FCC & PLC

[LightenUP]

Does it matter that most UPB products like the Simply Automated line isn't FCC approved? I know the HD world is comming fast along with other PLC technologies to acheive some level of networking, so would there potentially be a conflict in the near future reagrding this type of command and control?

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Not sure that the FCC is interested in light switches. They are ETL approved though.

 

[mustangcoupe]

I would need to check into this tomorrow the confirm but I beleive the switches are excempt because of their frequency of operation. But the PLC would need to be verified under FCC part 15 Part B Class B as a computer peripheral. BUT the FCC is not concerned wether you deveice is susceptiable to this potential conflict, just that you meet the radiated and conducted limits set forth in the specification. And because it is a power line communications type of device I beleive they also do not have to meet the typical limits part 15 paragraph 15.207 of every other device, I beleive they have a relaxed set of limits.

Like I said I'd have to look into it a bit more... (fyi:I work for an independant compliance lab which tests for FCC, other domestic and international standards)

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

fyi:I work for an independant compliance lab which tests for FCC, other domestic and international standards

Sounds like we have the right man on the job now!

Isn't this board great?

 

[mustangcoupe]

OK, the ruling on this one I have gotten is that if the device had a clock or operated at greater then 9 kHz it would be considered a digital device under the FCC rules, and then need to be tested. But I would guess that they most likely do not as most of the switches operate and communicate slower then 9 KHz. But like I said before I believe the PLC would be a different animal, being connected to the computer this usually requires faster communications, processors and clocks.....

 

[LightenUP]

My concern is the UPB signal. I don't know the khz but believe it is below the standard you mentioned. The Simple Automated timer has the clock feature built in and is the transmitter. It does send a 40v+ signal and has a wide bandwidth on the signwave.

It also can send multiple commands that could take up room in the powerline. As traffic increases with PLC networking and High Definition devices, would this be an issue in the future?

Thanks for the well qualified answer I look forward to learn more if you have the time.

Matt

 

[mustangcoupe]

My concern is the UPB signal. I don't know the khz but believe it is below the standard you mentioned. The Simple Automated timer has the clock feature built in and is the transmitter. It does send a 40v+ signal and has a wide bandwidth on the signwave.

It also can send multiple commands that could take up room in the powerline. As traffic increases with PLC networking and High Definition devices, would this be an issue in the future?

Thanks for the well qualified answer I look forward to learn more if you have the time.

Matt

Without knowing more about the UPB standard I cant say about the 40v+ signal... but I know that PLC typ devices have a limited test frequency for conducted emissions (where the RF enegy put onto the power lines) is measured for compliance. They are allowed more leway because the devices intent is to put rf/signals onto the power line.

Yes with more devices which put energy onto the powerline in diffrent technologies there will be moe trash on the powerline which might stop one device from operating once you add another.... but that is the game..... making devices co-exhist

The FCC is concerned that your device falls under the applicable limits they set. But they are not concerned about sevices co-exhisting.... that's why they have the statment in the user maunal

For a Class B digital device or peripheral, the instructions furnished
the user shall include the following or similar statement, placed in a
prominent location in the text of the manual:

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

But in europe on the other hand they have the CE mark where devices are tested for the immunity to RF, Surges(lightning), power transients, ESD, voltage variations and fluctuations....and more they usually take into account the users anticipated expecitation of the device when testing to these standards also...




wow now that I rambled on and on and on........ time to go clear the 8+ inches of snow out of my drieway from today.