In the United States, all electronic products are required to comply with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 15, or simply FCC Part 15.
FCC Part 15 is an electromagnetic compatibility regulation. It sets performance standards for devices capable of emitting radio frequency (RF) waves to ensure that the radio spectrum is used safely and efficiently.
These standards are designed to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) that may disrupt the functioning of electronic devices and equipment.
Devices that comply with FCC Part 15 may legally carry the FCC mark and can go on sale in the United States.
Achieving FCC compliance involves testing your device in an accredited lab to verify that it’s operating within the limits. Following testing, your device will receive equipment authorization from the FCC via FCC certification or a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).
FCC Class A and Class B Devices
Under FCC Part 15 rules, electronic devices are defined as Class A or Class B based on their design, intended purposes and marketing.
In general, FCC Class A devices are subject to looser, less stringent testing requirements than Class B devices.
We’ve discussed these limits below, as well as best practices for achieving compliance for your Class A or Class B electronic device.
To ask our engineers your questions about the compliance process, or to request a free quote for testing and certifying your device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
Class A Devices
Class A devices are electronic devices that are designed for use in commercial, industrial and/or business environments. These devices are not intended for use in the home and are not actively marketed to the public as consumer devices.
Under FCC Part 15 rules, Class A devices are subject to less stringent limits for electromagnetic interference than Class B devices.
FCC Part 15 Limits for Class A Devices
Under 47 CFR § 15.109, the following limits apply to Class A digital devices:
The field strength of radiated emissions from a Class A digital device, as determined at a distance of 10 meters, shall not exceed the following:
| Frequency of emission (MHz) | Field strength (microvolts/meter) |
| 30-88 | 90 |
| 88-216 | 150 |
| 216-960 | 210 |
| Above 960 | 300 |
At the band edges, the tighter limit is applied. For example, a digital device with emissions at 88 MHz is subject to the 90 microvolts/meter limit for emissions at 88 MHz, with the limit for the 88 to 216 MHz range (150 microvolts/meter) applied to all emissions above 88 MHz.
Class B Devices
Class B devices are electronic devices that are marketed primarily to consumers for use in a residential or public environment. These devices are intended for consumer use and are not classed or marketed as industrial or scientific equipment.
Under the FCC Part 15 rules, Class B devices are subject to stricter limits for radiated emissions than Class A devices. These limits are designed to restrict electromagnetic interference in public and home environments.
FCC Part 15 Limits for Class B Devices
Under 47 CFR § 15.109, the following limits apply to Class B digital devices:
“Except for Class A digital devices, the field strength of radiated emissions from unintentional radiators at a distance of 3 meters shall not exceed the following values:”
| Frequency of emission (MHz) | Field strength (microvolts/meter) |
| 30-88 | 100 |
| 88-216 | 150 |
| 216-960 | 210 |
| Above 960 | 300 |
As with class A limits, at the frequency band edges, the tighter limit is applied to the device that is under test.
For example, an electronic device with emissions at 88 MHz is legally subject to the limit of 100 microvolts/meter, which applies to 88 MHz emissions. Any emissions above 88 MHz fall under the 88 to 216 MHz limit of 150 microvolts/meter.
Additional limits may apply to certain devices. You can consult the FCC’s regulations here using the eCFR system. If you have questions about compliance, you can also contact us here to talk to our engineers and get help with the appropriate emissions limits for your electronic device.
Our FCC Testing & Certification Services
As an ANSI-accredited testing lab and FCC-recognized Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB), we specialize in testing both Class A and Class B devices and receiving FCC equipment authorization.
Our team has extensive experience testing and receiving equipment authorization for devices of all types, including intentional and unintentional radiators. We can complete testing and the FCC certification or SDoC process on your behalf, granting your device US market access.
To request a quote for testing and equipment authorization, or to ask our team a question about the FCC testing and certification process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.
