Aviation warning lights – how to comply?

1 January 2021, a new set of stricter regulations came into force, TSFS 2020:88 (which replaces the previous TSFS 2010:155), which means that you as the owner of older aviation warning lights (for example on tall buildings, bridges, mast, wind turbines or on chimneys) must replace them with aviation warning lights in compliance with the new stricter requirements. The exchange must be made no later than 31 December 2025. It is our recommendation that the aviation warning light owner review this immediately.

In the Swedish Transport Agency's latest regulations, the requirements for the IR light (infrared light) have been strengthened so that it must radiate in the entire vertical plane, something that older versions of aviation warning lights do not meet. Aviation warning light owners are therefore obliged to exchange their markings to aviation warning lights in compliance with new requirements – something that our Obelux obstruction lights > comply to.

Background:

LED, which is the most used light source for aviation warning lights, has many advantages, lower energy consumption, longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements. One disadvantage is that LED are not visible to pilots using Night Vision Device (NVD). Therefore, Swedish Transport Agency require that in addition to visible light, aviation warning lights with LED should also be equipped with IR light (infrared light) that is visible with NVD equipment.

• Low power consumption
• High quality
• Rugged design
• Long life
• 5 years warranty
• Self-supplied low intensity aviation warning lights (optional)
• Flexible installation
• TSFS 2020:88 compliance

Older low intensity aviation warning lights were usually equipped with a light bulb as a light source. These are no longer available for purchase. Replacing with a standard LED lamp, where the socket fits, does not meet today's regulations on IR light and brightness. Therefore, our strongest recommendation is to replace older obstacle lights with modern aviation warning lights in compliance with current regulations and also benefit from, among other things, low power consumption.

We cooperate with Obelux, a world-leading Finnish manufacturer of high-quality LED aviation warning lights. In addition to the long service life of around 175,000 hours, our aviation warning lights stand out with an extremely low power consumption. This brings us to the power source, the low consumption makes it possible to combine Obelux low intensive aviation warning lights with only solar panels and batteries, an external power source is not necessary, the solution becomes self-supplied. You will find all the required components in our product range.

Also read: Illuminated aviation obstruction lights without external power supply

Another feature with Obelux aviation warning lights is flexible installation, they can be mounted both on the wall and ceiling, or to be pipe mounted, if extension is required. The high and rugged design of our aviation warning lights allow us to offer a long warranty period.

Our range includes:

• Low intensity obstruction lights
• Medium intensity obstruction lights
• High intensity obstruction lights

You can be sure that you meet the stricter requirements in accordance with TSFS 2020:88 with our obstruction lights >.

We understand that it can be complicated. Do not hesitate to contact us > if you as electrical engineer, consultant or electrician have questions or if you have a customer who is in turn unsure of what applies. We are available, and aviation warning lights - we have plenty of that in our range!

Quick links with Swedish E-number:

7769099 >
7769093 >
7769092 >
7768921 >
7769110 >
7769113 >
7769119 >

Contact your electrician for assistance with replacing older aviation warning lights. We recommend that existing aviation warning lights, which do not comply the latest requirements from the Swedish Transport Agency, to be replaced as soon as possible. Choose Obelux from us and you get highly efficient aviation warning lights of the highest quality with flexible installation.

What makes aviation warning lights from CHS Controls unique?

Our robust aviation warning lights consist of metal and tempered glass, adapted for the Nordic climate. Its compact design and relatively light weight make them easy to handle. The combination of robust quality and neat construction also gives our aviation warning lights an advantage when e.g. ice shedding happens, with a smaller area to hit and durable tempered glass.

Our aviation warning lights from Obelux also offer flexible and easy assembly. In some cases, you’ll find adjusted solutions which makes it easy to place Obelux aviation warning lights onto other manufacturers' mounting devices, a so-called plug-and-play solution.

Our smart aviation warning lights have a built-in system for monitoring, and alarms via e.g. SMS, if errors occur. The aviation warning lights are approved according to the latest regulations from the Swedish Transport Agency.

Where do we buy new aviation warning lights?

Approved aviation warning lights, according to TSFS 2020:88, from the Finnish brand Obelux, are available in our assortment at CHS Controls. We sell low intensity obstruction light, medium intensity and high intensity.

When does the new regulation regarding aviation warning lights come into force?

TSFS 2020:88 came into force already on January 1, 2021. Holders of non-compliant aviation warning lights have until December 31, 2025 to replace unapproved lights.

Is it only the new aviation obstruction light which meets the stricter regulations?

Assuming that the current marking adheres to the other regulations in TSFS 2020:88, it may be sufficient to supplement only with so-called IR-only lights. This applies to the supplementation of medium intensity and high intensity aviation obstruction lights. In short, IR-only can be described as a light that emits infrared radiation only, in accordance with the stricter regulations.

What are the advantages of IR-only lights?

Supplementing medium-intensity and high-intensity aviation obstruction lights with IR-only extends the lifespan of already installed lights, regardless of the manufacturer, while also complying with current TSFS 2020:88 regulations. Additionally, only supplementing with IR-only lights results in cost savings. Call us at +4642-386100 to get more information about the supplementation in your specific case.