Overview of FCC Compliance Testing

In the present market scenario, it is critical for electronic items or product development companies to obtain their electronic products cleared for FCC Compliance Testing. FCC Compliance Testing is a testing service tailored for each testing & compliance of electronics products & devices. FCC Certification testing ensures the new electronic product designs meet the defined FCC/CE/UL norms. The FCC compliance testing is compulsory for various products designed for the US/EU markets.

The FCC is an independent body of the Federal Government of the U.S. It was introduced in 1934 by an Act of the Congress of the U.S., and Congress leads it. The FCC coordinates international and domestic communications by controlling radio, telecommunications, television, satellites & cables. It covers more than 50 states, Columbia & territories in the U.S. to ensure the safety of life & property. If you need an experienced & reliable FCC testing and certification provider, contact Corpbiz today.

Objective of FCC Compliance Testing Certification

All Electronic items emit radiation, and hence FCC Compliance testing and certification marks ensure that electromagnetic interference from an electronic device is under the approved lime from the FCC.

Classification of the Devices

Electrical devices require authorisation can be either intentional or unintentional radiators of radiofrequency energy.

• Intentional radiators are the devices that must emit radio energy as a part of their operation such as mobile phones.
• At the same time, unintentional radiators are devices that radiate energies as an unintentional by-product of their operations, such as a digital camera.

Which products require FCC Compliance Testing?

Radiofrequency devices distributed or sold in the U.S. must undergo testing to meet the Standard set by FCC. When radio frequency devices go through a compliance testing process, it limits both unintentional & intentional electromagnetic radiation release by the device to keep users safe from it. Following are the devices which require to get a certificate of compliance testing:

• Electronic devices
• Bluetooth devices
• Mobile phones
• Walkie talkie
• Land mobile radio transmitter
• Remote control transmitter
• Cordless telephones
• Power adapters
• Atmospheres
• It equipment
• Radio and telecommunications terminal equipment
• Telecommunication equipment
• Wireless local area networking equipment
• Electromagnetic compatibility devices
• Devices & protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive
• Other electronic products.

Benefits of FCC Compliance Testing Certification

Following are the benefits of FCC Certification from Compliance Testing:

• Access to More Comprehensive market

The FCC Compliance testing certification can help you access a big market. Essentially, the FCC certification allows more people to trust your electronic devices in terms of safety. The FCC certification is considered permanent and thus does not expire, meaning an unaltered device does not require recertification in the future for you to introduce it to the market.

• Competitive benefits

The FCC Certification mark demonstrates that a product is tested and verified. Because consumers prefer FCC-certified products over uncertified ones, you gain a competitive advantage when your products undergo the certification process.

• Legal Benefits

Without an FCC certification, you cannot introduce an electronic device in the U.S. market. Devices that lack approval are considered risks to public health & may attract litigation that attracts jail terms and penalties for manufacturers & distributors. However, with an FCC certification, you will have a legal right to sell your electronic products in the U.S. market.

Testing and Authorisation

Once the devices are produced in bulk and are ready for distribution & sale, a manufacturer needs to comply with the following steps to register a device on the FCC-approved list. FCC provides 3 options for authorisation are:

1. Verification: This option is exercised for electrical devices classified as part 15 digital devices. These electrical devices may or may not contain an electromagnetic interference; in case they do contain an electromagnetic interference, the same has been preapproved and is in line with the requirements for the grant of authorisation. To be compliant with the radio frequency requirements, devices like wireless microphones, Bluetooth devices and wireless alarm systems can be sold without FCC approval.
2. Declaration of Conformity: For Part 18 electrical devices (scientific, industrial, and medical devices that emit R.F. radiation), the norms are stricter. Accredited labs are required to measure the frequency & ensure that it meets the requirements. The FCC logo is fixed on the label of the devices, such as a personal computer peripherals.
3. FCC Certification: The FCC certification is the most stringent authorisation. This is required for devices most likely to interfere with other devices, signals, and emergency details.

Procedure of Successful FCC Compliance Testing and Certification

Following are the steps to get FCC Compliance Testing and Certification of Electrical Devices:

Step 1: Choose a Radio Frequency (R.F.) and Design Devices

Start by researching frequencies which are legally open to applicant & applicant devices. Applicants can reference the FCC's current guidelines on radio spectrum allocation when selecting radio frequency & design devices. When selecting an ideal radio frequency & design device, keep in mind factors like radio range, optimisation, and size.

Step 2: Tests during development

During the device development, you can have Compliance Testing perform in-house pre-compliance tests. Even though these tests may not count much at this stage, they ensure the applicant won’t encounter any significant.

Step 3: Register with FCC

Applicants need a free FCC Registration Number (FRN) for certification & authorisation of radio spectrum equipment. The FRN typically registers applicants with the FCC before presenting electronic products for FCC Grants. At Corpbiz, we will obtain the FCC Grantee code (company FCC Code) by the FCC on the applicant's behalf.

Step 4: Compliance Test

After the applicant has FRN & grantee code, the next step is to deliver a production-ready prototype & which is a technical specification to Compliance Testing for evaluations & applicable FCC Compliance testing as per required FCC Standards. Applicants can have a representative witness the tests if they like them, but it is not essential. Depending on the device's complexity, the testing procedure may run for a couple of weeks.

Step 5: Compliance Test Report

Corpbiz will then compile an FCC test report that shows your device has passed the required FCC tests meeting the FCC standard(s).

Step 6: Documentation

The applicant will then provide Corpbiz with all appropriate documentation for the FCC Filing. The FCC test report & the other documentation will be forwarded to our Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB), which will obtain the grant.

Step 7: Certification and Filing

Notably, the FCC changed the certification process in 2015 and no longer accepted direct applications form for certification. The application form for certification must now be submitted through a recognised Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB).