Fcc Part 18 Rf Lighting Devices

2 other lighting devices such as fluorescent lighting devices and led retro fit tubes intended to replace linear fluorescent tubes operated by rf ballasts are subject to compliance with part 18 and are not addressed in this guidance document.

Fcc part 18 rf lighting devices.

Generally part 18 of the fcc rules and regulations is required for devices using rf energy to perform work i e. Part 18 takes it a step further. Laboratory division home approval guide overview radio frequency rf devices are required to be properly authorized under 47 cfr part 2 prior to being marketed or imported into the united states. There is a fine line in determining when to apply part 15 or part 18 rules.

Examples of these types of devices include ballasts for fluorescent lamps and self ballasted lamps powered from an rf source. Using an rf signal that is applied to a gas inside a lamp are authorized under part 18. Rf led lighting devices are classified as unintentional radiators and are therefore are subject to the fcc s part 15 rules. Newer electronic ballasts which along with cfl bulbs operate under part 18 as rf lighting devices in this case the fcc considers these devices to be converting rf energy above 9 khz directly into light i e another form of energy.

The office of engineering and technology oet administers the equipment authorization program under the authority delegated to it by the commission. Circuit boards for processing which inherently produces a radio signal are covered under part 15. Incandescent lamps are not considered rf devices. It covered part 15 and part 18 rf lighting devices including led lighting devices.

Lighting devices that power the bulb tube etc. Legacy lighting products such as incandescent fluorescent high intensity discharge hid or part 18 rf ballasts cfl s large led digital displays used for visual or advertisement purposes considered digital peripheral devices under part 15. The federal communications commission fcc published guidelines that clarify how fcc rules apply to radio frequency rf light emitting diode led lighting products. Also led lamps powered by internal direct current.

October 21 23 2014 tcb workshop 8. Ranging from lighting and motors to televisions and medical equipment most electronics using digital logic i e. For this reason the commission classifies an electronic ballast as an ism device. When electronic electrical products are used for providing rf energy for other than telecommunications applications such as for the production of physical biological or chemical effects such as heating ionization of gases mechanical vibrations and acceleration of charged particles these devices fall under the fcc rules 47 cfr part 18.

Fcc part 18 interference free. Draft document 640677 d01 rf lighting v01 was initially circulated for comments august 27 2014.