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CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
February 15, 2012
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
RE: Radio frequency interference
Eb-12-GB-0070
Dear (Name withheld):
The Federal Communications Commission has received a complaint of harmful
radio interference from an electrical device, possibly a bad doorbell
transformer, that has been traced to your residence. This interference has
been reported by a licensed operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The
complainant is:
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address 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, most electrical equipment is
classified as an "incidental radiator." These are devices that do not
intentionally generate radio-frequency energy as part of their normal
intended operation. They may, however, generate such energy as an
incidental part of their intended operation.
Such devices must not cause harmful interference under the FCC's rules. 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. Such a device can only be operated legally if
it is not causing harmful interference to a licensed radio service. The
device can also be defective resulting in a shock or fire hazard.
To help you better understand your responsibilities under FCC rules, here
are the most important rules relating to radio and television interference
from incidental 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. Your response should
be sent to the following address: 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania 17325 and should reference the listed case number. 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: San Francisco Field Office
Western Regional Director