SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-g0a12

Which stations are subject to the FCC rules on RF exposure?

All stations with time-averaged transmission of more than one milliwatt.

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  1. Only commercial stations; amateur stations are exempt
  2. Only stations transmitting more than 500 watts PEP
  3. All stations averaging more than one milliwatt ✔

Why: The FCC RF exposure rules cover amateur stations, not just commercial ones. Any station with a time-averaged transmission above one milliwatt is subject to them.

Huh, didn't know that: The FCC rules requiring amateur station RF evaluations took effect May 3, 2021.

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References

Answer: All stations averaging more than one milliwatt. The FCC RF exposure rules cover amateur stations, not just commercial ones. Any station with a time-averaged transmission above one milliwatt is subject to them.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    What stations are subject to the FCC rules on RF exposure?
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    D. All stations with a time-averaged transmission of more than one milliwatt
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. ARRL RF Exposure www.arrl.org/rf-exposure
    the rules which took effect on May 3, 2021 now require amateur radio operators to perform station evaluations
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  4. ARRL RF Exposure www.arrl.org/rf-exposure
    all transmitters operating in the US are expected to comply with the exposure rules
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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