If you are a manufacturer or have any electronic inventory you want to sell in different states, then FCC testing is mandatory. This is testing on electronics to determine the radiofrequency radiation and make sure that the output is controlled and at safety levels before the products are distributed.

When the radiofrequency output is not controlled, it amounts or may grow into dangerously high levels of electromagnetic interference. This then affects the functionality of various electronic devices, which may lead to a major cause of dangerous hazards.

The Federal Communications Commission is responsible to oversee that all electronics being distributed in the state enforces all the requirements. Most devices that emit radiofrequency need to go through testing and have certification before they are marketed.

These products and devices can either be intentional or unintentional radiators that produce radiofrequency energy. An example of intentional radiators includes smartphones and other devices that broadcast radio energy in their operations.

Unintentional radiators can also be defined as electronics. An example of this is a digital camera. These create radio signals and transmit them through power lines and/ or space as part of their functionality.

Digital devices may go through two different testing procedures;

• Class A, which primarily covers various devices used in engineering, industrial, and commercial settings.
• Class B, on the other hand, is for consumer devices and has got stricter limits.

FCC testing and certifications usually start as soon as your products and devices are ready for mass production and distribution to consumers. The devices are tested to make sure they won’t cause any interference with the functionality of other equipment, are radiated at safe levels of frequency, and meet all the other requirements.

There are three options when it comes to FCC authorization;

Verification

This process is mainly for digital devices that do not contain any radio or rather contain a radio which has been pre-approved and is being merged with the guidelines required for its authorization. The process can be carried out by the manufacturer or even better by a laboratory.

The test is to determine the radiofrequency output. If it complies with the safety regulations required, they are allowed to be marketed and sold to the public, even without any FCC certifications. TV receiver is one example that only requires verification.

Declaration of Conformity

This is a stricter procedure done on personal computers and personal computers peripherals. They require accredited third-party laboratories to measure the radiofrequency your devices radiate and ensure it meets all the relevant technical standards. They have to have the FCC certifications and FCC logo on the devices and products.

Certification

FCC is one of the best certifications you can take for your products. The tests are carried out on equipment that is most likely to interfere with the functionality of other signals, equipment, and emergency information systems. There are also different bodies that require FCC ID on a compliant product such as the Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs).

5 Simple Steps to Obtain FCC Certification

• Step one is learning your products and what frequencies are open to you. Make sure to reference the current guidelines to be able to design and select the right radio frequency and equipment. Some of the factors you want to consider here include propagation, power consumption, optimization, size, and radio range.
• Step two is testing during development. As you are developing the products, it is important to do as much testing as it can be done in-house. These tests may not be counting in the end results but they help you ensure your products are in check and you are not in for an unpleasant surprise in the end.
• The third step is registering in FCC. All you need to obtain is a registration number; FCC Registration Number (FRN). Go to their sites to give your addresses, contacts, and other requirements. You not only get an FCC number but also a mandatory grantee code.
• The next step is to select a test lab. Now that you have your FCC registration number and the mandatory grantee codes, you need to contact a testing lab registered with FCC. Whoever you choose must be knowledgeable, experienced, and have the necessary experience. You also want a professional who is responsible to handle all your needs.
• The last step is the compliance test, certification, and filling. After successfully completing all the tests, the documentation will be reviewed and your certification issued.