If you’re manufacturing or importing an electronic device for sale in the United States, one key factor to think about is FCC compliance.
By law, all electronic devices that fall under the scope of Federal Communications Commission regulations, such as Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 15 (the FCC Part 15 rules) are required to complete testing and achieve equipment authorization from the FCC.
FCC Part 15 applies to almost all commercial electronic equipment, including devices designed for consumers and industrial equipment. However, in rare cases, some devices may be exempt from the FCC rules, allowing them to be used without completing lab testing first.
Below, we’ve explained what FCC Part 15 is, as well as which devices are exempt from testing and regulatory compliance with the Part 15 rules.
We’ve also shared what you need to know if you’re designing or developing a device and need to prepare for FCC Part 15 compliance in the future.
For more information about FCC testing and compliance, or to request a quote for testing and certifying your device, you can contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
What is FCC Part 15?
FCC Part 15 is a section of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47 that deals with electronic devices that can emit radio frequency emissions. It sets clear standards for electronic products to ensure that devices cannot interfere with each other’s signals and operations.
Electronic devices that emit significant amounts of electromagnetic energy can potentially affect the function of other devices. This is called electromagnetic interference (EMI), and it can cause everything from disrupted signals and false readings to equipment malfunctions.
In order to comply with Part 15, an electronic device needs to be tested in a lab using a variety of criteria. During testing, the device’s radiated emissions, conducted emissions and immunity against interference are measured to verify that it meets the FCC’s standards.
FCC Part 15 is one of several electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations worldwide. It applies only to the United States. Other markets, such as the European Union and Canada, have their own regulations for electromagnetic compatibility.
FCC Part 15 Exemption Devices
Although most electronic devices are required to comply with FCC Part 15, the FCC does grant exemptions for specific device types.
According to Section 15.103 of Title 47 of the eCFR, devices that fit into the following categories are exempt from FCC Part 15:
- Digital devices utilized exclusively in any transportation vehicle including motor vehicles and aircraft.
- Digital devices used exclusively as an electronic control or power system utilized by a public utility or in an industrial plant. Note: The term public utility includes equipment only to the extent that it is in a dedicated building or large room owned or leased by the utility and does not extend to equipment installed in a subscriber’s facility.
- Digital devices that are used exclusively as industrial, commercial, or medical ISM) test equipment.
- Digital devices utilized exclusively in an appliance, e.g., microwave oven, dishwasher, clothes dryer, air conditioner (central or window), etc.
- Specialized medical digital devices (generally used at the direction of or under the supervision of a licensed health care practitioner) whether used in a patient’s home or a healthcare facility. Note: Non-specialized medical devices, i.e., devices marketed through retail channels for use by the general public, are not exempted. This exemption also does not apply to digital devices used for record keeping or any purpose not directly connected with medical treatment.
- Digital devices that have a power consumption not exceeding 6 nanowatts (nW).
- Joystick controllers or similar devices, such as a mouse, used with digital devices but which contain only non-digital circuitry or a simple circuit to convert the signal to the format required (e.g., an integrated circuit for analog to digital conversion).
- Digital devices in which both the highest frequency generated and the highest frequency used are less than 1.705 MHz and which do not operate from the AC power lines or contain provisions for operation while connected to the AC power lines. Note: Digital devices that include, or make provision for the use of, battery eliminators, AC adaptors or battery chargers which permit operation while charging or that connect to the AC power lines indirectly, obtaining their power through another device which is connected to the AC power lines, do not fall under this exemption.
Section 15.103 of Title 47 of the eCFR also notes:
“Responsible parties should note that equipment containing more than one device is not exempt from the technical standards in this part unless all of the devices in the equipment meet the criteria for exemption. If only one of the included devices qualifies for exemption, the remainder of the equipment must comply with any applicable regulations. If a device performs more than one function and all of those functions do not meet the criteria for exemption, the device does not qualify for inclusion under the exemptions.”
Not sure if your device requires FCC testing and Part 15 compliance or not? Contact us and our team of engineers and compliance specialists can inform you about the regulatory requirements for your device and most appropriate testing procedures.
What Devices Require Part 15 Testing & Compliance?
All devices capable of emitting radio frequency energy that are not included in the exemption list above are required to complete FCC testing and achieve equipment authorization in order to go on sale in the United States.
The FCC classifies devices as either intentional radiators or unintentional radiators. Devices that are designed specifically to emit radio frequency energy, such as phones and Bluetooth devices, are classified as intentional radiators and typically require FCC certification.
Devices that do not emit radio frequency energy deliberately are typically classified by the FCC as unintentional radiators and can receive equipment authorization through the simpler process of Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).
Both compliance procedures require that your device completes testing to verify that it operates within the FCC’s standards for emissions and immunity.
After completing FCC testing with an accredited laboratory and gaining equipment authorization, devices that fall under Part 15 can be affixed with the FCC labeling and legally enter the market in the United States.
Contact Us for Help With FCC Part 15 Testing & Compliance
Unless your electronic device falls into one of the exempt categories listed above, carrying out testing and achieving FCC equipment authorization is an essential step in gaining US market access.
As an ANSI-accredited electronics testing lab, we can complete FCC testing for your device and help you receive equipment authorization using the FCC certification or Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity processes.
To talk to our team about testing and compliance for your device, or to request a free quote, call us at 866-540-5287 or contact us online. We respond to all messages and can help you with all questions related to the testing, compliance and authorization process.
