If you’re a solo inventor or a new member of a company that focuses on designing electronic devices and equipment you’ll have to acquaint yourself with FCC Title 47 Regulations. The document itself is quite extensive, although most of the focus goes onto Part 15b. This contains regulatory guidance on RF radiation, which the FCC requires manufacturers to keep in check. Without adhering to these guidelines, it’s possible for uncontrolled RF to present potentially hazardous electromagnetic interference (EMI). However, these guidelines differ depending on whether it produces Class A or Class B emissions.
What Are FCC Class A Emissions?
The FCC recognizes two classifications of RF radiation and emissions. While they’re the same three basic types of radiation, intentional, unintentional, and incidental, they differ based on the purpose of the device. Class B devices are meant for use in a civil, residential setting, and are thus subject to generally more stringent emissions requirements. On the other hand, Class A devices are not meant for use within the home.
Class A Devices
Class A emissions are any type of radiation that a Class A device produces. As opposed to residential Class B devices, Class A devices are meant for roles in industry, commerce, and other roles. Class A devices include heavy machinery, forklifts, and complex equipment used in healthcare or other industries. However, this sort of technology often holds a certification for Class A and Class B emissions. Even when a device is unlikely to ever see use in a residential setting, meeting the more stringest Class B requirements will display that a piece of equipment far exceeds the Class A requirements.
Class A requirements are generally easier to meet, but those who create products within this class need to keep certain regulations in mind. For instance, the manual and other documentation must identify it as a Class A device.
How to Comply with Class A Emission Requirements
There’s only one way to ensure that your new product complies with the FCC requirements for Class A emissions. First, you need to offer a set of your products to a certified laboratory that’s capable of testing for emissions output.
The FCC recognizes various laboratories around the country as capable of providing this procedure. Once you’ve found a suitable lab, they’ll perform tests and see if your devices comply with the guidelines on RF radiation. If they don’t, then you’ll need to go back to the drawing board to modify the design and reduce the emission output.
Hire Compliance Testing
Compliance Testing is an industry leader when it comes to accurate, reliable testing for Class A emissions. Not only are we able to accurately gauge emissions levels, but we can also certify your products as compliant. We’re highly experienced with the technical side of compliance testing, as well as the paperwork, and will expedite the process and help you get your product to market quickly. If you don’t pass the initial tests, we can provide insight on how to modify your products as to reduce EMI. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you.
