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CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
September 3, 2010
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
RE: Radio frequency interference
EB-10-GB-0105
Dear Mr. & Mrs. (name withheld):
The Federal Communications Commission has received a complaint that an
electrical device, possibly a faulty doorbell transformer, apparently in
your home may be causing harmful radio interference to an 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, certain types of equipment are
classified as "incidental radiators." These devices do not intentionally
generate any radio-frequency energy, but that may create such energy as an
incidental part of its intended operation. Common examples are faulty
doorbell transformers, aquarium heaters, fluorescent light ballasts,
doorbell control circuits and so forth.
Other types of consumer devices are classified as "unintentional
radiators." These devices generate radio frequency energy but do not
intentionally radiate it. Some common examples include computers, radio
receivers and television sets. Some of these devices are imported and do
not comply with Commission certification standards, and thereby result in
interference to other radio services. If the source of the interference is
an unintentional radiator, you may have one of these devices. If the
device is an approved one, it should have a silver FCC label on the unit
showing a certification number. Even an approved device, however, can only
be operated legally if it is not causing harmful interference to a
licensed radio service. Both incidental and unintentional radiators 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 15.13 Incidental radiators.
Manufacturers of these devices shall employ good engineering practices to
minimize the risk of harmful interference.
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 FCC
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. The Commission
expects that most cases can be resolved within 30 days of the time they
are first reported. Please feel free to contact me in writing at: 1270
Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 or via telephone at 717-338-2577 if
you have any questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith, Esq.
Special Counsel Enforcement Bureau
cc: Denver Field Office
Western Regional Director