U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation

Administration

Advisory 

Circular 

Subject: SPECIFICATION FOR AIRPORT 

AND HELIPORT BEACONS

Date: 11/17/05

Initiated by: AAS-100

AC No.: 150/5345-12E 

Change: 

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) contains equipment specifications for light beacons which 

are used to locate and identify civil airports, military airports, seaplane bases, and heliports. 

2. EFFECTIVE DATE: Effective six months after the issue date of this advisory circular, only

equipment certified per the specifications herein will be listed per AC 150/5345-53, Airport Lighting 

Equipment Certification Program. 

3. CANCELLATION. AC 150/5345-12D, Specification for Airport and Heliport Beacons, dated 

August 31, 2005, is cancelled. 

4. PRINCIPAL CHANGES.

a. Revised the surge suppression test requirement. 

5. APPLICATION. The specifications contained in this AC are recommended by the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) in all applications involving development of this nature. For airport projects 

receiving Federal funds under the airport grant assistance program, the use of these standards is 

mandatory. 

6. METRIC UNITS. To promote an orderly transition to metric units, the specification includes both 

English and metric units. The metric conversions may not be exact equivalents, and until there is an 

official changeover to the metric system, the English dimensions will govern. 

David L. Bennett 

Director of Airport Safety and Standards 
Intentionally left blank. 
AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION................................................................................. 1

1.1 Scope. .............................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Classification. .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2.1 Types........................................................................................................................................ 1

1.2.2 Classes...................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2.3 Options. .................................................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER 2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS....................................................................................... 3

2.1 General. ........................................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circulars.......................................................... 3

2.3 Federal Standard.............................................................................................................................. 3

2.4 Military Standard............................................................................................................................. 3

2.5 Military Specification...................................................................................................................... 3

2.6 Federal Regulations. ........................................................................................................................ 3

2.7 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) .................................................................... 3

2.8 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)......................................................................................... 3

2.9 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ................................................................ 3

2.10 Powder Coating Institute (PCI) ..................................................................................................... 3

2.11 Illuminating Engineering Society North America (IESNA) Publication. ..................................... 3

CHAPTER 3. REQUIREMENTS. ......................................................................................................... 7

3.1 General. ........................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Environmental Requirements. ......................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Photometric Requirements. ............................................................................................................. 7

3.3.1 Flash Rate................................................................................................................................. 7

3.3.2 Flash Duration.......................................................................................................................... 7

3.3.3 Signal Format. .......................................................................................................................... 7

3.3.4 Light Intensity. ......................................................................................................................... 8

3.4 Design Requirements....................................................................................................................... 9

3.4.1. General. ................................................................................................................................... 9

3.4.2 Input Voltage............................................................................................................................ 9

3.4.3 Lamps....................................................................................................................................... 9

3.4.4 Light Transmitting Materials. .................................................................................................. 9

3.4.5 Drive Motor.............................................................................................................................. 9

3.4.6 Vertical Adjustment. ................................................................................................................ 9

3.4.7 Interlock Switches.................................................................................................................. 10

3.4.8 Equipment Mounting. ............................................................................................................ 10

3.4.9 Surge Suppression.................................................................................................................. 10

3.4.10 Electromagnetic Interference. .............................................................................................. 10

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

3.4.11 Corrosion Protection. ........................................................................................................... 10

3.4.12 Parts Rating. ......................................................................................................................... 10

3.4.13 Nameplate............................................................................................................................. 11

3.5 Equipment Options........................................................................................................................ 11

3.5.1 Lamp Monitor. ....................................................................................................................... 11

3.6 Instruction Book. ........................................................................................................................... 11

CHAPTER 4. EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. ............................................ 13

4.1. Certification Request. ................................................................................................................... 13

4.2 Certification Tests. ........................................................................................................................ 13

4.2.1 Visual Examination................................................................................................................ 13

4.2.2 Photometric Tests................................................................................................................... 13

4.2.3 High Temperature Test........................................................................................................... 14

4.2.4 Low Temperature Test. .......................................................................................................... 14

4.2.5 Ice Load Test.......................................................................................................................... 15

4.2.6 Rain Test. ............................................................................................................................... 15

4.2.7 Solar Radiation Test............................................................................................................... 15

4.2.8 Electromagnetic Interference Tests. ....................................................................................... 16

4.2.9 Surge Suppression Test. ......................................................................................................... 16

CHAPTER 5. PRODUCTION TESTS. ............................................................................................... 17

ii
AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

CHAPTER 1. SCOPE AND CLASSIFICATION. 

1.1 Scope. 

This specification details Federal Aviation Administration requirements for airport light beacons at 

civil airports, military airports, seaplane bases, and heliports. 

NOTE: See the following documents for airport/heliport beacon installation and siting criteria: 

AC 150/5340-30, Design and Installation Details for Airport Visual Aids 

AC 150/5390-2, Heliport Design 

1.2 Classification. 

1.2.1 Types. 

L-801A Medium intensity airport beacon 

L-801H Medium intensity heliport beacon 

L-801S Medium intensity seaplane base beacon 

L-802A High intensity airport beacon 

L-802M High intensity military airport beacon. 

L-802H High intensity heliport beacon 

L-802S High intensity seaplane base beacon 

1.2.2 Classes. 

Class 1: For operation over the range -22 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (-30 to 55 degrees 

Celsius (C)). 

Class 2: For operation over the range -67 to 131 degrees F (-55 to +55 degrees C). 

1.2.3 Options. 

Lamp Monitor. 

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

Intentionally left blank. 

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AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

CHAPTER 2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. 

2.1 General. 

The following documents, of the issue in effect on the date of application for qualification, form a part of 

this specification, and are applicable to the extent specified. 

2.2 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circulars. 

AC 150/5345-53 Airport Lighting Equipment Certification Program 

2.3 Federal Standard. 

Standard 595 Colors Used in Government Procurement

2.4 Military Standard. 

MIL-STD-810F 

1 January 2000 

Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory 

Tests

2.5 Military Specification. 

MIL-C-7989B Covers, Light-Transmitting, for Aeronautical Lights, General 

Requirements for 

2.6 Federal Regulations. 

Code of Federal Regulations 

(CFR) 

Title 47, Telecommunications, Part 15, Radio Frequency 

Devices 

2.7 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

B766-86 (2003) Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Cadmium 

B633-98e1 Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and 

Steel 

2.8 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). 

SAE AS25050 Color, Aeronautical Lights and Lighting Equipment, General 

Requirements for 

2.9 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 

IEEE C62.41-1991 IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage 

AC Power Circuits 

IEEE C62.45 IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Testing for Equipment 

Connected to Low-Voltage (1000 V and Less) AC Power Circuits

2.10 Powder Coating Institute (PCI) 

PCI Powder Coating - The Complete Finisher's Handbook, 3rd 

edition

2.11 Illuminating Engineering Society North America (IESNA) Publication. 

LM-35-02 Photometric Testing of Floodlights Using High Intensity 

Discharge or Incandescent Filament Lamps 

Illuminating Engineering November 1964, Volume LXIX, page 747. 

3
11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

Copies of FAA advisory circulars may be obtained from:

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Subsequent Distribution 

Office Ardmore East Business Center 

3341 Q 75th Ave. 

Landover, MD 20785 

Phone: (301) 322-4961 

FAX: (301) 386-5394 

Website: www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/

Copies of FAA specifications may be obtained from:

Federal Aviation Administration 

ATO-P CM - NAS Documentation Control Center 

800 Independence Avenue, SW 

Washington, DC 20591 

Phone: (202)548-5502 

FAX: (202)548-5501 

Website: www.faa.gov/cm/documentation/

Copies of military documents may be obtained from:

DAPS/DODSSP 

Building 4, Section D 

700 Robbins Avenue 

Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094 

Phone: (215)697-2179 

FAX: (215)697-1460 

Website: dodssp.daps.dla.mil

Copies of Federal specifications and standards may be obtained from:

Federal Supply Services 

Specification Section 

470 L'Enfant Plaza East 

SW Suite 8100 

Washington, D.C. 20407 

Phone: (202) 619-8925 

FAX: (202) 619-8985 

Website: www.dsp.dla.mil

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AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

Copies of Federal Regulations may be obtained from:

Website: www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html

Copies of SAE standards may be obtained from:

Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. 

400 Commonwealth Drive 

Warrendale, Pennsylvania 15096 

Phone: (724)776-4841 

FAX: (724)776-0790 

Website: www.sae.org

Copies of IEEE Standards may be obtained from:

IEEE Customer Service 

445 Hoes Lane 

PO Box.1331 

Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331 

FAX: (732)981-9667 

E-mail: onlineproducts@ieee.org 

Website: www.ieee.org

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) documents may be obtained from:

IESNA 

120 Wall Street, Floor 17 

New York, NY 10005 

Phone: (212) 248-5000 

FAX: (212) 248-5017/18 

Website: www.iesna.org

Copies of ASTM standards may be obtained from:

ASTM 

100 Barr Harbor Drive 

West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 

Phone: (610) 832-9585 

FAX: (610) 832-9555 

Website: www.astm.org

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

Copies of Powder Coating Institute documents may be obtained from:

PCI Publications 

2121 Eisenhower Avenue 

Suite 401 

Alexandria, VA 22314 

Phone: (800) 988-COAT 

FAX: (703) 684-1711 

Website: www.powdercoating.org

6
AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

CHAPTER 3. REQUIREMENTS. 

3.1 General. 

This specification details the requirements for light beacons intended for use in locating lighted civil 

airports, military airports, seaplane bases, and heliports. 

3.2 Environmental Requirements. 

Light beacons must be designed to operate in the following environmental conditions: 

a. Temperature: Any temperature from -22 degrees to 131 degrees F (-30 degrees to +55 degrees C) 

without auxiliary heater(s) for Class 1, and -67 degrees to 131 degrees F (-55 degrees to +55 degrees C) 

with auxiliary heater(s) (if so equipped) for Class 2. 

b. Wind: wind velocities to 100 miles per hour (161 kilometers per hour). 

c. Rain and Snow: exposure to wind driven rain and snow. 

d. Ice: an accumulation of a 0.5 inch (12.7 millimeters) coating of ice. 

e. Solar radiation (if any plastic parts or thermoplastic lenses are used): Exposure to solar radiation. 

3.3 Photometric Requirements. 

The beacons must appear, at any point throughout 360 degrees in azimuth, as a light source emitting 

flashes of white and/or colored light at the specified rates, colors, and intensities per this Advisory

Circular. 

3.3.1 Flash Rate. 

The frequency of flashes must be: 

L-801A 22 to 26 flashes per minute (fpm)

L-801S " " " " " " 

L-802A " " " " " " 

L-802S " " " " " " 

L-801H 33 to 39 fpm

L-802H " " " 

L-802M 16 to 20 fpm

3.3.2 Flash Duration. 

a. The duration of individual flashes must be from 75 to 300 milliseconds (ms). 

b. The requirement above may be met in capacitor discharge-type beacons by a series of rapid 

successive flashes which appear to the viewer to be one uninterrupted flash. 

3.3.3 Signal Format. 

a. Airport beacons must provide the following signal colors: 

L-801A & 

L-802A 

Alternate white and green 

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

L-801S & 

L-802S 

Alternate white and yellow 

L-801H & 

L-802H 

Alternate white, green, and yellow 

L-802M Alternate white, white, and green 

b. For L-802M beacons, the time between successive white flashes must be 305 ± 56 ms, measured 

between the center points of maximum intensity. 

(1) The intensity of the white beam must be less than 100,000 candelas (cd) for a minimum of 55 

ms between white flashes. This specification is not in effective candelas. 

(2) The time between the second white flash and the green flash must be between 4.3 and 5.4 

seconds, measured center to center between the flashes. 

3.3.4 Light Intensity. 

The effective light intensity must be per Table 1 for omni-directional and rotating beacons: 

NOTE: The effective intensity of a flashing light is equal to the intensity of a steady-burning (fixed) light 

of the same color that produces the same visual range under identical conditions of observation. 

Table 1. Light Intensity and Elevations 

Beacon 

Type 

(Note 1)

Elevation 

Angle 

in degrees

Minimum Effective 

Intensity of Flash 

in candelas

1 and 2 25,000 (Note 2)

3 to 7 50,000 (Note 2)

L-801A &

L-801S

8 to 10 25,000 (Note 2)

1 and 2 12,500 (Note 2)

3 to 7 25,000 (Note 2) 

L-801H

8 to 10 12,500 (Note 2) 

1 and 2 37,500 (Note 2) 

3 to 7 75,000 (Note 2)

L-802A &

L-802S

8 to 10 37,500 (Note 2)

1 and 2 18,750 (Note 2)

3 to 7 37,500 (Note 2)

L-802H

8 to 10 18,750 (Note 2)

1, 9, and 10 30,000 (Note 2)

2 and 8 50,000 (Note 2)

3 to 7 95,000 (Note 2)

1 to 2 10,000 (Note 3)

3 to 7 20,000 (Note 3)

L-802M

8 to 10 10,000 (Note 3)

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AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

NOTES: 

1. The light beam center must be set at 5 degrees above the horizontal plane (0 degrees) for these 

parameters. 

2. The intensities are expressed in white light. 

3. The intensities are expressed in colored light. 

The effective intensity of colored lights must not be less than the values specified for white light 

multiplied by the following factors: yellow - 0.40, and green - 0.15. 

3.4 Design Requirements. 

3.4.1. General. 

Beacons may be designed as a rotating type using steady-burning lamps, or a non-rotating type using 

flashing lamps. The total input power, size, and weight of the beacon must be the minimum necessary to 

meet the requirements of this advisory circular. 

3.4.2 Input Voltage. 

The airport beacons must be designed to operate from a standard line voltage below 600 volts, at a 

tolerance of ±10 percent, 60 Hertz line frequency, alternating current. 

3.4.3 Lamps. 

The airport beacon must use lamps with a minimum rated life of at least 4,000 hours at rated voltage. 

3.4.4 Light Transmitting Materials. 

a. Glass for the light cover, lenses, and color screen(s) must meet the requirements of MIL-C-7989B 

(8 March 1971), paragraph 1.2, Class B, heat resistant glass. 

b. Plastic materials used for light covers, lenses, and color screens must meet the requirements of 

MIL-C-7989B (8 March 1971), paragraph 1.2, Class D, plastic. 

c. Where MIL-C-7989B refers to MIL-C-25050, read as SAE AS25050, General Requirements for 

Colors, Aeronautical Lights and Lighting Equipment. 

3.4.5 Drive Motor. 

a. Drive motors used on rotating-type beacons must have sufficient torque capacity to both start and 

operate the beacon under the environmental conditions per paragraph 3.2. Universal type motors are not 

acceptable. 

b. The motor and turntable drive must not induce premature failure of lamps because of excessive 

vibration. 

3.4.6 Vertical Adjustment. 

a. The light beam center of all airport beacons must be field adjustable through vertical angles from 2 

to 10 degrees above the horizontal plane using common hand tools. 

b. A scale marked in one degree increments must be provided to indicate the vertical beam center 

setting. 

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

3.4.7 Interlock Switches. 

Interlock switches must be incorporated into capacitor-discharge beacons so that, upon opening the access 

door or cover, incoming power is disconnected and capacitors discharged to a maximum of 50 volts 

within 30 seconds. 

3.4.8 Equipment Mounting. 

The airport beacon must be designed for mounting on a flat, horizontal surface, and must be provided 

with easily accessible leveling points for leveling during installation and maintenance. 

3.4.9 Surge Suppression. 

Properly rated surge arresting devices must be used to protect the equipment per IEEE C62.41, Medium

System Exposure, Location Category C2, Table 4. 

NOTE: See IEEE C62.41- 1991, IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage AC 

Power Circuits, Section 9, Definition of Standard Surge Testing Waveforms, for detailed explanations of 

surge/transient waveforms. 

3.4.10 Electromagnetic Interference. 

The airport beacon must not cause harmful interference (radiated or conducted electromagnetic 

interference (EMI)) to other airport and FAA equipment (e.g., computers, radars, instrument landing 

systems, radio receivers, VHF Omni directional Range, etc.) that may be located on or near an airport. 

NOTE: An airport beacon is classified as an incidental radiator (47 CFR Part 15.13). This applies to 

equipment that does not intentionally generate any radio frequency energy, but may create such energy 

as an incidental part of its intended operations. 

3.4.11 Corrosion Protection. 

a. All airport beacon metallic surfaces must be protected from corrosion. 

b. Exterior surfaces must be painted with a primer coat and two finish coats of paint that will protect 

the equipment per the environmental requirements in paragraph 3.2. 

c. The beacon exterior color must be either international orange, color number 12197, or aviation 

yellow, color number 13538, per FED-STD-595. 

d. Painted surfaces must be free of blotches, scratches, and runs. 

e. If corrosion resistance is provided by galvanizing, it must be per ASTM B-633, Standard 

Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and Steel. 

f. If cadmium plating is used it must be per ASTM B766-86 (2003), Standard Specification for 

Electrodeposited Coatings of Cadmium. 

NOTE: Polymer powder coatings may be substituted for paint if equivalent corrosion resistance is 

maintained. See Powder Coating Institute publication: Powder Coating - The Complete Finisher's 

Handbook, 3rd edition, for guidance about selection, application, and corrosion resistance. 

3.4.12 Parts Rating. 

a. All parts must be of adequate rating for the application and must not be operated in excess of the 

part manufacturer's recommended ratings throughout the environmental range per paragraph 3.2. 

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AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

b. Components must be de-rated by the interior temperature rise above the maximum outside ambient 

temperature at an altitude of 6,000 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level. 

3.4.13 Nameplate. 

A permanent nameplate with the following minimum information must be affixed to the beacon: 

Light Beacon 

Identification: FAA L-_______ 

Voltage_______Wattage_______ 

Manufacturer's Part No.___________ 

Manufacturer's Name or Trademark_______ 

3.5 Equipment Options. 

The following option is not required for certification. However, if provided, it must be tested to Chapter 

4. 

3.5.1 Lamp Monitor. 

A circuit, if provided, must permit connection to a remote warning lamp and/or buzzer to indicate failure 

of the service lamp(s). 

3.6 Instruction Book. 

An instruction book must be provided with each airport beacon and contain the following information: 

a. Safety requirements for equipment maintenance. 

b. Description of circuit operation. 

c. Circuit schematics and wiring diagrams. 

d. Photographs or mechanical drawings of each component showing all parts. 

e. Parts list with each circuit component keyed to the reference designation assigned on schematics or 

wiring diagrams. 

f. The original equipment manufacturer's part number, name, and description must be given for each 

part in the parts list. 

g. Recommended preventive maintenance schedule and procedures. 

h. Troubleshooting information. 

i. Equipment physical characteristics (weight, height, mounting dimensions). 

j. Installation instructions. 

k. Operating instructions. 

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

Intentionally left blank. 

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AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

CHAPTER 4. EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. 

4.1. Certification Request. 

Procedures for obtaining certification approval are contained in the current edition of AC 150/5345-53, 

Airport Lighting Equipment Certification Program. 

4.2 Certification Tests. 

Each type, class, and option of airport beacons to be certified must be tested. 

4.2.1 Visual Examination. 

Airport beacons must be inspected for quality of workmanship, fabrication, finish, and adequacy of the 

design to suit the intended purpose. 

4.2.2 Photometric Tests. 

a. Testing must be conducted to show conformance to all photometric requirements. 

b. See Illuminating Engineering Society publication, Guide for Calculating the Effective Intensity of 

Flashing Signal Lights, contained in Illuminating Engineering, November 1964, Volume LXIX, page 747 

for guidance about determining the effective intensity of a flashing light. 

4.2.2.1 Procedures. 

a. Before testing the equipment, the photometric equipment must be calibrated per IESNA LM-35-

02, paragraph 5.0, Calibration Procedure and Methods (General). 

(1) The photometric axes must be in relation to properly installed and aimed airport beacon. 

(2) See IESNA LM-35-02, paragraph 6 for a set of standard angles for beam spreads. 

b. Lamp must be stabilized prior to conducting measurements per IESNA LM-35-02, paragraph 3.4, 

Test Lamp Operation. 

c. Confirm that high intensity discharge (metal halide) lamps, if position sensitive, have the correct 

coordinate system applied for the lamp operating position per IESNA LM-35-02, paragraph 3.8.2, 

Coordinate Systems. 

d. Five production-run lamps must be randomly selected for testing. 

4.2.2.2 Beam-Type Beacons. 

a. For beacons with a horizontal beam width less than 180 degrees, one horizontal "cut" must be 

recorded at each one degree vertical interval, over the required angles of elevation per Table 1. 

b. At least ten readings must be taken at each horizontal "cut." All five lamps must be measured with 

a minimum of one "cut" through the beam center. 

4.2.2.3 Omni-directional Beacons. 

a. For beacons with a horizontal beam width greater than 180 degrees, the vertical beam spread must 

be measured at least every 30 degrees of the beam width. 

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

b. The vertical readings must range over the required angles of elevation per Table 1, measured at 

one degree vertical intervals. 

4.2.2.4 Chromaticity. 

a. Airport beacons must be tested with each type of filter, lamp, and optical system to be used in the 

equipment to ensure that it meets intensity and chromaticity requirements. 

NOTE: All testing must be conducted after 15 minutes of operation in ambient conditions at 77 degrees 

F (25 degrees C). See SAE AS25050 for definitions of colors (paragraph 3.1), chromaticity (paragraph 

3.3.1). 

b. Alternatively, the chromaticity and transmission for color filters may be certified by the 

manufacturer to meet FAA requirements and the documentation used to calculate the color photometric 

effective output based upon measurements taken with the beacon white lens. 

4.2.2.5 Test Report. 

A test report must be prepared per paragraph 8.0 of LM-35-02, except that "floodlight" shall be read as 

"airport beacon." 

4.2.3 High Temperature Test. 

a. The airport beacon must be placed in a test chamber at ambient temperature, then operated to 

determine readiness for testing. 

b. After successful readiness testing, the temperature of the test chamber must be raised to 131 

degrees F (55 degrees C) with the airport beacon power off. The equipment must be temperature soaked 

for 12 hours with any optional equipment attached. 

c. At the conclusion of the 12 hour temperature soak, the airport beacon must be continuously

operated at 131 degrees F (55 degrees C) for 36 hours. Any optional equipment must be demonstrated to 

operate at the end of 36 hours. Failure of the equipment to operate properly or deterioration of any

component is considered cause for rejection. 

4.2.4 Low Temperature Test. 

a. The airport beacon must be placed in a test chamber at ambient temperature, then operated to 

determine readiness for testing. Auxiliary heater(s), if so equipped, must be operating. 

b. After successful readiness testing, the temperature of the test chamber must be lowered to: 

(1) For Class 1 equipment: -22 degrees F (-30 degrees C) with the AC power off. 

(2) For Class 2 equipment: -67 degrees F (-55 degrees C) with the AC power off. 

 

c. The equipment must be temperature soaked for 12 hours with any optional equipment operating. 

d. At the conclusion of the 12 hour cold temperature soak, the equipment must be energized and 

operated in the test chamber at the soak temperature for 1 hour. Optional equipment must be 

demonstrated at the end of the 1 hour test. 

e. If the airport beacon fails to rotate at its normal operating speed within 30 seconds or if an omnidirectional design fails to flash within 30 seconds, it must be considered cause for rejection. 

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AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

f. Failure of the airport beacon lamps to start and operate at their rated intensities is considered cause 

for rejection. 

g. Any deterioration or failure of components will be considered cause for rejection. 

4.2.5 Ice Load Test. 

NOTE: This test may be combined with the low temperature test. 

a. An ice test must be conducted by building up a 0.5 inch (12.7 millimeters) coating of ice on the 

beacon while it is inoperative in a cold test chamber maintained at the temperatures in paragraph 4.2.4. 

b. The test chamber temperature must be maintained for 4 hours after the required ice load has been 

built up. 

c. Apply power to the airport beacon. The beacon must operate after applying the power and rotate at 

its normal operating speed (if not omni-directional) within 30 seconds. 

4.2.6 Rain Test. 

a. The rain test must be conducted per MIL-STD-810F (1 January 2000), Part 2, Laboratory Test 

Methods, Method 506.4, Procedure I, paragraph 4.4.2, Procedure I. 

(1) A simulated rainfall rate of 4 inches per hour or 1.7 millimeters per minute must be used. 

(2) Wind velocity must be 40 miles per hour or 18 meters per second. 

(3) The airport beacon equipment must be at ambient temperature for this test. 

b. Perform an operability test of the equipment in the test chamber prior to the rain test. 

c. At the conclusion of rain testing and after a preliminary inspection for water intrusion, operate the 

equipment. 

CAUTION: Perform a preliminary inspection before energizing the equipment to remove any 

accumulated water and prevent a potential shock hazard to test personnel. 

d. If water has penetrated the lamp housings or pedestal, it must be considered cause for rejection. 

 

e. If the airport beacon does not rotate at the correct speed or flash at the correct rate, it must be 

considered cause for rejection. 

4.2.7 Solar Radiation Test 

a. A sunshine test must be conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-810F (1 January 2000), Part 2, 

Laboratory Test Methods, Method 505.4, paragraph 4.4.3, Procedure II for all airport beacons with 

nonmetallic exterior parts. 

b. The airport beacon must be subjected to a minimum of 56 cycles. 

c. The test unit must operate and perform all specified functions after this test. 

d. Any evidence of deterioration of plastic parts: chalking, bleaching, cracking, hazing, or color 

changes (yellowing) to the thermoplastic lenses of the test unit must be causes for rejection. 

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11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

e. For thermoplastic optical lenses or covers, the photometric performance must be measured after 

this test. 

4.2.8 Electromagnetic Interference Tests.

a. Beacons must be tested for and not exceed the conducted power line emission limits per 47 CFR 

Part 15.107b: 

Frequency of Emission 

(MHz)

Quasi-peak Emissions: 

Decibels per microvolt 

(dB/μV) 

Average Emissions: 

Decibels per microvolt 

(dB/μV) 

0.15 – 0.5 79 66 

0.5 -30.0 73 60 

b. Beacons must be tested for and not exceed the radiated emission limits per 47 CFR Part 15.109b 

for the following limits at 33 feet (10 meters): 

Frequency of Emission 

(MHz)

Field Strength 

microvolts per meter, (μV/m)

30-88 90

88-216 150

216-960 210

Above 960 300

4.2.9 Surge Suppression Test. 

a. Subject the beacon (optional equipment connected) to 2 pulses at 15 second intervals to a 

combination wave 1.2μS/50μS and 8μS/20μS (6,000 volt, 3,000 amp) test pulse per the descriptions in 

IEEE C62.41, Table 4, Location Category C1. 

b. See IEEE C62.41-1991 Section 9.3 for test condition and test generator information. 

c. See IEEE C62.41-1991 Section 9.4 for a detailed combination pulse generation and parameters 

discussion. 

d. See also IEEE C62.45, IEEE Recommended Practice on Surge Testing for Equipment Connected 

to Low-Voltage (1000 V and Less) AC Power Circuits for guidance about equipment test methods. 

 

e. The equipment under test must operate normally at the conclusion of the test. 

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AC 150/5345-12E 11/17/05 

CHAPTER 5. PRODUCTION TESTS. 

a. All production airport beacons must be inspected for compliance to the requirements of this AC 

for: 

(1) materials, 

(2) finish, 

(3) quality of workmanship. 

b. Each unit must be operated for one hour (including any optional equipment) with the following 

checks: 

(1) Rotation speed (if not an omni-directional type). 

(2) Check lamp intensity per Table 1. and elevation. 

(3) Operation of any optional equipment to be shipped with unit. 

17
11/17/05 AC 150/5345-12E 

Intentionally left blank.

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