What is Part 15 of the FCC Rules?

Introduction to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates all commercial (non-military) sources of electromagnetic radiation. Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations (Chapter 47) sets forth the limits on radiation from both intentional and unintentional sources of radiation.

Overview of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC manages interstate and international communications across the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories via radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. As an independent agency of the U.S. government overseen by Congress, the FCC is responsible for enforcing U.S. communications laws and regulations.

Source of fcc part 15 Standards

In the U.S., the FCC regulates all commercial (non-military) electromagnetic radiation sources. Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations (Chapter 47) establishes limits on radiation from both intentional and unintentional sources. Unintentional radiation sources regulated by the FCC include any unintentional radiators (devices or systems) that generate and use timed pulses at rates exceeding 9,000 pulses per second (cycles) and use digital technology. This essentially includes every product that uses a microprocessor, such as computers, peripherals, video game systems, office equipment, and point-of-sale terminals. Certain categories of electronic devices are specifically exempt from Part 15 requirements, including vehicles, appliances, and industrial, scientific, or medical devices. Selling or advertising products covered by Part 15 without FCC certification, until radiation and conducted emissions are measured and comply with the regulations, is illegal.

Categories of Devices Requiring FCC Authorization

Under FCC Part 15, electronic and electrical devices capable of emitting radio frequency (RF) energy that may cause interference with devices operating in the 9 kHz to 3,000 GHz frequency range are subject to regulation. These devices are classified into three categories:

1. Unintentional Emission

Unintentional emission refers to devices that generate and transmit RF energy via internal circuitry or through connected wires but do not intentionally radiate or induce RF energy through wireless methods (such as radiation or induction). Most unintentional radiators must be authorized through the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) program. Examples of such products include:

 - LED light bulbs

 - Coffee machines

 - USB sticks

 - Wired mice

 - External power supplies

2. Intentional Emission

Intentional emission refers to devices that generate and radiate or inductively transmit RF energy. This category includes devices with Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, LTE, or active RFID capabilities. Most intentional radiators must be authorized under the certification program. Examples include:

 - Bluetooth speakers

 - Active RFID tags

 - Smartphones

 - Wireless microphones

 - Wireless routers

3. Incidental Emission

Incidental emission refers to the generation or transmission of RF energy, even though it is not intentionally designed to do so. These are typically components integrated into devices and classified as unintentional radiators or intentional emitters. Examples include:

 - Motors

 - Mechanical light switches

Incidental emitters do not require device authorization but must still comply with the general operating conditions set forth in Part 15. This means that users need to employ good engineering practices to minimize the risk of harmful interference.

Devices Not Requiring FCC Authorization

Under FCC Part 15, the following devices are exempt from authorization:

1. Homemade Devices

 According to Section 47 CFR 15.23, products that meet the following criteria are exempt:

 - Not for sale

 - Not composed of kits

 - Contain no more than five components for personal use

 Individuals manufacturing homemade devices may not be able to fully assess whether their devices comply with FCC regulations. Therefore, they should adopt good engineering practices to ensure compliance.

2. Power Line Carrier Systems

Power line carrier systems are exempt from device authorization. However, according to Section 47 CFR Part 15.113, they must still meet the following requirements:

 - Operate within the frequency range of 9 kHz to 490 kHz

 - Operate on a "non-interfering, non-protective" basis

 - Operate at minimal power levels

3. Other Exempt Devices

Section 47 CFR Part 15.103 lists several other exempt devices, such as:

 - Digital devices exclusively for appliances (e.g., clothes dryers)

 - Professional medical digital devices

 - Joystick controllers or similar devices without digital circuitry

 - Digital devices with power consumption below 6 nW

Digital Products Classification

Under Section 47 CFR 15.3, digital products are divided into two classes:

- Class A Devices: Devices sold for commercial, industrial, or business environments.

- Class B Devices: Devices intended for home use.

Class B devices are subject to stricter limits compared to Class A devices. For example, personal computers and calculators are typically Class B devices.

Limits on Conducted and Radiated Emissions for Class A and B Devices

The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for products used by the U.S. military are outlined in a document called MIL-STD-461. This standard applies to a wide range of systems, from power tools to workstations. Unlike FCC regulations, MIL-STD-461 includes limits on radiated and conducted immunity, as well as radiated and conducted emissions.

FCC Part 15 Certification Standards

Section 47 CFR Part 15.31 incorporates several ANSI standards that outline the measurement procedures for assessing technical compliance. Below are some of these standards:

- ANSI C63.4 – Radio Noise Emission Measurements for Low-Voltage Electrical and Electronic Equipment in the 9 kHz to 40 GHz Range

This standard provides guidelines for measuring RF signals and noise emissions from unintentional radiators in the 9 kHz to 40 GHz range.

- ANSI C63.10 – Compliance Testing of Unlicensed Wireless Devices

This standard covers testing procedures for intentional radiators, such as:

- Cordless telephones

- Medical unlicensed wireless devices

- Intrusion detectors

- ANSI C63.17 – Measurement Methods for Electromagnetic and Operational Compatibility of Unlicensed Personal Communications Services (UPCS) Devices

This standard covers methods for testing certain types of intentional radiators, such as broadband voice devices and data equipment.

- ANSI/SCTE 54 – Digital Video Multiplexing and Transmission Systems for Cable Television

This standard applies to unintentional radiators and defines the specifications for cable TV multiplexing and transmission systems.

- ETSI EN 300 422-1 – EMC and Radio Spectrum Matters for Wireless Microphones in the 25 MHz to 3 GHz Range

This standard covers unnecessary emissions, bandwidth limitations, and other specifications for wireless microphones classified as intentional radiators.

Authorization Procedures

The FCC requires most electronic devices to undergo one of two authorization procedures: the FCC Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) program or the FCC certification program. Generally, the SDoC program applies to unintentional radiators, while the certification program is for intentional radiators. Some devices may contain both types of radiators and therefore may require both procedures.

This summary of FCC Part 15 provides an overview of the rules and requirements surrounding electromagnetic radiation from electronic devices, helping manufacturers understand the regulatory framework to ensure compliance.