The following clarifies FCC’s position on when a digital device is a:

  1. Class B Personal Computer Peripheral (subject to DOC or Certification),
  2. Other Class B Digital Device (subject to Verification) or
  3. Class A Digital Device (subject to Verification).

Any Class B digital device that can connect to a Class B Personal Computer is a Class B Personal Computer Peripheral.  “Other Class B Digital Devices” are those that never connect to a Class B PC.

When dealing with a Class A digital device that connect to a Class B PC, you’ll need to determine whether the EUT can really be categorised as Class A by considering the following:

  1. Is the marketing of the device restricted in such a manner that it is not sold to residential users?
  2. Does the application for which the device is designed generally preclude operation in residential areas?
  3. Is the price of the device high enough that there is little likelihood that it would be used in a residential environment, including a home business?

Only if the answer to the above 3 considerations is categorically YES, can be classed as a Class A digital device, and only Verification is required.  In ambiguous situations, then it should be classed as a Class B device (either as a PC Peripheral or Other Digital Device as the case may be).

Austest Laboratories Central Coast NSW 10 metre open area test site is FCC accredited and listed with the FCC for part 15 and 18.