One of the most important steps in bringing your electronic device to market in the United States is completing FCC testing and gaining FCC equipment authorization. 

This process confirms your device complies with the FCC Part 15 rules, allowing you to affix the FCC mark to your device and granting you access to the United States market. 

While almost all electronic devices capable of transmitting radio frequency energy fall under the Part 15 regulations, the testing and compliance process required for FCC authorization will differ depending on whether your device is considered an intentional or unintentional radiator.

Below, we’ve discussed what unintentional radiators are, as well as how unintentional radiators differ from devices classed as intentional radiators by the FCC.

We’ve also explained the steps you’ll need to take to achieve compliance with the FCC Part 15 rules for your unintentional radiator device, allowing you to add the FCC Mark and go to market in the US. 

For more information about FCC testing and compliance, or to request a quote for testing your device, contact us online or call our team at 866-540-5287.

What is an Unintentional Radiator?

The term “unintentional radiator” refers to any electronic device that generates radio frequency (RF) energy during its functions, but isn’t designed specifically to generate RF energy as a part of its normal operation. 

In simple terms, the word “unintentional” is key here. From the perspective of the FCC, a device that emits external RF energy without needing to is classified as an unintentional radiator.

Common examples of products classified as unintentional radiators include computers, printers, power supplies, lighting systems, televisions, USB devices, electronic musical instruments, and the vast majority of household appliances.

Despite not being designed to communicate using RF signals, these devices can still create RF emissions as a byproduct of their components and design.

This radio frequency energy can cause interference with other devices. For example, emissions of radio frequency energy from an unintentional radiator may affect your TV’s signal, your Wi-Fi connection, or other systems within your home or workplace that rely on RF communications.

These emissions are referred to as radiated emissions, as they can radiate from your device to affect nearby devices in the area. 

Unintentional vs. Intentional Radiators

The key difference between unintentional radiators and intentional radiators is the way in which these devices use radio frequency energy.

Intentional radiators are devices that need to transmit radio frequency energy in order to operate normally. For example, smartphones are designed to communicate with low-powered RF energy as part of their normal operation, and are thus classified as intentional radiators.

Common examples of intentional radiators include:

• Cellular devices, such as smartphones
• Cordless home phones and communication devices
• Remote control devices that use radio frequency technology
• Wi-Fi routers, signal boosters and other networking devices
• Wireless microphones and audio equipment
• Wireless security and alarm systems
• Remote garage door openers
• Bluetooth devices

Our guide to intentional radiators provides more information about this class of devices, as well as the FCC’s compliance regulations. 

FCC Testing & Authorization for Unintentional Radiators

Devices classified as unintentional radiators can gain FCC authorization and enter the market through two pathways: a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) or FCC Certification. 

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)

Most unintentional radiators receive FCC equipment authorization via a process referred to as Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, or SDoC. This process involves testing your device in an accredited testing facility, then verifying and declaring that it follows all relevant FCC rules.

Receiving FCC equipment authorization via the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity process is typically simpler than via FCC Certification.

The SDoC authorization process includes the following steps:

• Testing your device. Before preparing an SDoC, you’ll need to test your device with an accredited testing lab. Testing for FCC authorization includes accurately measuring your device’s radiated emissions, conducted emissions and immunity to interference.
• Preparing documentation. Following testing, documentation is prepared to show that your device complies with all FCC requirements. In addition to lab test results, you will need to prepare device manuals and other documentation.
• Submitting your Declaration of Conformity. This document attests that your device complies with the applicable FCC rules. Our team can help you in preparing an SDoC and completing the FCC compliance process for your device. 

Your Declaration of Conformity must include a Compliance Information Statement — a document that includes specific information about your device and company. 

Key information that must be included in your Compliance Information Statement includes:

• Your device’s unique identifier, such as its model name or number
• The party responsible for the device and its US contact information
• A complete FCC Compliance Statement for your device

FCC Certification

In some cases, your device may need to complete the FCC certification process before it can go on sale in the United States. This process is more stringent than the SDoC process, and is used for devices with a high risk of causing radio frequency interference. 

Most devices that require FCC certification are intentional radiators. However, certain electronic devices classified as unintentional radiators with a high risk of causing interference may also be required to receive FCC certification. 

Our guide to the FCC certification process goes into more detail about this form of authorization, devices that generally require FCC certification, and the steps you can take if your device needs to be certified to enter the market. 

FCC Mark & Market Access

After completing the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity or FCC certification process, you can affix the FCC mark to your device and enter the market in the United States. Our guide to FCC labeling requirements explains how the marking process works for electronic devices. 

Talk to Our Team about FCC Unintentional Radiator Compliance

Completing FCC testing and achieving regulatory compliance is a critical step in bringing your device to market. As specialists in FCC testing and compliance, we can assist you with every step of the process, from testing to SDoC preparation or certification.

Our ANSI-accredited testing lab is equipped to complete all necessary testing for unintentional and intentional radiator devices. Operating for 60+ years, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals and businesses achieve FCC equipment authorization for their products.

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