FCC Part 15 is a section of Title 47, Part 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a set of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations for unlicensed transmissions. FCC Part 15 applies to most electronics devices sold inside the United States, governing their levels of intentional, unintentional and incidental emissions.
Subpart A: Incidental Radiators
An incidental radiator (defined in Section 15.3 (n)) is an electrical device that is not designed to intentionally use, intentionally generate or intentionally emit radio frequency energy over 9 kHz. However, an incidental radiator may produce byproducts of radio emissions above 9 kHz and cause radio interference. A product that is classified as an incidental radiator device is not required to obtain an equipment authorization. Nonetheless, the incidental radiator is regulated under the general operating conditions of Section 15.5 and if there is harmful interference the user must stop operation and remedy the interference. Manufacturers and importers should use good engineering judgment before they market and sell these products, to minimize possible interference (Section 15.13).
Examples of products that are classified as incidental radiators include AC and DC motors, mechanical light switches, basic electrical power tools (that do not contain digital logic).
Subparts B & G: Unintentional Radiators
An unintentional radiator (defined in Section 15.3 (z)) is a device that by design uses digital logic, or electrical signals operating at radio frequencies for use within the product, or sends radio frequency signals by conduction to associated equipment via connecting wiring, but is not intended to emit RF energy wirelessly by radiation or induction.
Today the majority of electronic-electrical products use digital logic, operating between 9 kHz to 3000 GHz and are regulated under 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B.
Examples include coffee pots, wristwatches, cash registers, personal computers, printers, telephones, garage door receivers, wireless temperature probe receiver, RF universal remote control and thousands of other types of common electronic-electrical equipment that rely on digital technology. This also includes many traditional products that were once classified as incidental radiators – like motors and basic electrical power tools that now use digital logic.
Products that only contain digital logic may also be specifically exempted from an equipment authorization under Section 15.103.
Subparts C through F and H: Intentional Radiators
An intentional radiator (defined in Section 15.3 (o)) is a device that intentionally generates and emits radio frequency energy by radiation or induction that may be operated without an individual license.
Examples include wireless garage door openers, wireless microphones, RF universal remote control devices, cordless telephones, wireless alarm systems, Wi-Fi transmitters, and Bluetooth radio devices.
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INTENTIONAL RADIATORS (Part 15, Subparts C through F and H)
Examples include: wireless garage door openers, wireless microphones, RF universal remote control devices, cordless telephones, wireless alarm systems, Wi-Fi transmitters, and Bluetooth radio devices.
What are the FCC requirements for RF? ›
The SAR is a value that corresponds to the relative amount of RF energy absorbed in the head of a user of a wireless handset. The FCC limit for public exposure from cellular telephones is an SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg).
What are the FCC Part 15 FM rules? ›
Part 15 Devices
Unlicensed operation on the AM and FM radio broadcast bands is permitted for some extremely low powered devices covered under Part 15 of the FCC's rules. On FM frequencies, these devices are limited to an effective service range of approximately 200 feet (61 meters).
What are the FCC Part 15 guidelines? ›
FCC Part 15 provides the guidelines under which unintentional, intentional, or incidental radiators may be operated without an individual license. The regulations set limitations on the number of electromagnetic interferences that digital and electronic devices can produce.
What is Part 15 of the FCC rules for dummies? ›
FCC Part 15 is a federal regulation that sets limitations on the amount of electromagnetic interference allowed from digital and electronic devices as well as many types of unlicensed radios including those found in products such as medical devices, smart home equipment, multimedia products, and any other product that ...
What is the difference between FCC Part 15 and 18? ›
All Part 15 devices operate on a non-interference basis to authorized radio services. Further, Part 15 devices must accept any interference received from other radio operations. Part 18 devices are equipment specifically used for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) purposes.
What are the exemptions for FCC Part 15? ›
FCC Part 15 Exemptions
Some of these exempted devices are: Digital devices in vehicles used in roadway, airway, or waterway transportation. Digital devices used in industrial plants and public utilities as electronic control systems. Digital devices used as test equipment in commercial, industrial, and medical systems.
What radios do not require FCC license? ›
The most popular types of personal radio services are Citizens Band Radio Service, Family Radio Service, General Mobile Radio Service, Low-Power Radio Service and Multi-Use Radio Service. Of these types of services, only General Mobile Radio Service requires an FCC license to operate.
What is the FCC Part 15 verification? ›
FCC Part 15 compliance refers to the section of the FCC rules that specifies the limits of electromagnetic interference allowed from electronic equipment. These regulations ensure that devices such as radios, computers, and any equipment that can emit radio frequency energy do not interfere with wireless communication.
What is the power limit for FCC Part 15? ›
Several of the FCC part 15 rules govern the transmit power permited in the ISM bands. Here is a summary of those rules: Maximum transmitter output power, fed into the antenna, is 30 dBm (1 watt). Maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) is 36 dBm (4 watt).
The Part 15 rules limit spread spectrum oper- ations to direct sequence and frequency hopping systems. These rules provide that direct sequence systems must have a 6 dB bandwidth of at least 500 kHz. Frequency hopping systems are required to use at least 75 hopping frequencies that are separated by at least 25 kHz.
What is 47 CFR Part 15 of the FCC rules? ›
47 CFR 15.1 states that any radiator (that which emits radio energy), whether or not intentional, must be licensed unless it meets 47 CFR 15 or is otherwise exempted by the FCC. 47 CFR 15.3 the definitions are defined by the definition given.
What are radio frequency devices Part 15? ›
FCC Part 15 is a federal regulation that sets limits on the amount of radio frequency emissions that electronic devices can produce. It covers a broad range of electronic devices, from phones and other consumer electronics to certain types of commercial and industrial equipment.
What does it mean when a device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules? ›
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
What is the FCC Part 15 Class B rule? ›
FCC Part 15B is a subset of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) regulations for electronic devices that emit radio frequency signals. Any RF device that sends radio frequency signals can potentially interfere with other electrical devices.
What does it mean when a device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules? ›
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
What are the FCC rules for swearing on the radio? ›
Broadcasting obscene content is prohibited by law at all times of the day. Indecent and profane content are prohibited on broadcast TV and radio between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., when there is a reasonable risk that children may be in the audience.
What are the FCC must carry rules? ›
A must-carry station has a statutory right to a channel position, usually its over-the-air channel number, or another channel number on which it has historically been carried. A cable system is not permitted to carry a commercial station without the station's consent.
