Overview
IEC 61823:2002 defines requirements for AGL series transformers used in aeronautical ground lighting (AGL). It specifies electrical and mechanical characteristics for transformers intended for 6.6 A series circuits, with a service voltage up to 5 kV, and supplied by constant current regulators (CCRs) up to 30 kVA. The standard ensures transformers provide power to airport lighting luminaires (or other resistive loads), maintain series-circuit continuity if a load is lost, and deliver electrical isolation between primary and secondary circuits under defined conditions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Rated current and voltages
- Rated primary and secondary currents: 6.6 A.
- Service voltage: up to 5 kV.
- Designed for CCR supply per IEC 61822.
- Transformer types
- Seven nominal power classes: 30 W, 45 W, 65 W, 100 W, 150 W, 200 W, 300 W.
- Construction and safety
- Two electrically and physically separate windings on a magnetic core (primary and secondary).
- Must provide continuity of the series circuit on loss of secondary load and withstand permanent short or open-circuit secondary conditions.
- Electrical isolation between primary and secondary under specified conditions.
- Leads and connectors
- Primary: two insulated multi‑stranded copper conductors (minimum cross section given in standard), ~60 cm length to connector; connectors: style 2 male plug and style 9 female receptacle (shipping caps typical).
- Secondary: two‑core lead with overall jacket, cores minimum cross section noted in standard, ~120 cm length; connectors: style 7 or 8 female receptacle.
- Testing and verification
- Type tests and routine tests required: electrical characteristics, temperature‑rise, AC/DC leakage current, shock tests, gas‑tightness, physical size demonstration and marking checks.
- Environmental and installation
- Designed for any orientation and moderate ambient conditions; encapsulation and earthing options covered.
Applications and users
IEC 61823 is used by:
- Airport electrical and lighting engineers specifying or maintaining runway, taxiway and apron lighting systems.
- Manufacturers and designers of AGL series transformers and connectors.
- Test laboratories performing compliance and type testing (leakage, temperature rise, shock).
- Procurement teams and regulators who need to ensure equipment compatibility with CCRs and international safety requirements.
Practical applications include powering individual runway/edge lights from series circuits while ensuring circuit continuity, electrical isolation for maintenance safety, and standardized interconnection across equipment suppliers.
Related standards
- IEC 61822 - Constant current regulators for AGL systems (directly referenced).
- IEC 60085 - Thermal evaluation and classification of electrical insulation.
Keywords: IEC 61823, AGL series transformers, aeronautical ground lighting, airport lighting, 6.6 A series circuits, constant current regulator, 5 kV, transformer testing.