Develop Innovation Aids Industry

News Release: Sunday 20 December 2009

EMBS Business Director, Steve Martin, has special reason to be pleased to see the introduction of Seaward's AGL-5 Airfield Ground Lighting Voltage Detector. This innovative product has come about through Steve's determination to solve a problem faced by technicians working on Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) systems.

Steve realised several years ago that there was a lack of suitable equipment for use by airfield technicians needing to prove dead AGL circuits. Existing instruments were not designed for use with AGL primary circuits operating at up to 5000 volts and did not cover the whole voltage range required. This made the technicians' task more difficult and potentially more hazardous.

Steve set about writing a design brief for a purpose built voltage detector. After consultation with other interested parties in the AGL industry, he was able to convince manufacturers Seaward of the technical and commercial viability of his concept. A prototype instrument was built by Seaward and tested in DTL's AGL demonstration area at Burn Hall and was launched at the MOD's International Airfield Conference where Steve presented a paper on AGL Competency and Safety. The interest generated at the event persuaded Seaward to go forward with full production.

The resulting instrument is specifically designed for use with AGL systems, covers the voltage range from 50V AC to 5000V and is fully compliant with all relevant international standards. It will be a welcome addition to the range of equipment available to ensure safe working on AGL systems.