In-House BPL and Access BPL Testing

FCC Rules for In-House BPL

FCC rules require In-House BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) systems to be measured, with special conditions, against 47 CFR Part 15.109 limits for radiated emissions and 47 CFR Part 15.107 limits for conducted emissions. Devices which fall under these rules include unintentional radiators that distribute high speed digital communications, such as DSL, throughout a residential building using the AC wiring and special adapters.

Test procedures for In-House BPL are unique, with references to Part 15.107, Part 15.109 and Part 15.31. Typically, an In-House BPL device undergoes a two stage test process: 1. emissions testing at a FCC listed test site and 2. emissions testing at typically installations, a.k.a. “in-situ.”

First, In-House BPL devices are subjected to radiated and conducted emissions testing at an accredited EMC test laboratory. The compliance procedures and test limits are the same as the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for computer peripheral devices.
Secondly, a “verification” of the carrier current system (CCS) is performed with the device installed in three typical installations (in-situ). Radiated emissions measurements are made around the outside of three “typical” residential type buildings where the EUT (current carrier system) is in operation.

More About the In-Situ Testing . . .

The in-situ test buildings shall not have aluminum or other metal siding, or shielded wiring (e.g.: wiring installed through conduit, or BX electric cable). The “test” buildings must have a combination of overhead wiring and underground wiring.

The in-situ measurements shall be made at positions around the building perimeter where the maximum emissions occur. ANSI C63.4-2003, section 8.1, specifies a minimum of 16 radial angles surrounding the EUT (building perimeter). However, if directional radiation patterns are suspected, additional azimuth angles should be examined. Further, the in-situ measurements should be performed at an antenna to building perimeter separation distance of 10 meters. However, if RF ambient emissions are too high, measurements may be performed a distance of 3 meters. Distance corrections are to be made in accordance with Section 15.31(f) of FCC rules.

In-House BPL Systems for Canada

In-house BPL systems in Canada may now be approved under ICES 006. These requirements are very similar to the FCC rules.

Unique Capabilities for In-House BPL Testing

CKC Laboratories provides accurate testing for In-House BPL systems in a rural, RF low ambient environment. We have full access to three host buildings for the in-situ testing, that meet the FCC requirements. All three of these buildings are located on or adjacent to our Mariposa headquarters campus. Our Mariposa test facility also offers two A2LA accredited RF low ambient OATS for FCC radiated and conducted emissions testing. For more information or to receive a quotation for testing services, please contact us Toll-Free at (800) 500-4362 or submit a Quote Request Online.

Access BPL (Carrier Current Systems) Testing

Access BPL are carrier current systems that transmit radio frequency energy by conduction over electric power lines owned, operated, or controlled by an electric service provider. The electric power lines may be aerial (overhead) or underground.
Access BPL systems are subject to FCC rules for Electromagnetic compatibility. These devices must undergo radiated emissions testing at six representative locations, three overhead line installations and three underground line installations. Access BPL systems manufactured after July 7, 2006 must be certified in accordance with 15.603. At this time, the FCC has mandated ‘direct’ FCC certification, i.e. Access BPL grants cannot be issued by a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB). In-situ testing may require approval from and coordination with the local electrical utility company.

Access BPL Certification for Canada

Access BPL systems are currently under review by the RCAB. Standards development for Access BPL in Canada is anticipated to begin later this year.

For More Information

CKC has full capability to perform Access BPL in-situ testing adjacent to our Mariposa, CA facility. Please contact CKC Toll-Free at (800) 500-4362 or submit a Quote Request to find out more about our testing services for Access BPL systems.