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CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
June 11, 2013
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
Springfield, Oregon 97477
RE: Radio frequency interference
EB-FIELDNER-13-00009206
Dear Ms. (name withheld):
The Federal Communications Commission has received a complaint that a
device, possibly a bad doorbell transformer, may be causing harmful radio
interference to an operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The source of
this interference has been traced to a property owned by (name withheld).
More specifically, this property is located at (address withheld) Street,
Springfield, OR 97478. This interference has been reported by a licensed
operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The complainant is:
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
Tel: (Number withheld)
The Commission has the responsibility to require that such problems be
rectified within a reasonable time if the interference is caused by faulty
consumer equipment. Under FCC rules, such equipment is typically
classified as an "incidental radiator. These devices do not intentionally
generate radio-frequency energy as part of their normal intended
operation. They can, however, create such energy as an incidental part of
their intended operation. Common examples are aquarium heaters, certain
portable telephones, alarm control panels, fluorescent light ballasts,
doorbell control circuits and so forth. Under RFF rules, however, such
devices must not cause harmful interference to a radio service. If and
when interference does occur, the burden falls on the device operator to
correct it, and if necessary, cease operation of the device, whenever such
interference occurs. In some cases, the device can be defective resulting
in a potential shock or fire hazard.
To help you better understand your responsibilities under FCC rules, here
are the most important rules relating to radio interference caused by
incidental and unintentional radiators:
Title 47, CFR Section 15.5 General conditions of operation.
(b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator is
subject to the conditions that no harmful interference is caused and that
interference must be accepted that may be caused by the operation of an
authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional
radiator, by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or by an
incidental radiator.
(c) The operator of the radio frequency device shall be required to cease
operating the device upon notification by a Commission representative that
the device is causing harmful interference. Operation shall not resume
until the condition causing the harmful interference has been corrected.
Title 47, CFR Section 15.15 General technical requirements.
(c) Parties responsible for equipment compliance should note that the
limits specified in this part will not prevent harmful interference under
all circumstances. Since the operators of Part 15 devices are required to
cease operation should harmful interference occur to authorized users of
the radio frequency spectrum, the parties responsible for equipment
compliance are encouraged to employ the minimum field strength necessary
for communications, to provide greater attenuation of unwanted emissions
than required by these regulations, and to advise the user as to how to
resolve harmful interference problems (for example, see Sec. 15.105(b)).
The complainant has attempted unsuccessfully to resolve this problem and
as a result the matter has been referred to our office. The Commission
prefers that those responsible for the proper operation of equipment
assume their responsibilities fairly. This means that you should resolve
the interference caused by the device and make necessary corrections
within a reasonable time.
While the Commission has confidence that most people are able to resolve
these issues voluntarily, the Commission wants to make you aware that this
unresolved problem may be a violation of FCC rules and could result in a
monetary forfeiture (fine) for each occurrence. At this stage, the
Commission encourages the parties to resolve this problem without
Commission intervention; but if necessary to facilitate resolution, the
Commission may investigate possible rules violations and address
appropriate remedies.
Please advise this office and (name withheld) as to what steps you are
taking to correct this reported interference problem. Please direct any
correspondence to this address: 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
The Commission expects that most cases can be resolved within 30 days of
the time they are first reported. Please feel free to call me at
717-338-2577 if you have any questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith, Esq.
Special Counsel
Enforcement Bureau
cc: Portland Resident Agent
Western Regional Director