Kongsberg NL-290 KM-F Navigation Light Panel

The Kongsberg NL-290 KM-F is a dedicated navigation light control panel designed for marine vessels. This panel provides centralized switching and status monitoring of all navigation lights required by COLREGS and classification society requirements. With its robust construction and intuitive layout, the NL-290 KM-F ensures reliable operation of navigation lighting systems on commercial ships, offshore vessels, and naval applications.

Navigation Light Control Functions

The NL-290 KM-F provides independent control for the full complement of navigation lights including masthead lights, sidelights, stern lights, anchor lights, towing lights, and special signal lights. Each circuit is controlled by a dedicated switch with an associated status LED indicating when the light is energized. The panel design ensures compliance with COLREGS requirements for navigation light operation and redundancy.

Light Failure Detection

A critical safety feature of the NL-290 KM-F is its integrated light failure detection capability. The panel continuously monitors the current flowing through each navigation light circuit. If a lamp fails or a circuit becomes open, the panel provides immediate visual indication on the affected channel and can generate a common alarm output. This early warning enables the crew to address lighting issues before they impact vessel safety or regulatory compliance.

Electrical Specifications

• Power supply: 24 V DC (18 to 32 V DC)

• Outputs: Individual fused outputs per navigation light

• Fuse ratings: Customer configurable based on lamp type

• Alarm output: Potential-free contact for external annunciation

• Control: Toggle switches with backlighting

• Indication: Green LED for on status, Red LED for fault

Physical Construction

The NL-290 KM-F is housed in a rugged metal enclosure designed for bridge installation. The front panel is constructed from corrosion-resistant materials with a durable finish suitable for marine environments. The panel meets IP66 ingress protection, ensuring resistance to water spray and dust. All labeling is engraved and filled for permanent legibility. The panel is designed for flush mounting in bridge consoles with a sealing gasket providing a watertight installation.

Integration with Navigation Systems

The panel can be integrated with vessel navigation systems through the alarm output contacts. In the event of a navigation light failure, the panel can trigger alarms on the bridge alarm system or automation control system. For vessels requiring remote monitoring, the panel can optionally interface with the vessel’s integrated bridge system to provide status information to the navigation display.

Environmental Specifications

• Operating temperature: -15°C to +55°C

• Storage temperature: -25°C to +70°C

• Relative humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensing

• Vibration: IEC 60945 compliant for bridge equipment

• EMC: EN 60945 for marine navigation equipment

Applications

The NL-290 KM-F is suitable for a wide range of vessel types:

• Commercial cargo vessels and container ships

• Tankers and bulk carriers

• Offshore supply and support vessels

• Passenger ferries and cruise ships

• Tugs and workboats

• Naval and government vessels

Installation and Wiring

Installation involves mounting the panel in a suitable location on the bridge, typically at the navigation console or wing stations. The panel connects to the vessel’s 24 V DC power supply and to the individual navigation light circuits via field wiring. Each output circuit should be fused according to the lamp rating. Wiring should be routed away from high-power cables to minimize electromagnetic interference. Terminal blocks are clearly labeled for simplified installation.

Certifications

The NL-290 KM-F is type-approved by major classification societies including DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, Bureau Veritas, and ClassNK. It complies with COLREGS, SOLAS Chapter V, and applicable IMO requirements for navigation lights and associated control equipment. The panel is manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Maintenance and Testing

Regular maintenance includes visual inspection of panel labels and indicators, testing of all light circuits, and verification of failure detection function. Periodic testing should be performed in accordance with the vessel’s planned maintenance system. The panel is designed for low maintenance with no user-serviceable internal components. Replacement of fuses or individual switches, if required, can be performed by qualified personnel using Kongsberg-supplied components.