LED lighting products are now subject to FCC rules to ensure that devices do not cause harmful interference to radiocommunications services.
LED lighting is used for a device which has the primary function of generating light by electrically powering semiconductor materials. Such light generation is commonly intended for general illumination, and also includes other applications such as traffic signaling, roadway lighting, manufacturing processes, agriculture, etc.
According to the FCC rules, LED lighting devices intentionally generate RF energy via electronic power conversion or digital circuitry, but are not intended to radiate RF energy by radiation or induction and thus they are classified as unintentional radiators. LED lighting products today employ single or multiple LED chips, but can also include organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer OLEDs, quantum dots, etc.
In most cases, LED lighting devices employ either an independent or an integrated electronic driver that operates at RF frequencies similar to those used in digital electronic products. As such, LED lighting devices are subject to the Part 15 rules for unintentional radiators, and are subject to the “Verification” equipment authorization procedure, while LED lighting devices with RF remote control are subject to the Part 15 rules and the “Certification” equipment authorization procedure.
LED lighting devices are subject to Section 15.109 radiated emission limits from 30 MHz to 1000 MHz to ensure overall compliance with radiated emissions requirements.
Operation of Part 15 unintentional radiators is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused. As a manufacturer, you should therefore note that lighting devices are required to cease operation if harmful interference occurs.
To help mitigate interference from lighting devices into authorized radio services, you are encouraged to: use good engineering design and construction techniques, meet and even exceed the required attenuation of unwanted emissions; extend compliance testing beyond the frequency range guidance traditionally required; and provide suggested interference mitigation techniques to users on how to resolve harmful interference problems.
Should you have queries of FCC Part 15 Verification and Part 15 Certification services, speak to Intertek’s experts.
