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Get up to Speed on Amateur Radio RF Exposure Rules

βœ‡OnAllBands
By: Elizabeth Klinc， KE8FMJ
26 July 2024 at 14:10

Did you know that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now requires all amateur radio stations in the U.S. and possessions to be evaluated for RF exposure? It’s been a little more than a year since this went into effect, so OnAllBands thought it would be a good time to remind our readers.

As of May 3, 2023 (the end of a two-year transition period), all transmitters operating in the U.S. were expected to comply with the exposure rules. The new rules did not change exposure limits, but those who were previously exempt from running exposure calculations now must comply.

Under the old rules, many amateurs were exempt from the need to do an evaluationβ€”based on transmitter power used with each band, for example. Under the new rules, there are no longer any service-specific exemptions. These have been replaced with formulas that can be used to determine whether an installation needs to be evaluated.

The ARRL noted that these formulas can be used for exposure that is beyond the near-field/far-field boundary of your antenna, defined as wavelength/2Ο€ or 0.16 wavelength. Most stations that were exempt under the old rules will still be exempt from needing to perform a more complete evaluation under the new rules.

As OnAllBands reported last year:

β€œUnder the updated FCC rules, every radio amateur is responsible for determining that their station does not cause exposure that exceeds the FCC MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure) limits to any person, either within their homes or outside of them. This is also required for portable and mobile operations.”

Gregory Lapin, N9GL, QST Magazine, May 2023

Lapin noted that the FCC does not require that the results of a station’s exposure analysis be submitted, but β€œit is advisable to keep a record of the analysis so that if there’s ever an exposure complaint about that station, the calculations can be shown to the FCC.”

You can read N9GL’s entire QST article here.

There are many resources on the internet for calculating this RF exposure. The ARRL’s website includes an RF Exposure Calculator (below) to assist amateurs in performing station assessments.

screenshot of computer software program
(Image/ARRL)

The ARRL points out three ways to evaluate your station: calculations (using the above calculator, for example); antenna modeling; and measurements using calibrated equipment. You’ll find many more details about these methods and additional information in the ARRL document, Frequently Asked Questions about the FCC RF Exposure Rule Changes

We also highly suggest reading these resources recommended by the ARRL:

Also check out these FCC resources on RF exposure

Questions? Share them in the comments below or email me at KE8FMJ@gmail.com.

The post Get up to Speed on Amateur Radio RF Exposure Rules appeared first on OnAllBands.

FCC Enforcement Actions

βœ‡AmateurRadio.com
By: Bob KØNR
5 July 2024 at 17:10

When teaching ham radio license classes, I often get asked whether the FCC enforces the Part 97 rules and regulations. That is, how likely is it that the FCC would come after me if I violate the rules? This same question surfaces concerning the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). This morning, I looked at the FCC Enforcement Actions page, to Continue reading FCC Enforcement Actions→

The post FCC Enforcement Actions appeared first on The KØNR Radio Site.

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FCC Enforcement Actions

βœ‡AmateurRadio.com
By: Bob KØNR
5 July 2024 at 17:10

When teaching ham radio license classes, I often get asked whether the FCC enforces the Part 97 rules and regulations. That is, how likely is it that the FCC would come after me if I violate the rules? This same question surfaces concerning the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). This morning, I looked at the FCC Enforcement Actions page, to Continue reading FCC Enforcement Actions→

The post FCC Enforcement Actions appeared first on The KØNR Radio Site.

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