If you are a business dealing with electronic products established in the US, you must be aware of FCC testing. It is an essential part of dealing in electronic products as it certifies them according to the FCC standards. It is advised that all electronics products should go for FCC testing.
In case you don’t know how to get FCC testing done or wish to know more about it, we have got you covered. Below is everything you need to know about FCC certification testing.
Table of Contents
What does FCC Testing refer to?
As hinted above, FCC testing is done on electronic goods produced or sold in the US to approve them according to the Federal Communications Commission’s standards. There is a certain level of the radiofrequency set by the FCC; the test ascertains whether your products follow under these levels or not.
If your electronic products can produce emissions up to 9 kHz or more, you should get the test done. The test helps in keeping the emission levels under check and making sure the product to be non-harmful against people and the environment. Therefore, it is crucial for all electronic devices to be FCC certified.
However, it is also to be kept in mind that FCC certifications do not reflect upon the quality of the overall product or its shelf life. Therefore, as a consumer, you shouldn’t refer to the FCC mark to certify the quality of the product.
Regulations under FCC
FCC testing majorly deals with electronics emitting radiofrequency. Since there are different types of electronic products, the FCC has created divisions so that each division can deal with different types of devices.
Below are all these divisions:
- FCC Part 11
- FCC Part 15
- FCC Part 18
- FCC Part 22
- FCC Part 24
- FCC Part 68
- FCC Part 90
- FCC Part 95
All about FCC certification
There are a lot of queries that people have regarding FCC certification; below is all you need to know about FCC certification testing:
- Time: It usually takes 8-12 weeks to get an FCC certification. However, the FCC has also allowed many private institutions to provide the certification as 8-12 weeks is too long of a time. Moreover, with the Telecommunication Certifications Body, the certificate is provided within 1-2 weeks.
- Requirements: FCC certifications are for electronic devices that cause radiofrequency, mainly produced or sold in the US. If you have seen the FCC mark outside of the US, it means that the product was made in the US.
- Products: The products that require an FCC certification are divided into two types, namely intentional radiators and unintentional radiators. All the devices are as follows: land mobile radio transmitters, IT equipment, Bluetooth devices, garage openers and doors, power adapters, and remote controllers.
Also, in total, there are three types of FCC authorizations:
- Certification
- Declaration of Conformity
- Verification
Steps to get FCC certification
Below are how you get your product FCC certified:
- Step 1: The first and the foremost step is to select your radio frequency. The FCC has released guidelines on the radiofrequency spectrum: you can use the document to find the frequency which is open to you. Make sure to go through the regulations provided for the electronic equipment you are looking to get tested.
- Step 2: Once you are aware of the radio frequency standards applicable to your electronic equipment, you can start developing your product according to that. It is advisable to run several tests on your products through the development stage to keep the RF in check.
- Step 3: The next step is to get an FCC register number since you will need that to get the testing done. You can get this number for free at the FCC’s core page; all you will need to do is fill in the information required by the FCC. In the end, you will have both a registration number and a mandatory grantee code.
- Step 4: Once you have gotten the codes, you can begin searching for a lab where the test will be conducted. Ensure that the lab is approved by FCC and only then register with the lab. Moreover, you should also look at the responsiveness and the overall quality of services provided before opting for a lab.
- Step 5: You will have to submit a prototype of the final product to the lab. You can choose to have a representative who will witness the testing as well. It may take up to several weeks to get the test result; it mainly depends upon the complexity of your product.
- Step 6: After the completion of your test, TCB will review the procedure and the documents of the same. If the documents are found satisfactory, you will be granted the certification. Moreover, your product will be listed in the FCC-approved electronic products list as well.
That was all! Now you know everything there is to FCC testing as well as certification.
