procurement and installation, particularly for structure height, lighting intensity, flash characteristics, mounting levels and monitoring.
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 Complete Structure-Lighting Configuration
For a structure or mast lighting project, provide: structure type, overall height, structure drawings or dimensions, site location, existing obstruction lighting, required lighting classification (if known), electrical supply, control requirements, monitoring requirements, environmental conditions and new-build or replacement status. Precision AGL Solutions can use these details to support selection of the lighting levels, beacon arrangement, mounting configuration, control system and associated equipment required for the project.
- Emailprecisionaglsolutions@gmail.com
- Websiterahulsharmaagl.in
- LinkedInPrecision AGL Solutions
- Phone+91 98214 96412
Engineering Note
Exact technical parameters should be confirmed against the selected lighting equipment and approved project requirements. The final lighting arrangement should be determined from the approved obstruction-lighting assessment and applicable aviation authority requirements.
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.