FCC 47 CFR Part 15: FCC Part 15

The FCC 47 CFR Part 15 from the Federal Communications Commission: rules and regulations for EMC.

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What is often called just FCC Part 15 is actually Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 15, 47 CFR 15.

Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations in the USA regulates everything from spurious emissions to unlicensed low-power broadcasting.

Part 15 of the FCC Title 47 is often just called FCC part 15 and it relates to EMC.

The FCC Part 15 rules and regulations have been designed to align with the European CISPR regulations. There are some differences but in general the two sets of standards align on the major features.

FCC Part 15 basics

The scope of FCC Part 15 is split into three sections as follows:

  • FCC Part 15A:   This section sets out the regulations under which an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator may be operated without an individual license. FCC Part 15A also contains the technical specifications as well as the administrative requirements and other conditions relating to the marketing of FCC Part 15 devices.
  • FCC Part 15B:   FCC Part 15B covers the operation of an intentional or unintentional radiator that is not in accordance with the regulations in this part must be licensed according to the provisions of section 301 of the US Communications Act of 1934.
  • FCC Part15 C:   Unless specifically exempted, the operation or marketing of an intentional or unintentional radiator that is not in compliance with the administrative and technical provisions in this part, including prior FCC authorization or verification, as appropriate, is prohibited under section 302 of the US Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and subpart I of part 2 of this chapter. The equipment authorization and verification procedures are detailed in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.

There are two classes of device for FCC Part 15:

  • Class A digital device:   Within FCC Part 15, a Class "A" digital device is one that is marketed for use in a commercial, industrial or business environment.
  • Class B digital device:   Within FCC Part 15, a Class "B" digital device is one that is marketed for use in a residential or domestic environment. Examples of devices in this category may be: personal computers, calculators, and similar electronic devices that are marketed for use by the general public.

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