EEVblog Electronics Community Forum
Electronics => Beginners => Topic started by: sairfan1 on November 14, 2023, 06:21:41 pm
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I'm hobbiyst and been deveoped lots of different projects, I have access to some qualified electronic engineers
I want to know, if I want to sell some very simple projects like wireless temperature monitoring etc. (using nRF, ESP, LoRa) how important is it to get FCC/IC approvals. even if those modules are being used indoor.
I understand we can develop low power electronics, where mains 120v is not involved but i do not have any idea about wireless world, on little bit google I learned that getting those FCC/IC certificate is too much expensive looks like only big businesses can do.
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The FCC sometimes has different rules for indoor/outdoor use but that doesn't really affect whether you need approval.
Unintentional radiators (pretty much anything that doesn't have a radio) are usually pretty lax. You need to do the testing to verify that it meets the rules, and be able to produce the test reports on demand, but you don't have to get a certificate. There are special rules for computer systems as well.
Intentional radiators are much stricter, you need an FCC certificate.
The actual rules are more complicated, you would need to figure out what exact category your product fits under and read the specific rules that apply or get expert advice. People here can give general guidance, but the actual answers depend on knowing all the details of your product, how you are going to sell it, and what rules apply.
A lot of low volume hobby stuff basically skates by on "not for end users" -- it's a component of a system not a full working system, and the buyer is responsible for making sure it isn't used in a way that violates the rules. Just like when you buy a transistor from digikey, it's your responsibility if you make that into a radio frequency oscillator.
It's also possible to buy modules that already have a certificate. For instance, the Raspberry Pi has an FCC certificate. If you can find an SBC with the radios you want and an FCC certificate, you might be able to use that without getting your own certificate. Generally you wouldn't be able to modify any part of the module related to the radio, such as changing the antennas. That's one reason the Raspberry Pi has a built in antenna and no external option.
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Also keep in mind that if you combine two intentional radiators in the design, you have to certify the whole thing, even if individual modules have certifications. So, if you are building a gateway between LoRa and WiFi, you pretty much have no choice.
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Intentional radiators are much stricter, you need an FCC certificate.
What are "Intentional radiators"
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Intentional radiators are much stricter, you need an FCC certificate.
What are "Intentional radiators"
Devices which necessarily emit radio waves to communicate with other devices.
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One trick that might work is to offer a kit, as opposed to a ready to use item. It worked for selling USA kits in the EU.
SJ