[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 10, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45666-45671]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-17264]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 15 and 18

[ET Docket 98-80; FCC 02-157]


Conducted Emission Limits

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document revises the Commission's rules for Radio 
Frequency (RF) devices to modify the limits on the amount of RF energy 
that is permitted to be conducted onto alternating current (AC) power 
lines. These limits protect against interference to licensed radio 
services operating below 30 MHz. The rule changes also harmonize our 
domestic requirements with the international standards developed by the 
International Electrotechnical Commission, International Special 
Committee on Radio Interference. The Commission believes that such 
harmonization will benefit consumers and manufacturers by providing 
better interference protection to licensed radio services as well as 
promoting a global marketplace for RF devices.

DATES: Effective August 9, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anh Wride, Office of Engineering and 
Technology, (202) 418-0577, TTY (202) 418-2989, e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report 
and Order, ET Docket 98-80, FCC 02-157, adopted May 23, 2002 and 
released May 30, 2002. The full text of this document is available for 
inspection and copying during regular business hours in the FCC 
Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 
20554. It is also available on the Commission's internet site at 
www.fcc.gov. The complete text of this document also may be purchased 
from the Commission's duplication contractor Qualex International, 
(202) 863-2893 voice, (202) 863-2898 Fax, [email protected] email, 
Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554.

Summary of Report and Order

    1. The Commission is amending parts 15 and 18 of the rules for 
radio

[[Page 45667]]

frequency (RF) devices to modify the limits on the amount of RF energy 
that is permitted to be conducted onto alternating current (AC) power 
lines. These limits protect against interference to licensed radio 
services operating below 30 MHz. The rule changes adopted herein 
harmonize our domestic requirements with the international standards 
developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 
International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR). We 
believe that such harmonization will benefit consumers and 
manufacturers by providing better interference protection to licensed 
radio services as well as promoting a global marketplace for RF devices
    2. In the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), 64 FR 62159, 
November 16, 1999, the Commission proposed several changes to its 
regulations for line conducted emissions from parts 15 and 18 devices. 
It proposed to amend the conducted emission limits for such equipment 
to make them generally consistent with the international standards 
specified in IEC/CISPR Publications 11 and 22. The differences between 
the limits in the rules and the CISPR limits are discussed, in the 
NPRM. The CISPR limits, including the limits on conducted emissions 
below 450 kHz, would be applied to all part 15 devices, to all 
induction cooking ranges and ultrasonic equipment operating under part 
18, and to all consumer part 18 devices, including microwave ovens. The 
Commission proposed to provide a transition period of one year for all 
new part 15 and 18 devices subsequently authorized under a grant of 
Certification, a Declaration of Conformity, or Verification. It also 
proposed to require all products, imported or manufactured three years 
after the effective date of the new rules, to comply with these 
standards.
    3. In addition to the changes to the conducted emission limits, the 
Commission proposed an alternative measurement procedure for part 15 
intentional radiators operating below 30 MHz, e.g., carrier current 
systems (CCS), which would permit a demonstration of compliance with 
applicable radiated emission limits instead of conducted limits. The 
Commission also proposed to clarify Sec. 15.109(e) of its rules to 
require measurements of radiated emissions below 30 MHz for part 15 
unintentional radiators only when the length of the connecting cable 
carrying the RF signal is either at least one-fourth of the wavelength 
of the center frequency of the signal, or is of unknown length. 
Comments were also requested on whether voltage and current limits on 
RF signals placed on the AC power line could be employed by CCS devices 
as an optional method of demonstrating compliance with the radiated 
limits outside of the AM broadcast band.
    4. The Report and Order adopted changes to the rules for power line 
conducted emissions to make them more effective in controlling 
interference to communications services and to reduce the burden of 
these regulations. Specifically, we are amending the conducted emission 
limits to make them consistent with international CISPR standards. We 
are also adopting conducted emission limits for part 18 consumer 
products, such as microwave ovens, that are currently subject only to 
radiated emission limits. These limits are consistent with the 
requirements that already exist for certain types of ISM consumer 
products, such as ultrasonic denture and jewelry cleaners. Finally, we 
are establishing transition provisions for implementing the new CISPR 
limits. Harmonizing our rules with international standards will allow 
manufacturers to produce products for distribution in several markets 
without any modification, thus reducing costs. This harmonization will 
be particularly beneficial to small business entities that have limited 
resources to maintain separate product lines in order to ensure 
compliance with region or country-specific requirements. Moreover, this 
will enhance the value of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) for U.S. 
manufacturers, thereby promoting the growth and international expansion 
of U.S. industries.
    5. The proposal for an alternative measurement procedure for 
intentional radiators operating on frequencies below 30 MHz and the 
request for comments to improve the existing testing methodologies and 
requirements for intentional RF signals transmitted on power lines drew 
a number of observations and suggestions. We note that there is 
substantial development under way of new broadband delivery systems 
that use power line communication technologies. We also note that the 
IEC/CISPR I committee has established a Task Group to develop limits 
and methods of measurements for these new technologies. Therefore, in 
order to allow for a better informed and more complete decision, we are 
deferring to a further proceeding the consideration of new limits and 
measurement procedures for CCS devices. We intend to monitor these 
activities to ensure that future proposed test procedures and limits 
are harmonized with international standards and would not create an 
additional testing burden on manufacturers of such equipment. Pending 
the adoption of new rules based on the international work, our existing 
requirements for carrier current systems continue to apply to all such 
devices.

Harmonization with IEC/CISPR Conducted Emission Limits

    6. The Commission observed that considerable work has been done to 
develop conducted emission standards within the CISPR. Notably, CISPR 
has developed standards for information technology equipment under 
CISPR Publication 22, and for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) 
equipment under CISPR Publication 11. The Commission also noted that 
there appears to be growing support by both governments and industry 
for the harmonization of emission standards internationally to promote 
trade and competition. Harmonized standards can improve economies of 
scale and thereby reduce costs, to the benefit of consumers. Harmonized 
standards also tend to reduce testing costs for products marketed 
internationally.

Harmonization with CISPR Publication 22 Limits

    7. The Commission therefore proposed to apply the limits of CISPR 
Publication 22 to all Part 15 devices that are currently subject to 
line conducted emission limits. The Commission noted that the existing 
part 15 limits are based on quasi-peak measurements, but allow a 
correction for broadband emissions in order to take into account 
averaging factors. On the other hand, CISPR Publication 22 specifies 
separate limits for quasi-peak and average measurements. Adjustments 
for broadband emissions have already been incorporated into the CISPR 
limits; therefore, the CISPR quasi-peak limit values are less 
restrictive than the limits currently in the rules. After taking these 
factors into account, the CISPR emission limits are slightly more 
stringent than the current rules below 5 MHz and are approximately 
equivalent to the current rules above 5 MHz. The Commission noted that, 
for many years, part 15 has provided the option of complying with 
either the limits in the rules or the CISPR 22 limits. Due to this 
practice, many manufacturers' products already comply with the CISPR 
limits. Therefore, the use of a single set of limits would simplify the 
rules and promote harmonization, without generally causing an undue 
burden on manufacturers.

[[Page 45668]]

    8. The Commission continues to believe that the harmonization of 
our conducted emission limits in part 15 with the limits in CISPR 22 
will foster trade and facilitate the growth of U.S. businesses by 
reducing costs for manufacturers and consumers. The Commission is 
adopting the CISPR 22 conducted emission limits for all part 15 
equipment that are currently subject to the conducted emissions 
requirements. See 47 CFR 15.107 and 15.207.
    9. We also note that the international CISPR line conducted 
emission standards include separate limits for equipment used in 
business/industrial (Class A) and residential (Class B) environments. 
Such an approach is appropriate, because it takes into account the 
different characteristics affecting interference in each environment, 
such as the wider separation distances between equipment which occur in 
business and commercial environments. We believe that the international 
standards strike a reasonable balance between the need to establish 
standards to control interference to broadcasting services in the under 
30 MHz region of the spectrum, and the need to avoid placing 
unnecessary constraints on RF devices and ISM equipment. Therefore, we 
are retaining the definitions of Class A and Class B digital devices, 
currently specified in the Commission's rules, as necessary in the 
public interest.
    10. In the NPRM, we remarked that the rules exempt incidental 
radiators and certain digital equipment from the line conducted 
emission limits. In particular, exemption from specific emission limits 
is provided for incidental radiators such as electric motors, hair 
dryers, washing machines, etc.; digital devices used exclusively as an 
electronic control of power system used by a public utility or an 
industrial plant; digital devices used exclusively as industrial, 
commercial, or medical test equipment; digital devices used in 
appliances; and specialized medical digital devices. Given the large 
numbers of incidental radiators that would be affected and the overall 
lack of interference complaints from such devices, mandatory emission 
limits are not warranted for these devices. We further find no 
information or evidence in the record that warrants removing or 
modifying the existing exemptions at this time. Accordingly, we will 
retain the exemptions in 47 CFR 15.103, as necessary in the public 
interest.
    11. Harmonization of our rules with the CISPR 22 rules will extend 
the conducted emission limits from the existing lowest frequency of 450 
kHz down to 150 kHz. We find that extending the limits to frequencies 
below 450 kHz is warranted to protect existing, new, and expanded 
future uses for this region of the spectrum. While there are several 
types of radio systems operating below 450 kHz, we are particularly 
concerned about the potential for harmful interference to licensed 
radio services that are employed for applications involving safety of 
life and property, such as the Differential Global Positioning System 
(DGPS). Several governmental entities, such as the Department of 
Transportation (DOT), US Coast Guard (USCG) and the Federal Railroad 
Administration (FRA), are using or planning to deploy navigational 
systems using DGPS with frequencies between 285 and 325 kHz. Therefore, 
the Commission believes that the adoption of conducted requirements 
below 450 kHz will not only provide the benefits of international 
harmonization, but will protect radio services used by systems 
providing navigation to safety-of-life transportation operations at 
sea, in the air, and on land.

Harmonization with CISPR Publication 11 Limits

    12. Our existing rules for conducted emission limits for part 18 
cover the frequency range from 10 kHz to 30 MHz. See 47 CFR 18.307. The 
CISPR Publication 11 specifies conducted emission limits from 9 kHz to 
30 MHz. In the NPRM, we proposed to harmonize the limits in Part 18 
with those specified in CISPR 11. The current limits in part 18 are 
based on average measurements, except those for RF lighting equipment. 
CISPR 11 specifies separate limits for quasi-peak and average 
measurements. The CISPR 11 limit values are somewhat comparable to the 
FCC limits over the frequency range from 150 kHz to 30 MHz. The 
Commission indicated that, given the international nature of the 
marketplace, the use of a single set of limits would simplify the rules 
and promote harmonization, without causing undue burden to 
manufacturers.
    13. The harmonization of our conducted emission limits in part 18 
with the limits in CISPR 11 will foster trade, facilitate growth and 
international expansion of U.S. businesses and reduce costs, to the 
benefit of manufacturers and consumers. The Commission believes that 
the adoption of conducted emission limits for all consumer ISM 
equipment, including microwave ovens, will promote consistency and 
uniformity with regard to the treatment of these products. We note that 
the adoption of the CISPR rules in this proceeding is not based on a 
response to interference issues, but rather, to promote a global market 
and harmonization of requirements, which will benefit manufacturers and 
consumers. Accordingly, we are adopting the conducted emission limits 
in CISPR 11 for part 18 ultrasonic equipment and induction cooking 
ranges, and for part 18 consumer devices.
    14. We further note that CISPR 11 specifies the use of a 50 [mu]H/
50 Ohm LISN, which is a Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN), an 
artificial AC power line network that provides a specified load 
impedance in a given frequency range. It is used to isolate the 
equipment from the AC supply and to facilitate measurements, for part 
18 ultrasonic and induction cooking equipment rather than the 5 [mu]H/
50 Ohm LISN previous specified in the rules. CISPR 11 refers to CISPR 
16:1999, Figure 7a, for the impedance curve of the LISN to be used in 
carrying out the measurements against the specified limits. 
Accordingly, we are modifying the rules to require a 50 [mu]H/50 Ohm 
LISN with this impedance curve to be used in determining compliance 
with part 18 conducted emission limits for ultrasonic and induction 
cooking equipment.

Transition Provisions

    15. In the NPRM, the Commission proposed to require that all newly 
authorized part 15 and 18 devices be subject to the new line conducted 
regulations effective one year from the date of publication of the 
Report and Order in the Federal Register. It also proposed that these 
new regulations would apply to all part 15 and 18 devices that are 
imported or manufactured on or after three years from the date of 
publication of the Report and Order in the Federal Register, regardless 
of when the products were initially authorized. The Commission 
expressed its belief that most affected products would be redesigned 
within this three-year time frame in the course of normal product 
cycles and that compliance with this proposal therefore would not cause 
an unreasonable burden on industry.
    16. While it appears that complying with the new line conducted 
emission rules will not pose a significant burden on many, if not most, 
manufacturers, given that they have already modified their products to 
allow them to trade in Canada and Europe, there are cases where the new 
rules will have an impact. Inasmuch as there is no evidence of 
interference problems from part 15 and part 18 devices that comply with 
the existing line conducted emission limits, we also believe that

[[Page 45669]]

extending the transition period for a modest amount of time would not 
pose serious risks of new interference. Therefore, the Commission will 
provide an additional one year of transition period for new product 
models beyond that proposed in the NPRM. Accordingly, we are adopting 
transition provisions for compliance of part 15 and part 18 devices 
with the new conducted emission limits as follows: the rules will apply 
to all new products authorized under parts 15 and 18 of the rules on or 
after two years from the date of publication of this Report and Order 
in the Federal Register and will apply to all existing products 
authorized under parts 15 and 18 of the rules that are manufactured or 
imported on or after three years from that date.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    17. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as 
amended (RFA),\1\ an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was 
incorporated in the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), 1998 
Biennial Regulatory Review--Conducted Emissions Limits Below 30 MHz for 
Equipment Regulated under Parts 15 and 18 of the Commission's Rules.\2\ 
The Commission sought written public comment on the proposals in the 
NPRM, including comments on the IRFA. The Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (FRFA) in this Report and Order conforms to the RFA.\3\
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    \1\ See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601-612, has been 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (SBREFA), Public Law 104-121, Title II, 110 Stat. 857 (1996).
    \2\ See 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review--Conducted Emission 
Limits Below 30 MHz for Equipment Regulated under Parts 15 and 18 of 
the Commission's Rules, ET Docket No. 98-80, Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making, 14 FCC Rcd 18180 (1999) at 16.
    \3\ See 5 U.S.C. 604.
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A. Need for, and Objectives of, the Report and Order

    18. By this action, the Commission amends parts 15 and 18 of the 
rules for radio frequency (RF) devices regarding the amount of RF 
energy that is permitted to be conducted onto the alternating current 
(AC) power lines. The purpose of the present limits is to protect 
against interference to radio services operating below 30 MHz. By the 
rules adopted herein, these limits are harmonized by incorporating the 
limits of the international standards developed by the International 
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Special Committee on 
Radio Interference (CISPR) into the rules.\4\ The Commission 
anticipates that such harmonization will provide better interference 
protection to licensed radio services as well as promoting a global 
marketplace for RF devices, thereby reducing costs for manufacturers 
and consumers. Most manufacturers are already performing testing to the 
requirements of the international standards on products sold in the 
U.S. that are also marketed in regions that have adopted the CISPR 
standards. Therefore, testing to these limits does not represent a 
significant burden. Harmonization of our rules with the international 
standards will allow the same product to be manufactured and marketed 
without modifications in several countries, thereby enabling economies 
of scale, which would reduce costs. The comments overwhelmingly support 
our harmonization action.
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    \4\ The International Special Committee on Radio Interference 
(CISPR) was established in 1934 by a group of international 
organizations to address radio interference. CISPR is a non-
governmental group composed of National Committees of the 
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), as well as numerous 
international organizations. The IEC is the international standards 
and conformity assessment body for all fields of electrotechnology.
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B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments In Response 
to the IRFA

    19. There were comments on the NPRM, but there were no specific 
comments addressing small business issues in response to the IRFA.

C. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which 
Rules Will Apply

    20. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of and, where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, herein adopted.\5\ The RFA generally 
defines the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the 
terms ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small 
governmental jurisdiction.'' \6\ In addition, the term ``small 
business'' has the same meaning as the term ``small business concern'' 
under section 3 of the Small Business Act.\7\ A small business concern 
is one which: (1) Is independently owned and operated; (2) is not 
dominant in its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any additional 
criteria established by the SBA.\8\
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    \5\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(b)(3) and 604(a)(3).
    \6\ See 5 U.S.C. 601(6).
    \7\ See 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the 
definition of ``small business concern'' in the Small Business Act, 
15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 601(3), the statutory 
definition of a small business applies ``unless an agency, after 
consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration and after opportunity for public comment, establishes 
one or more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the 
activities of the agency and publishes such definition(s) in the 
Federal Register.''
    \8\ See 15 U.S.C. 632 (1996).
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    21. The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
applicable to Radio Frequency Equipment Manufacturers (RF 
Manufacturers). Therefore, the applicable definition of small entity is 
the definition under the SBA rules applicable to manufacturers of 
``Radio and Television Broadcasting and Communications Equipment.'' 
According to the SBA's regulation, an RF manufacturer must have 750 or 
fewer employees in order to qualify as a small business.\9\ Census 
Bureau data indicates that there are 858 companies in the United States 
that manufacture radio and television broadcasting and communications 
equipment, and that 778 of these firms have fewer than 750 employees 
and would be classified as small entities.\10\ We believe that many of 
the companies that manufacture RF equipment may qualify as small 
entities.
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    \9\ See 13 CFR 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 
Code 3663. See also the North American Industry Classification 
System Codes (NAICS) Code 334220.
    \10\ See U.S. Department of Commerce, 1992 Census of 
Transportation, Communications and Utilities (issued May 1995), SIC 
category 3663. See also the North American Industry Classification 
System Codes (NAICS) Code 334220.
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D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    22. Although a large number of Part 15 and Part 18 radio frequency 
devices are already required to be authorized under the Commission's 
Certification, Declaration of Conformity, or Verification procedures as 
a prerequisite to marketing and importation, the adopted rules add a 
slight amount of new testing and reporting requirements, as explained 
further:
    (a) Microwave ovens are already subject to radiated emission limits 
in the existing rules.\11\ The adopted rules would require microwave 
ovens and consumer ISM equipment (other than RF lights, induction 
ranges and ultrasonic equipment) to comply with conducted emission 
limits.\12\
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    \11\ See 47 CFR 18.305.
    \12\ See 47 CFR 18.307. See also, the discussion in ] 22 of the 
R&O.
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    (b) Induction ranges and ultrasonic equipment are already subject 
to part 18 conducted emission limits, but with the adopted rules, the 
low frequency range now starts at 9 kHz instead of the previous 10 
kHz.\13\
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    \13\ See discussion in ] 23 of the R&O.

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[[Page 45670]]

    (c) Under the adopted rules, measurements for conducted emissions 
must be made with instrumentation containing both a quasi-peak and an 
average reading detector.\14\
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    \14\ See discussion in ]] 12 and 18 of the R&O.
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    (d) Under the adopted rules, conducted emissions from part 15 
equipment must be measured down to 150 kHz instead of the previous 450 
kHz, and measurements must be made with instrumentation containing both 
a quasi-peak and an average reading detector as well.\15\
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    \15\ See discussion in ]] 20-21 of the R&O.
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    23. This slightly increased amount of testing is not a significant 
burden and will be offset by economies of scale, because harmonization 
of requirements will allow the same product to be manufactured and 
marketed without modifications in several countries, thus reducing 
costs. Furthermore, most part 15 equipment manufacturers already have 
the option to either comply with CISPR 22 limits or the FCC limits. The 
adoption of a single set of limits would simplify compliance with the 
requirements. The harmonization of our rules with international 
standards will reduce costs for all manufacturers, but it is 
particularly beneficial to small business entities that will not have 
to continue to maintain separate product lines in order to ensure their 
compliance with region-or country-specific regulatory requirements.

E. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered

    24. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant 
alternatives that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, 
which may include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) 
The establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or 
timetables that take into account the resources available to small 
entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of 
compliance or reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; 
(3) the use of performance, rather than design, standards; and (4) an 
exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small 
entities.\16\
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    \16\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(c)(1)-(c)(4).
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    25. The Commission is modifying its rules to harmonize with the 
international standards developed by the IEC/CISPR. Harmonized 
requirements improve economies of scale by allowing the same product 
design to be manufactured without modifications for sale in various 
countries and thereby reduce costs for products marketed 
internationally by small businesses. Harmonization of mandatory 
standards will further benefit small business entities by allowing them 
to make better use of human and financial resources currently dedicated 
to maintaining regulatory compliance for products intended for export 
to separate countries.
    26. The Commission originally proposed, in the NPRM, a transition 
period under which the regulations adopted in this proceeding would 
become effective, for all entities subject to the adopted rules, one 
year from the date of publication of a Report and Order in the Federal 
Register, for all part 15 and 18 devices subsequently authorized under 
a grant of Certification, a Declaration of Conformity, or Verification. 
However, to reduce the burden on small entities within the field of 
entities subject to the rules, we are adopting a longer transition 
period, up to two years, for new products, and a transition period of 
three years for all existing products that continue to be manufactured 
or imported.\17\
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    \17\ See discussion in ]] 24-25 of the R&O.
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Report to Congress

    27. The Commission will send a copy of the Report and Order, 
including this FRFA, in a report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the 
Congressional Review Act.\18\ In addition, the Commission will send a 
copy of the Report and Order, including this FRFA, to the Chief Counsel 
for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.
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    \18\ See 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
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    28. Pursuant to Sections 4(i), 301, 302, 303(e), 303(f), 303(r) of 
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154(i), 
301, 302, 303(e), 303(f), and 303(r), parts 15 and 18 of the 
Commission's Rules and Regulations ARE AMENDED.
    29. The Commission's Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, 
Reference Information Center, SHALL SEND a copy of this Report and 
Order, including the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the 
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 15

    Communications equipment, Radio.

47 CFR Part 18

    Household appliances, Radio, Scientific equipment.

    Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.

Rule Changes

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission amends 47 CFR parts 15 and 18 as follows:

PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

    1. The authority citation for Part 15 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303, 304, 307, 366, and 544A.

    2. Section 15.37 is amended by adding paragraph (j), to read as 
follows:


Sec. 15.37  Transition provisions for compliance with the rules.

* * * * *
    (j) All radio frequency devices that are authorized under the 
certification, verification or declaration of conformity procedures on 
or after July 12, 2004 shall comply with the conducted limits specified 
in Sec. 15.107 or Sec. 15.207 as appropriate. All radio frequency 
devices that are manufactured or imported on or after July 11, 2005 
shall comply with the conducted limits specified in Sec. 15.107 or 
Sec. 15.207, as appropriate. Equipment authorized, imported or 
manufactured prior to these dates shall comply with the conducted 
limits specified in Sec. 15.107 or Sec. 15.207, as appropriate, or with 
the conducted limits that were in effect immediately prior to September 
9, 2002.

    3. Section 15.107 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), and 
(c)(2), by removing paragraphs (d) and (e) and by redesignating 
paragraph (f) as paragraph (d), to read as follows:


Sec. 15.107  Conducted limits.

    (a) Except for Class A digital devices, for equipment that is 
designed to be connected to the public utility (AC) power line, the 
radio frequency voltage that is conducted back onto the AC power line 
on any frequency or frequencies within the band 150 kHz to 30 MHz shall 
not exceed the limits in the following table, as measured using a 50 
[mu]H/50 ohms line impedance stabilization network (LISN). Compliance 
with the provisions of this paragraph shall be based on the measurement 
of the radio frequency voltage between each power line and ground at 
the power terminal. The lower limit applies at the band edges.

[[Page 45671]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Conducted limit (dB[mu]V)
  Frequency of emission (MHz)   ----------------------------------------
                                      Quasi-peak            Average
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.15-0.5.......................  66 to 56*..........  56 to 46*
0.5-5..........................  56.................  46
5-30...........................  60.................  50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Decreases with the logarithm of the frequency.

    (b) For a Class A digital device that is designed to be connected 
to the public utility (AC) power line, the radio frequency voltage that 
is conducted back onto the AC power line on any frequency or 
frequencies within the band 150 kHz to 30 MHz shall not exceed the 
limits in the following table, as measured using a 50 [mu]H/50 ohms 
LISN. Compliance with the provisions of this paragraph shall be based 
on the measurement of the radio frequency voltage between each power 
line and ground at the power terminal. The lower limit applies at the 
boundary between the frequency ranges.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Conducted limit (dB[mu]V)
  Frequency of emission (MHz)   ----------------------------------------
                                      Quasi-peak            Average
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.15-0.5.......................  79.................  66
0.5-30.........................  73.................  60
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) * * *
    (2) For all other carrier current systems: 1000 [mu]V within the 
frequency band 535-1705 kHz, as measured using a 50 [mu]H/50 ohms LISN.
* * * * *
    4. Section 15.207 is amended by revising paragraph (a), removing 
paragraph (b), redesignating paragraphs (c) and (d) as (b) and (c), 
respectively, and by revising newly designated paragraph (b)(2), to 
read as follows:


Sec. 15.207  Conducted limits.

    (a) Except as shown in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, for 
an intentional radiator that is designed to be connected to the public 
utility (AC) power line, the radio frequency voltage that is conducted 
back onto the AC power line on any frequency or frequencies, within the 
band 150 kHz to 30 MHz, shall not exceed the limits in the following 
table, as measured using a 50 [mu]H/50 ohms line impedance 
stabilization network (LISN). Compliance with the provisions of this 
paragraph shall be based on the measurement of the radio frequency 
voltage between each power line and ground at the power terminal. The 
lower limit applies at the boundary between the frequency ranges.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Conducted limit (dB[mu]V)
  Frequency of emission (MHz)   ----------------------------------------
                                      Quasi-peak            Average
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.15-0.5.......................  66 to 56*..........  56 to 46*
0.5-5..........................  56.................  46
5-30...........................  60.................  50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Decreases with the logarithm of the frequency.

    (b) * * *
    (2) For all other carrier current systems: 1000 [mu]V within the 
frequency band 535-1705 kHz, as measured using a 50 [mu]H/50 ohms LISN.
* * * * *

PART 18--INDUSTRIAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

    5. The authority citation for Part 18 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 4, 301, 302, 303, 304, 307.

    6. Section 18.123 is added to Subpart A to read as follows:


Sec. 18.123  Transition provisions for compliance with the rules.

    Consumer ISM devices, induction cooking ranges and ultrasonic 
equipment that are authorized under the certification, verification or 
declaration of conformity procedures on or after July 12, 2004 shall 
comply with the conducted limits specified in Sec. 18.307. All such 
devices that are manufactured or imported on or after July 11, 2005 
shall comply with the conducted limits specified in Sec. 18.307. 
Equipment authorized, imported or manufactured prior to these dates 
shall comply with the conducted limits specified in Sec. 18.307 or with 
the conducted limits that were in effect immediately prior to September 
9, 2002.

    7. Section 18.307 is amended by revising the introductory 
paragraph, paragraphs (a) and (b), removing the Notes at the end of the 
section and adding paragraphs (d) through (g) to read as follows:


Sec. 18.307  Conducted limits.

    For the following equipment, when designed to be connected to the 
public utility (AC) power line the radio frequency voltage that is 
conducted back onto the AC power line on any frequency or frequencies 
shall not exceed the limits in the following tables. Compliance with 
the provisions of this paragraph shall be based on the measurement of 
the radio frequency voltage between each power line and ground at the 
power terminal using a 50 [mu]H/50 ohms line impedance stabilization 
network (LISN).
    (a) All Induction cooking ranges and ultrasonic equipment:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Conducted limit (dB[mu]V)
  Frequency of emission (MHz)   ----------------------------------------
                                      Quasi-peak            Average
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.009-0.05.....................  110................  --
0.05-0.15......................  90-80 *............  --
0.15-0.5.......................  66 to 56 *.........  56 to 46 *
0.5-5..........................  56.................  46
5-30...........................  60.................  50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Decreases with the logarithm of the frequency.

    (b) All other part 18 consumer devices:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Conducted limit (dB[mu]V)
  Frequency of emission (MHz)   ----------------------------------------
                                      Quasi-peak            Average
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.15-0.5.......................  66 to 56 *.........  56 to 46 *
0.5-5..........................  56.................  46
5-30...........................  60.................  50
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Decreases with the logarithm of the frequency.

* * * * *
    (d) If testing with a quasi-peak detector demonstrates that the 
equipment complies with the average limits specified in the appropriate 
table in this section, additional testing to demonstrate compliance 
using an average detector is not required.
    (e) These conduction limits shall apply only outside of the 
frequency bands specified in Sec. 18.301.
    (f) For ultrasonic equipment, compliance with the conducted limits 
shall preclude the need to show compliance with the field strength 
limits below 30 MHz unless requested by the Commission.
    (g) The tighter limits shall apply at the boundary between two 
frequency ranges.

[FR Doc. 02-17264 Filed 7-9-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P