System protection against lightning, transients, and surges is a problem that has been studied by numerous researchers and engineers. The recommendation for an improved Approach Lighting System (ALS) topology that protects an Individual Control Cabinet (ICC) against these phenomena is the focus of this thesis.;Existing ALS designs consist of a ground wire housed in the same conduit as live wires, which run between the ICC and sequence flashers. This ground wire orientation combined with the lack of protection at the ICC output terminal has resulted in damage to the ICC caused by the propagation of over-currents and over-voltages along the ground wire and live wires which connect to the ICC. ICC damage poses reliability, security and safety concerns for the aviation industry, threatening human life and equipment.;This thesis focuses on the evaluation of three proposed ALS topology configurations under the impact of lightning. The mitigation scheme is performed using a simulation based network analysis approach and proposes a hands-on destructive test to verify simulation results. Using a sensitivity study, the grounding system of each topology is evaluated and an optimal topology is selected. A protection scheme is integrated with three topologies using a metal-oxide varistor to reduce over-voltage propagating along ALS live wires as they connect to the internal circuitry of the ICC. Finally, using parameters attained from simulation, updated specifications and standards are recommended to improve ICC grounding and protection.;The simulated schemes are to be verified using a small scale destructive test and appropriate recommendation for a scalable test and design scope for future ICC protection is suggested.
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