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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-duty-cycle-average-exposure

Why does duty cycle matter when determining safe RF exposure?

Duty cycle affects the average exposure to RF radiation.

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  1. It affects average radiation exposure ✔
  2. It measures feed-line loss
  3. It measures amplifier heating

Why: A transmitter that is on less often contributes less energy over the averaging period. Duty cycle therefore changes average exposure even if peak power stays the same.

Huh, didn't know that: Listening time lowers duty cycle because the transmitter is not radiating then.

The dad joke
Duty cycle took attendance to see how often the transmitter showed up.
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References

Answer: It affects average radiation exposure. A transmitter that is on less often contributes less energy over the averaging period. Duty cycle therefore changes average exposure even if peak power stays the same.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool www.ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    A. It affects the average exposure to radiation
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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