AIRPORT LIGHTING CABLE

Airport Lighting Cable is a specialized, high-voltage (typically 5kV) electrical cable essential for the critical safety of airfield lighting systems, including runways and taxiways. Mandated by rigorous standards like FAA Specification L-824, this cable is engineered for exceptional durability. It features XLPE or EPR insulation for high-voltage stress resistance and a heavy-duty jacket highly resistant to moisture, jet fuel, soil chemicals, and UV radiation. Primarily designed for direct burial, it ensures the reliable operation of constant current series circuits in all environmental conditions. Read our Airport Lighting Cable Buyers Guide.

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AIRPORT LIGHTING CABLE

Airport lighting cable, specifically Type L-824, is a highly specialized underground conductor designed to power airfield lighting circuits, including runway, taxiway, and approach lighting systems. These cables are engineered to operate within constant current series circuits, typically powered by a Constant Current Regulator (CCR). Available in both 600V and 5000V (5kV) ratings, L-824 cable is constructed with high-performance Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) or Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) insulation. This robust shielding provides exceptional resistance to moisture, soil chemicals, and specialized aviation fluids such as jet fuel and de-icing agents. Whether used for direct burial or installed in conduit, these cables ensure the reliable operation of critical visual aids necessary for safe aircraft navigation.

Installation Note: Per FAA guidelines, L-824 cable must be handled with extreme care to avoid nicks or abrasions in the insulation, as even minor damage can lead to "ground faults" that disrupt the entire series circuit. When making connections, it is mandatory to use FAA-approved L-823 heat-shrinkable or molded rubber connector kits. Always perform an insulation resistance (Megger) test prior to and after backfilling the trench to ensure the circuit's integrity meets the minimum megohm requirements specified in FAA AC 150/5340-30.

Key Features
  • FAA Specification L-824: Manufactured and tested to meet rigorous Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AC 150/5345-7 standards.
  • High-Voltage Reliability: Available in 5kV ratings to support long-series circuits without voltage breakdown or signal loss.
  • Superior Chemical Resistance: Specifically formulated to withstand prolonged exposure to aviation fuel, hydraulic fluids, and de-icing chemicals.
  • Direct Burial Rated: Built with high-density insulation that allows for direct subterranean installation or placement in underground duct banks.
  • Flexible Stranded Copper: Features annealed stranded copper conductors to allow for easier pulling through airfield conduits and light-can entries.
  • Extreme Temperature Range: Designed to maintain electrical and mechanical integrity in extreme climates, from frozen northern runways to high-heat desert airfields.
  • Moisture-Proof Insulation: The XLPE or EPR insulation prevents water ingress, which is critical for maintaining the high insulation resistance required for airfield circuits.
Common Applications
  • Runway Edge & Centerline Lighting: The primary cable used to power the white and yellow lights that define runway boundaries.
  • Taxiway Navigation Lights: Connecting the blue and green edge lights used for safe aircraft ground movement.
  • Approach Lighting Systems (ALS): Providing high-voltage power to the strobe and steady-burn lights used during landing sequences.
  • PAPI and VASI Systems: Wiring for Precision Approach Path Indicators that provide vertical guidance to pilots.
  • Airfield Signage: Powering mandatory instruction and location signs found throughout the airport movement area.
  • Apron & Ramp Lighting: Used for secondary distribution to gate area lighting and ground support equipment power.
  • Heliport Lighting: Deployed in specialized landing pads for medical, private, and military helicopter operations.

Resources & Guides

Category_Buying Guide
What is Airport Lighting Cable?
March 04, 2026
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