Wireless Devices

Wireless Compliance

Stay informed with the latest updates on wireless regulations, compliance requirements, industry standards, and guidelines compiled by Rfwel Engineering's Wireless Telecom Research team.

Because Rfwel Engineering is a registered engineering firm (Arizona Reg# 17227, Electrical), and a Licensed Low Voltage Communications Contractor (Arizona Commercial ROC# 322820), the Wireless Telecom Research team is able to work closely with our engineers and technicians to more efficiently manage wireless compliance issues in your wireless projects.

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Regulation


FCC

Part 15 regulates unlicensed devices, such as Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth transmitters, to prevent interference with licensed services. It includes technical standards for intentional and unintentional radiators, with power limits for devices in bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi's output power is limited to 1 watt in certain U-NII bands. To ensure compliance, devices must undergo testing and meet specific emission thresholds.

Part 101 covers fixed microwave communication systems used for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links. It covers antenna performance (§101.115) and emission limitations (§101.111).

Part 17 requires antenna structures over 200 feet or near airports to be registered with the FCC, marked, and lit per FAA guidelines to ensure visibility for aircraft. Technical specifications for lighting types, colors, and marking patterns are based on the structure's height and location. Compliance also involves assessing environmental and historical impacts.

Part 96 governs the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), enabling shared use of the 3550-3700 MHz band. It utilizes a three-tier model managed by the Spectrum Access System (SAS) to coordinate spectrum usage dynamically. Devices, known as Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs), must be certified to interact with the SAS for frequency assignment and comply with power limits based on device categories. ESC systems detect incumbent activity to prevent interference.

47 CFR Part 87 sets technical standards for aviation radio services, including power limits, frequency stability, and emission requirements for aircraft and ground radios. It specifies frequency allocations for different communication types, such as air-to-ground and navigation aids, to avoid interference. Emergency procedures include using the 121.5 MHz distress frequency and emergency locator transmitters (ELTs). More details on technical requirements are in subpart D of this part.

Part 90 covers land mobile radio systems used for mission-critical communication in public safety, business, and industrial sectors. It specifies technical standards for frequency bands like VHF (30–300 MHz), UHF (300–3000 MHz), and 700/800 MHz, setting power limits and emission requirements to avoid interference. Frequency coordination is essential for new systems to prevent conflicts, while rules govern modulation, antenna usage, and co-channel separation.

Part 27 sets technical standards for multiple bands (600 MHz to 2.3 GHz and higher), including power limits, out-of-band emission restrictions, and coordination requirements, supporting diverse wireless broadband and IoT applications.

FCC Part 24 specifies PCS band usage, focusing on digital mobile services with 2 W power limits for handheld devices, emission controls, and interference protections within 1850–1990 MHz for clear, efficient operation.

FCC Part 22 defines technical standards for cellular services in bands like 850 MHz, with power limits, frequency stability, and emission standards to control interference and support broad coverage areas.

Part 25 outlines technical standards for satellite communication equipment, including power limits, emission control, frequency stability, and interference management for devices such as earth stations, VSATs, and satellite terminals. These standards ensure secure, interference-free operation across licensed satellite bands, supporting applications like broadband, GPS, and international communications in high-demand frequency ranges.

Part 95 defines technical standards for Personal Radio Services, including Family Radio Service (FRS), Citizen Band (CB), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), and Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS). The regulation sets maximum power levels (e.g., 2 watts for FRS), antenna restrictions, and emission limits to control interference and ensure safe operation. 

Part 88 (UACS) sets technical standards for UAS operations within the 5030 to 5091 MHz band, focusing on CNPC. It allocates 5040 to 5050 MHz for NNA users, who will receive frequency allocations via DFMS. Initially, NNA users access 5040-5060 MHz under the IAM process until DFMS management begins.

47 CFR Part 18 outlines technical requirements for ISM equipment that uses RF energy, such as microwave ovens and medical devices. It specifies emission limits, frequency allocations (e.g., 13.56 MHz, 2.45 GHz), and radiation safety standards to prevent harmful interference. Equipment must undergo FCC authorization and be labeled accordingly. Operators must address interference with authorized radio services (47 CFR § 18.301, § 18.305).

 

47 CFR Part 97 outlines the technical requirements for amateur radio operations, including frequency allocations, power limits, and operating modes. It specifies frequency bands by wavelength (e.g., 160 meters, 80 meters) and sets a maximum power of 1500 watts PEP for most bands. Operators must identify transmissions regularly and use the minimum necessary power. Special provisions apply for emergency communications and satellite operations (47 CFR § 97.313, § 97.207).

47 CFR Part 5 outlines technical requirements for experimental radio licenses, permitting the testing of new radio technologies and systems. It specifies license types, including Conventional, Broadcast, and Medical Testing. Tests must not interfere with existing radio services, and experiments must operate within authorized parameters, such as frequencies and power limits (47 CFR § 5.3, § 5.83). STAs offer temporary testing for up to six months.

European Union

E-Mark (Directive 2009/19/EC): This directive ensures that all electrical and electronic equipment in motor vehicles meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. It involves testing and certification to prevent interference with vehicle systems and external communications, ensuring safe and reliable operation.

CE Active

CE marking indicates that a product meets EU safety, health, and environmental standards, allowing it to be sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). It signifies compliance with relevant EU regulations.

EIA Active

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects. It involves screening, scoping, impact analysis, mitigation, and reporting to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into project planning and decision-making.

C-Tick Active

The C-Tick is an identification trademark registered to the ACMA, which signifies compliance with applicable EMC standard and also provides a traceable link between the equipment and the supplier. The C-Tick mark and supplier. identification are placed on the external surface of the product near the model number.

Class 1 Division 2 (Class I, Div 2) is a classification for hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids are present only under abnormal conditions, such as equipment malfunctions or leaks. Electrical equipment in these areas must be designed to prevent ignition sources, ensuring safety by avoiding sparks or high temperatures that could ignite the hazardous substances.

California

California Title 24, the California Building Standards Code, sets regulations for building design, construction, and maintenance. It covers structural safety, fire safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Key parts include standards for energy conservation (Part 6) and green building practices (Part 11, CALGreen). The code is regularly updated to incorporate new technologies and practices, ensuring buildings are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Industry


ANSI C136.41 Active

ANSI C136.41 specifies the interface methods between an external locking type control device and a luminaire for roadway and area lighting equipment. It covers the mechanical, electrical, and marking requirements for dimming controls, locking-type photocontrols, and their mating receptacles.

ANSI C136.10 Active

ANSI C136.10 is a standard for roadway and area lighting equipment, specifically for locking-type photocontrol devices and mating receptacles. It ensures these components are physically and electrically interchangeable, promoting consistency and safety in outdoor lighting systems.

ETL Active

ETL certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluation of products to ensure they meet North American safety standards. The ETL Mark, issued by Intertek, signifies that a product has been tested for safety and complies with relevant industry standards, ensuring reliability and consumer safety.

Global

The IECEE CB Scheme facilitates the testing and certification of products against IEC standards, enabling manufacturers to obtain a CB Test Certificate and Report that can be used to achieve national certifications in participating countries without additional testing.

IEC 68-2-11 Active

IEC 68-2-11 outlines the method for conducting salt mist tests to evaluate a product's resistance to corrosion, simulating conditions like coastal or industrial environments to verify product robustness.

IEC 60721-3-4 Active

IEC 60721-3-4 specifies environmental condition classifications for equipment used in stationary, weather-protected locations, covering factors like temperature, humidity, and vibration to ensure product reliability.

IEC 60068 Active

IEC 60068 is a set of standards detailing tests for products' resilience to environmental stresses like temperature, vibration, and humidity, ensuring durability and performance consistency.

European Union

EN61373 Active

EN 61373 standard specifies the testing requirements for railway rolling stock equipment to ensure resistance to shock and vibration. It defines the test methods and conditions to verify that equipment can withstand the operational stresses encountered in railway environments, ensuring reliability and functionality.

EN 300 019-2-4: This standard outlines the environmental conditions and testing requirements for telecommunications equipment used in stationary, non-weatherprotected locations. It specifies the range of environmental stresses (such as temperature and humidity) that equipment must withstand and details the test methods to ensure reliability and functionality under these conditions.

Additional Compliance Information

In addition to the wireless technical compliance information above, consider wireless legal compliance, or AI compliance information in the links below.

Legal compliance information is provided by Kama Thuo, PLLC Wireless Telecom Law Firm (external link).