What is a Part 15 Device?

If you’re a small inventor or part of a company that produces electronics, you’ve probably heard of FCC Part 15 regulations. While you presumably know that it’s important to adhere to these regulations, that doesn’t make the definition of a Part 15 device clear. If you work with citizen radio, design electronics, then it’s important to know that you’re working with a FCC Part 15 device and adhere to relevant regulations.

What is a Part 15 Device?

A Part 15 device is anything that falls under the regulations within 47 CFR § 15.5. These are unlicensed electronics, which need to adhere to regulations to avoid the risk of interfering with other devices. There are different types of devices that fall under the auspices of Part 15, and these types have their own relevant guidelines to adhere to. In general, the regulations are fairly lax so long as you, the operator understand that you will turn off the device should it interfere with other Part 15 devices. Likewise, you’re entitled to ask the same of any other Part 15 device operator who’s interfering with your operation.

The two types of Part 15 devices are Class A, which is meant for industrial or commercial usage, and Class B, which are destined for residential use.

Class A Devices

While industrial and commercial settings are full of sensitive equipment, they’re also centers for EMI activity. As a result, industrial equipment is generally better-insulated against radio frequency radiation and electromagnetic interference. Class A devices have less strenuous requirements than Class B devices, which must put out lower levels of radiation.

However, this makes successful Class B testing more prestigious and a popular means of testing. Even devices that the designer has made for use in industrial and commercial settings will often undergo Class B tests, simply to prove how well they’ve managed to minimize EMI output.

Class B Devices

Consumer electronics are generally low-powered and subject to less rigorous, extensive usage. As such, they generally have less stringent requirements with regard to internal protection and EMI tolerance. Conversely, residential devices that Class B governs are expected to have lower levels of radiation. This way, they won’t cause annoying or dangerous disruptions to the owner or their neighbors. When designing a product that’s not meant for residential usage, it’s common to still seek out Class B trials simply to be able to say that a product is even safer than it needs to be.

Part 15 Radiation Types

There are three types of radiation that will make your device subject to Part 15 regulations. While many devices don’t produce intentional radiation, virtually any electronic device will create unintentional or incidental RF and EMI radiation.

Intentional Radiation

The FCC defines Intentional Radiation for the purposes of Part 15 devices as any intentional radio frequency output that’s meant to connect to other devices. Phones, ham radios, computers, wireless routers, and similar devices fall under the umbrella of those with intentional radiation output.

Unintentional Radiation

An unintentional radiator is a bit more complex than an unintentional radiator. Unintentional radiation is any type of RF output that’s a result of internal processes and not meant for communication purposes.

Incidental Radiation

Almost any mechanical device will produce some amount of incidental radiation. For instance, operating a DC motor produces trace amounts of incidental radiation that are irrelevant to operation. Nonetheless, even this radiation must be measured and kept within safe levels.

Part 15 Compliance Testing

Don’t take chances with compliance testing. Contact us to learn more about what we can do to help your products stay within the bounds of FCC regulations.