Fcc Part 18 Rf Lighting Devices

It covered part 15 and part 18 rf lighting devices including led lighting devices.

Fcc part 18 rf lighting devices.

October 21 23 2014 tcb workshop 8. Using an rf signal that is applied to a gas inside a lamp are authorized under part 18. Fcc part 18 interference free. Lighting devices that power the bulb tube etc.

Generally part 18 of the fcc rules and regulations is required for devices using rf energy to perform work i e. 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. Incandescent lamps are not considered rf devices. Draft document 640677 d01 rf lighting v01 was initially circulated for comments august 27 2014.

For this reason the commission classifies an electronic ballast as an ism device. Part 18 takes it a step further. Examples of these types of devices include ballasts for fluorescent lamps and self ballasted lamps powered from an rf source. Rf led lighting devices are classified as unintentional radiators and are therefore are subject to the fcc s part 15 rules.

A revised draft was released on october 22 2015 which now limits its coverage to led lighting. Heat light etc and where the operating frequency of the rf energy is defined as being above 9 khz. Also led lamps powered by internal direct current. Circuit boards for processing which inherently produces a radio signal are covered under part 15.

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. 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. The office of engineering and technology oet administers the equipment authorization program under the authority delegated to it by the commission. 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.

The new knowledge database kdb publication outlines manufacturers responsibilities for. There is a fine line in determining when to apply part 15 or part 18 rules.