SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-neighbor-device-interference

Something in a neighbor's home causes harmful interference to your station. What should you do?

Work with your neighbor to find the offending device.

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  1. Work with your neighbor to find the device ✔
  2. Raise your power to drown out the noise
  3. Ignore it, since only the FCC can act

Why: Be friendly and team up to find the device. You can politely explain the FCC rules on interfering devices and make sure your own station follows good amateur practice.

Huh, didn't know that: Common noise makers include cheap chargers, LED bulbs and old appliances.

The dad joke
The noise next door turned out to be a cheap phone charger. It had a lot to say for something so small.
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References

Answer: Work with your neighbor to find the device. Be friendly and team up to find the device. You can politely explain the FCC rules on interfering devices and make sure your own station follows good amateur practice.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (February 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    A. Work with your neighbor to identify the offending device
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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That's stuff everyone should know.