Lightning and surge protection

Secure and reliable power supply for AGL circuits

Airfield ground lighting equipment, such as luminaires, has always been vulnerable to damage due to its exposed location at airports and heliports, as well as its connection to the high-voltage power network.

Sheriff

Protecting airfield signs

Modern LED AGL lighting systems incorporate increasingly sensitive electronics. As a result, lightning strikes represent one of the greatest risks at airports. Depending on the region, a medium-sized airport may experience up to 2,000 lightning strikes per year across aircraft manoeuvring and movement areas. A direct strike on a runway or taxiway can cause large-scale power outages and severe damage to infrastructure, potentially affecting hundreds of luminaires and transformers.

The EFLA Sheriff Surge Protection Device (SPD) for the secondary circuit protects both the airfield lighting equipment and the overall system against damage caused by lightning strikes and overvoltage. Sheriff can be installed in an existing AGL pit or directly on the sign.

EFLA Inspector Bourns 4030

Sheriff Surge Protection Device

The Sheriff Surge Protection Device (SPD) protects airport ground lighting systems against lightning strikes and overvoltage, preventing power failures from propagating further through the circuit. The Sheriff SPD is patented and specifically designed for lightning and surge protection of AGL circuits, heliports and helidecks.

The operational status of the Sheriff SPD can be checked using a portable tester, for example during annual inspections or after a lightning strike on a runway or taxiway. The portable tester is battery-powered and easy to use.

More information and documentation can be found on the EFLA website.