If you’re an electronics manufacturer, you’re likely familiar with the importance of complying with the FCC’s regulations, including FCC Part 15.

Alternatively, as a consumer, you might have seen text noting that a device “complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules” on a product’s packaging or in its manual. 

This statement signifies that a product adheres to the set of regulations set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, which governs radiofrequency, or RF, emissions from electronic devices.

When a device is compliant, it means that it meets the FCC’s standards and is legal to market in the United States.

Below, we’ve explained what this message means in more detail, as well as how FCC Part 15 is important for device compliance.

We’ve also listed the steps that you can take, as a manufacturer, to ensure your product is fully compliant with FCC Part 15.

To request a free quote for FCC testing and compliance, or to talk to our engineers about your device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.

What is FCC Part 15?

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 15, more commonly referred to as “FCC Part 15,” is a part of the FCC’s rules and regulations for electronic devices. It regulates several aspects of device function, including emissions from electrical devices.

More specifically, FCC Part 15 sets limits on the radiofrequency (RF) emissions from electronic devices. Emissions can interfere with other devices, and the limits set under FCC Part 15 act to prevent your device from interfering with others used in its vicinity.

Part 15 also establishes rules for immunity, meaning your device’s ability to operate without its own functioning being disrupted by RF emissions from other devices.

Scope and Relevance of Part 15

Part 15 is broad in scope, covering everything from consumer electronic devices and appliances to industrial equipment. Any device that operates at frequencies of 9 kHz or higher and uses RF energy is subject to FCC Part 15 regulations.

Under Part 15, devices are regulated as either Class A or Class B based on their intended use, design and other factors. 

What the “This Device Complies…” Label Means

By law, devices that are subject to FCC regulations are required to display the FCC mark and certain text. This generally needs to appear either on the device itself, on its packaging, in the device’s manual, or in several locations across the device and its packaging.

Our guide to FCC labeling requirements goes into more detail about labeling your device after achieving compliance with Part 15.

How to Comply With FCC Part 15

As specialists in FCC compliance, we’ve helped hundreds of device manufacturers achieve full compliance with Part 15 and other FCC regulations. 

Complying with Part 15 requires following the steps below:

Understand the Applicable Standards

FCC Part 15 is divided into two main categories: intentional and unintentional radiators. If your device is designed to deliberately emit RF energy (for example, a Wi-Fi router or smartphone), it is viewed as an intentional radiator. 

Unintentional radiators, on the other hand, are devices that emit RF energy incidentally, such as a computer or digital watch.

The standards and testing procedures for FCC Part 15 differ based on your device type, making it important to understand your device’s category before starting testing.

Conduct FCC Compliance Testing

Achieving compliance with FCC Part 15 requires you to work with an accredited testing lab to verify that your product operates within the FCC’s standards. 

Testing for Part 15 compliance involves measuring your device’s RF emissions, as well as its level of immunity to emissions from other devices. Intentional radiators are subject to a more stringent, comprehensive testing process than unintentional radiators.

As an accredited testing lab, we can complete FCC testing for your device to ensure that it’s fully compliant with the FCC’s standards and regulations. 

Prepare Documentation & Seek Certification

After testing, a compliance report will be prepared for your device. This report includes your device’s test results and any other relevant documentation. The report will demonstrate that your device meets all of the applicable FCC Part 15 requirements.

Depending on your device’s type and testing requirements, you may be able to achieve full compliance with Part 15 via a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) or through FCC certification. 

Label Your Device

After preparing an SDoC or achieving certification, your device and its packaging needs to include the FCC mark and the statement notifying users that it complies with Part 15 of the FCC’s rules and regulations.

Contact Us About FCC Testing & Compliance

If you’re manufacturing an electronic device, achieving compliance with FCC Part 15 is a key part of gaining market access in the United States.

As an accredited testing lab, we can complete FCC Part 15 testing for your device to ensure you comply with the FCC’s standards. 

To request a free quote for your device or ask our engineering team a question about the FCC testing process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.