Constant Current Regulator (CCR, FAA L-828/L-829 — Smart Power / Ferroresonant)
FAA L-828/L-829 constant current regulators in two proven technologies — ferroresonant and Smart Power — providing 1 kW to 70 kW of stable series-circuit output for all airfield lighting classes.
Flight Light manufactures two complementary families of airfield constant current regulator (CCR) under the FAA L-828/L-829 designation: the Ferroresonant type and the Smart Power type. Both deliver the selectable, precision output current that series airfield lighting circuits require for multi-step intensity control, and both are ETL-certified to FAA AC 150/5345-10 (Current Edition), meeting ICAO Annex 14, NAVAIR, and UFC 3-535-02 procurement standards alongside the FAA advisory circular. The Ferroresonant CCR produces sinusoidal constant current with efficiency above 90 percent and a power factor of 0.99 — the highest output quality available in a passive-magnetics design. Output remains stable during strobe or runway guard light flash transients. Available in 6.6 A (Class A) and 20 A (Class B) output classes, with 3-step or 5-step brightness control (steps calibrated to FAA-standard currents: 2.8 A through 6.6 A for Class A five-step, 8.5 A through 20 A for Class B five-step). Power ratings run from 1 kW through 70 kW; 50 kW and 70 kW units are FAA-compliant for main runway circuits. A fully digital interface with field-recalibration capability is standard; optional Insulation Resistance Monitoring System, dual Ethernet (ModTCP/Ethernet/IP), and RS-485 support modern airfield management integration. All models are free-convection cooled. The Smart Power CCR uses a microprocessor-controlled ferromagnetic reactor design — described by the manufacturer as predictable and free of complex power electronics — that performs comparably to the ferroresonant type while tolerating input voltage variation from −5 to +10 percent nominal and a 30 percent lamp outage condition without loss of regulation. Remote operation is supported over standard #19 AWG cable to 10,000 feet round-trip. Both families ship with comprehensive protection: open-circuit, overcurrent, and overvoltage detection; door-open safety interlock; lightning arrestors; and transient suppression on the input.
Technical specifications.
| FAA Certification | ETL Certified per AC 150/5345-10 (Current Edition) |
| Standards | ICAO Annex 14, NAVAIR 51-50AAA-2, UFC 3-535-02 |
| Output Classes | Class A: 6.6 A; Class B: 20 A |
| Power Range | 1 kW to 70 kW |
| Brightness Steps | 3-step or 5-step |
| 5-Step Class A Currents | 2.8 / 3.4 / 4.1 / 5.2 / 6.6 A |
| 5-Step Class B Currents | 8.5 / 10.3 / 12.4 / 15.8 / 20 A |
| Ferroresonant Efficiency | >90% (power factor 0.99) |
| Input Voltage Options | 208 / 220 / 240 / 480 VAC (60 Hz); 220–400 VAC (50 Hz) |
| Operating Temperature | −40 °C to +55 °C |
| Cooling | Free convection (no forced air) |
| Communications (optional) | Dual Ethernet (ModTCP/Ethernet/IP), dual RS-485 |
| Manufacturer Certification | ISO 9001:2015, UL Listed |
| Origin | Made in USA (Buy American Act compliant) |
Use cases.
- ›Main runway series lighting circuits at commercial and military airports requiring L-828/L-829 compliant constant current supply
- ›Taxiway and apron series lighting circuits where stable current output under strobe flash transients is required
- ›Multi-step intensity control tied to meteorological visibility changes and ATC lighting commands
- ›Airport expansion or LED retrofit programmes specifying Buy American Act and FAA AIP-eligible equipment
- ›International airfields requiring dual FAA and ICAO Annex 14 / NAVAIR compliance from a single unit
- ›Smart airfield management integration via Ethernet ModTCP/Ethernet/IP and optional IRMS monitoring
Replacements & compatible alternatives.
Comparable Runway Lighting & Airfield Electrical from other suppliers. Cross-shop on specs — confirm exact fit and compatibility with the supplier before specifying.
