If you’re planning to manufacture or import an electronic device in the United States, European Union, or other large markets, you’ll need to ensure it complies with all relevant electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations in your target region.

EMC refers to a device’s ability to function in a shared space without producing electromagnetic interference (EMI), or being affected by interference from other devices.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) classes devices as either Class A or Class B, primarily based on the intended use of the device and the environment that it’s expected to operate in.

This distinction is important, as it can have a significant impact on how your device is tested and the standards it needs to meet to enter the market.

Below, we’ve covered how Class A and Class B devices differ from an EMC perspective, as well as what’s required to make sure your device is compliant with US regulations.

To learn more about EMC testing and compliance, or to get a free quote for testing your device, you can contact us online or call our team at 866-540-5287. 

What’s the Difference Between Class A and Class B?

Class A and Class B devices differ in several ways. The major difference between Class A and Class B devices is their intended environment. Each device class also has a distinct emissions limit — a cap on the amount of radiated and/or conducted emissions the device can produce. 

Class A Devices

Class A devices are typically designed for use in business, industrial and commercial settings, such as offices, industrial facilities, laboratories and other environments in which some degree of electromagnetic emissions is expected. 

These environments can tolerate higher levels of electromagnetic emissions because they are generally less sensitive to interference than residential settings. 

Examples of Class A devices include servers, industrial control equipment, and audio and video equipment aimed at professionals.

The key characteristic of Class A devices is that they have higher emissions limits compared to Class B devices. This means they’re allowed to emit more electromagnetic interference all while remaining compliant with regulatory standards.

Due to these higher emissions limits, manufacturers of Class A devices need to include a notice with their products informing users that the device may cause interference in residential settings and are not intended for use in such environments.

Class B Devices

In contrast, Class B devices are designed primarily for use in residential environments, such as houses and apartments. These environments are considered more susceptible to interference, as they often contain a wide range of devices that can be affected by EMI.

Devices that may be affected by electromagnetic interference include TVs, radios, computers, Wi-Fi networking equipment, and other devices that use radio frequency communications.

Class B devices have stricter emissions limits than Class A devices. This is to ensure they do not cause unacceptable interference that affects other household devices or causes problems related to television and/or radio signals. 

To comply with the stricter standards required for Class B devices, manufacturers often make use of additional design considerations to reduce electromagnetic emissions, such as internal shielding. 

Overall, the emphasis for Class B devices is on ensuring that devices can coexist without any significant risk of causing or suffering from interference in a typical home environment.

Device Class and FCC Authorization for Electronics

Regardless of your device’s class, you’ll need to achieve FCC equipment authorization in order to bring your device to market in the United States.

The FCC’s authorization process ensures that electronic devices comply with federal standards for electromagnetic emissions. These standards are designed to minimize interference between electronic devices and ensure communications are safe and reliable.

The FCC has two procedures related to device authorization: Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and FCC certification. The process that’s applicable to your device depends on its class and its relevant rules.

You can find more information about both processes for equipment authorization below:

• Declaration of Conformity (DoC). This procedure is typically used for Class B devices, as well as some Class A devices. It requires you, as a manufacturer, to test your device according to the FCC’s requirements and maintain a file of compliance information. The DoC process allows for a faster time to market, since it typically requires less direct oversight by the FCC.
• FCC certification. This process is more stringent and is required for devices that could pose a significant risk of interference. Certification involves testing by an accredited lab and submission of a detailed application to the FCC. Following testing, the FCC reviews your application and test results before determining whether to grant approval. This process provides a high degree of assurance that your device is compliant with all relevant EMC regulations, such as FCC Part 15. 

Not sure which authorization procedure is right for your device? Contact us online to talk to our team and learn more about the FCC testing and authorization process. 

Talk to Our Team About EMC Testing & Compliance

Completing EMC testing and achieving FCC equipment authorization is a key step in bringing your electronic device to market in the United States. Similarly, achieving compliance with EU requirements, such as the EMC Directive, is critical for marketing your device worldwide.

As an ANSI-accredited electronics testing lab, we can complete testing for your device to help you gain FCC equipment authorization. This allows you to affix the FCC mark to your product and legally enter the US market.

To ask our engineers and compliance specialists a question about the testing and compliance process, or to request a free quote for testing and certifying your electronic device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.