Ever wonder what kind of electronic devices the government just lets off the hook? No, it’s not your phone, though that would be nice, right? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a special list of devices that don’t need to follow all the usual radio-frequency rules. Here’s the rundown on the exempted devices from Section 15.103:
- Vehicles and Aircraft: If you’re cruising around in a car or flying high in a plane, any digital device you use while doing that is exempt. That means your in-car entertainment system? Free to roam. However, if you can take that digital device out of the vehicle or aircraft and use it elsewhere – Part 15 applies.
- Utility Control Devices: Public utilities get a pass too! Their power systems, typically found in buildings or huge industrial spaces, don’t have to worry about specific tech standards.
- Test Equipment: Got some specialized test gear for your job? Whether it’s industrial, commercial, or medical, as long as it’s for testing, you’re off the hook for Part 15 – but may need to consider Part 18 instead.
- Appliance Devices: Your microwave, dishwasher, or clothes dryer? FCC Part 15, subpart B does not apply – unless they contain a wireless transmitter (i.e., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, etc.).
- Medical Devices: Certain specialized medical devices (as long as they’re being used properly and under a doctor’s supervision) that don’t use wireless transmitters are good to go, however there may be requirements under 60601-1-2 that need to be considered.
- Low Power: Any device using less than 6 nanowatts of power is too tiny to bother with.
- Simple Input Devices: Joysticks and mice that don’t involve wireless transmission? They’re just chillin’ on the exempt list, too.
- Digital Devices Operating under 1.705MHz: Devices that do not operate from AC Power – but guess what – if your device pulls power from a wall outlet, or another device (computer, AC/DC adaptor, etc.) that plugs into a wall outlet to power the device or charge it – Part 15 applies.
Don’t mess with anything that causes interference, or you’ll be asked to stop until it’s fixed, and fines can be hefty. But hey, no pressure!
Contact F2 Labs if you’re confused about the FCC Part 15 requirements. We’ll be happy to provide you with guidance so you can make an informed decision.