As an electronic device manufacturer, complying with safety regulations may mean conducting Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing for your product. 

Like other forms of compliance testing, SAR testing can vary in cost. You can typically expect to spend between a few thousand dollars and tens of thousands of dollars to complete SAR testing for your device, with this cost varying based on the type and complexity of your product. 

Below, we’ve provided more information about SAR testing costs and the process of completing testing for your device, including common SAR test methods and factors that can affect the cost of SAR testing.

To request a free quote for SAR testing your device, or to talk to our engineering team about the testing process and requirements, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.

What is SAR Testing?

The Basics of Specific Absorption Rate

Specific Absorption Rate testing is a crucial process for bringing your product to market if you’re producing a device that’s used against or near the human body.

SAR measures the rate at which the human body absorbs energy from a radiofrequency, or RF, electromagnetic field. The main purpose of SAR testing is to verify that your device only emits a small amount of RF that’s within the limits, meaning it’s safe for human use.

In the United States, SAR is regulated by the FCC under 47 CFR Part 2, Section 2.1093, which sets limits for radiofrequency energy emissions from portable devices. 

In order to comply, your device will need to demonstrate that its RF emissions are within a safe range, as defined by the FCC or the relevant regulatory body in your target market. 

What Devices Require SAR Testing?

SAR testing is typically required for devices that emit radiofrequency energy and are used close to your body. 

Common devices that require SAR testing include:

• Smartphones. Since they’re commonly used near the head and body, smartphones and cordless home phones typically require SAR testing to ensure they do not emit a harmful level of RF energy.
• Laptops and tablets. Although laptops and tablets are used further away from the body than smartphones, these devices are still tested to ensure their RF emissions are within a safe level.
• Wireless headsets. Due to their proximity to the user’s head and ears, wireless earbuds and headphones require SAR testing.
• Smartwatches. Since smartwatches are worn directly against the body, they require SAR testing to ensure safety.
• Other wearable devices. Other wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, are also worn against the body and require SAR testing.
• Medical devices. Any medical device with wireless communication technology that’s used near or on the body requires SAR testing.
• Baby monitors. Baby monitors, particularly those designed to be worn or placed near infants, require SAR testing.
• Wi-Fi routers and other equipment. Wi-Fi routers and other networking devices may require SAR testing, even when they’re not designed for use close to the body.
• Radios and walkie-talkies. Handheld communications devices such as two-way radio systems require SAR testing.
• Other electrical devices. Other devices, such as cameras, portable gaming consoles, and other equipment that’s used close to the body may need SAR testing before going on sale in certain markets.

Why SAR Testing is Important

Completing SAR testing for your product is a critical part of complying with regulations in your target market. However, SAR testing is important for more than just regulatory compliance.

By completing SAR testing for your device, you’re verifying that it’s safe and does not pose a risk to users. You’re also strengthening your brand’s reputation for consumer safety, reliability and quality.

These factors all make SAR testing an important step in the process of launching a product not just for compliance, but also for your company’s reputation. 

How Much Does SAR Testing Cost?

On average, SAR testing typically costs between $3,000 to $5,000 for a basic device to tens of thousands of dollars for a complex electronic device. Like other forms of lab testing, the cost of SAR testing can vary based on numerous factors, including the type of device you need to test and the number of tests that need to be completed.

To request a free quote for SAR testing for your electrical device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.

Factors Affecting the Cost of SAR Testing

• Type of device. SAR testing requirements can differ by device type. For example, a smartphone or wearable device that’s used close to the body may require more tests and more complex testing than a simple RF transmitter.
• Number of tests. The number of configurations and frequencies your device operates on can increase the number of tests required and affect the cost of SAR testing.
• Location and laboratory. Pricing for SAR testing may vary based on your choice of laboratory, as well as your location.
• Need for retesting. If your device fails its initial SAR testing, you may need to make design changes and conduct retesting. The cost of SAR testing can increase quickly after failed testing, or in the event that your device requires significant changes.

How the SAR Testing Process Works

The SAR Testing Process

Before you start SAR testing, you’ll need to prepare your device. This means ensuring that your device is functioning correctly and operating in the mode that emits the greatest amounts of RF energy. 

You’ll also need to provide detailed information about your device to your preferred testing lab, including its operating frequencies and power levels. 

SAR testing involves several steps:

• Setting up your device. Your device will be set up near a phantom filled with liquid (a dummy that simulates human tissue). This testing dummy allows the testing partner to generate readings similar to those that occur in humans.
• Energy absorption is measured. Using sensors, the testing lab will measure energy absorbed from your device into the liquid phantom. This process is repeated in several positions and frequencies, allowing for the recording of different SAR values.
• Testing data is analyzed. Following testing for your device, the test data is analyzed to determine if your device operates within the relevant SAR limits.
• Report is prepared. Finally, a detailed report is prepared to document all findings from your device’s SAR testing. If your device passes SAR testing, this reporting will confirm that your device meets the necessary standards for your target market.

Post-Testing Steps

If your device passes SAR testing, you can proceed with confidence knowing that your device is compliant with safety standards. Note that SAR testing may be one of several required tests for your target region — others may include FCC testing, CE testing, or IEC tests. 

In the event that your device fails SAR testing, you’ll likely need to make changes to your design to reduce RF emissions. Our team can help you by providing design suggestions for your device and completing testing to verify that your redesigned, improved device is compliant.

Contact Us to Discuss SAR Testing for Your Device

If your electronic device is designed for use near the human body, SAR testing is a critical step in the compliance process.

As specialists in electrical device testing, we can complete SAR testing for your device to help you comply with FCC, CE or other regulations. 

To request a free quote for testing your device, or to ask our engineers a question, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 to speak to our team.