Standards Development

Scope

This document defines and describes the terms and definitions, technical requirements, test methods, inspection rules, marking, packaging, storage and installation recommendations for aeronautical warning balls of the overhead lines.

This document applies to aeronautical warning balls installed on overhead lines and ground wires of nominal voltage of 110 kV and above. It may also apply to the aeronautical warning balls installed on overhead lines and ground wires of lower nominal voltage of 110 kV and to similar aeronautical warning balls for overhead towers.

Purpose

Aeronautical warning signs, the overhead lines could constitute a hazard to aircrafts and wires themselves in fact when they are crossing highways, rivers, valleys etc..

With the gradual popularization of the low altitude aircrafts, it is more and more necessary to install warning balls on overhead lines to ensure that the aircraft can notice them and avoid the overhead lines in time. Therefore, the safety accidents will be reduced. The warning ball, which is convenient to install, has been adopted by the global overhead line operation and maintenance institutions and could be used more widely. It is also convenient to install and has been fully used on the overhead lines and towers around the world.

At present, the following documents referring to aeronautical warning balls and obstacle lights, don’t include the technical requirements and test methods of the aeronautical warning balls for the overhead lines.

1.MH 5001-2013 Aerodrome technical standards

2.MHT 6012-2015 Aeronautical obstacle light

3.AC 70/7460-1M - Obstruction Marking and Lighting

4.ICAO-Annex-14 To the convention on international civil aviation

There are many different kinds of warning balls in the world. Due to lack of unified technical requirements and testing standards, the quality of these products are inconsistent. If the products have quality problems, it will not only fail to play a warning role, but also could constitute a hazard to the overhead lines and the low altitude aircrafts, even cause a major safety accident. Therefore, it is necessary to make a standard to achieve unified technical requirements and testing methods. It will not only promote the standardization of products but also eliminate the trade barriers and enhance international mutual recognition.

As a very important criterion for aeronautical warning balls, this document will provide consistent technical requirements and test methods. The technology of manufacturing enterprises will be promoted, the installation, operation and inspection requirements of aeronautical warning balls will be standardized. It will ultimately improve the flying safety of the low altitude aircrafts and the operation safety of overhead lines, and reduce economic losses and safety accidents.