I rarely make political comments on this blog because amateur radio is mostly apolitical. Issues like this, however, are where amateur radio and politics intersect. Agencies like the FCC need the resources and the political backing to take action in cases like this. So, beware of politicians that are quick to claim that “government is the problem” and quick to cut funds for agencies like the FCC. Can you imagine the telecommunications chaos that we’d have without it? …Dan
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 38 ARLB038
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT December 29, 2015
To all radio amateurs
SB QST ARL ARLB038
ARLB038 ARRL Again Complains to FCC about Illegal Marketing of Electronic Lighting Ballasts
The ARRL has again complained to the FCC to allege illegal marketing of electronic RF lighting ballasts, operating under Part 18 of the Commission’s rules, on the part of two major retailers. Letters went out this week to the FCC Enforcement Bureau and its Office of Engineering and Technology claiming Part 18 marketing regulations violations by Lowe’s and by Walmart stores. At issue is the sale of non-consumer RF lighting ballasts to consumers who, in several instances, were told by store personnel that it was okay to install these in a residential setting. In addition, non-consumer and residential-class ballasts are intermixed in store displays with inadequate signage to direct consumers to the correct choice. Both letters asked the FCC to investigate and commence enforcement proceedings with respect to the two stores’ marketing and retail sale of RF lighting devices in the US.
“ARRL purports to show that the retailer is…marketing and selling to consumers (by retail sale) non-consumer Part 18 RF lighting devices which are not intended for residential deployment, to consumers who have specifically noted their intention to deploy the devices in residential applications,” ARRL Chief Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, said in similar complaint letters to the Commission on December 28 and December 29. Part 18 emissions limits for consumer devices are far lower than those allowed for non-consumer devices.
“ARRL has received numerous complaints from Amateur Radio operators of significant noise in the medium (MF) and high frequency (HF) bands between 1.8 MHz and 30 MHz from ‘grow lights’ and other Part 15 and part 18 RF lighting devices,” Imlay continued. “These devices are easily capable of emitting RF noise sufficient to preclude Amateur Radio MF and HF communications (and, as well, AM broadcast station reception) throughout entire communities.”
Supporting both complaints are extensive and detailed reports by ARRL Laboratory EMC Specialist Mike Gruber, W1MG. The reports recount incidents of actual purchases of Part 18 RF lighting devices intended for commercial use to consumers who made clear to store personnel that they intended to use the devices at home. Gruber’s report includes multiple photographs that depict in-store displays of the products in question and showing signage that does not adequately explain which devices may be sold to whom.
The ARRL has asked that all non-consumer devices be removed from retail sale and marketing at the stores and to track and recall non-consumer devices already sold to consumers.
In his report, Gruber concluded that retailers should require purchasers of non-consumer Part 18 RF lighting devices to provide a valid contractor’s number. He also advised that the stores improve display signage to make it clear that non-consumer Part 18 devices may not be used in residential settings.
Earlier this year, the ARRL sent similar complaint letters to the FCC regarding the marketing of Part 18 RF lighting devices by The Home Depot. The League also has complained about specific RF lighting “grow light” devices that it has alleged exceed Part 18 emission limits.
NNNN
/EX
Dave, N8SBE says
I understand that legalities of the situation, but I’m not sure that allowing commercial ballasts in non-residential situations improves anything much. If you want a bad example of what happens when commercial lighting is used, drive down Main Street in Ann Arbor while trying to listen to a Detroit AM radio station (950 WWJ, for example). If the new-fangled LED lights are on, every time you approach one of those lights, the AM band completely wiped out with broadband noise. There is a similar problem at the intersection of North Maple and Dexter Road, near the urgent care facility. This intersection has been the source of broadband noise for decades. I don’t know if it is coming from the urgent care facility or the traffic light controllers, or something else. It clearly exceeds emission limits, but has never been addressed.
More recently, AM broadcasters have complained about all the noise on the AM frequencies. They feel they are losing their listening audience from all the interference there these days.
http://www.arrl.org/news/am-broadcasters-hams-have-common-interest-in-cleaning-up-noise-sources