What should be the average lux level of the perimeter lighting at the airports ?

According to the standards and guidelines prescribed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India, airport perimeter lighting is a mandatory security requirement. The primary objective is to ensure adequate visibility for patrolling security personnel and the effective functioning of CCTV surveillance systems. The standard specification for the average illumination level of perimeter lighting at Indian airports is 3.5 lux.

• 3.5 lux: This is the prescribed average level to maintain a balance between visibility and power efficiency while ensuring the Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) functions correctly.
• Lighting must be uniform to avoid dark spots where intruders could hide.
• Higher lux levels (like 6 lux or more) are typically reserved for specific high-security areas like gate-checks or identification points, rather than the entire perimeter.