Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!husc6!wjh12!djb
From: djb@wjh12.harvard.edu (David J. Birnbaum)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: FCC Class A / Class B Certification
Message-ID: <526@wjh12.harvard.edu>
Date: 26 Jul 90 13:01:36 GMT
Reply-To: djb@wjh12.UUCP (David J. Birnbaum)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Harvard University, Cambridge MA
Lines: 24

I understand that FCC class A and B ratings identify the extent to
which electronic equipment is likely to interfere with other electronic
equipment.  A class B rating, which is stricter, means that there is
less interference and that the equipment can be used in the home.  A
class A rating means more interference, so that the equipment is
certified only for use in a business, where, apparently, it would be
less disruptive.  I understand that owners are responsible for inter-
ference caused by their equipment and that dealers are not supposed
to sell equipment rated other than class B for home use.

Now ... what does this really mean?  Can class A equipment interfere with
my neighbor's television set?  At what distance?  If the best system for
my needs has only class A certification, would it cripple my apartment
building if I set it up in my home office?  Are there steps one can take
to increase the shielding on troublesome equipment?       

Please reply by email to the following addresses.  I will post a summary
(if there are any replies) in a couple of weeks.

--David

============================================================
David J. Birnbaum         djb@wjh12.harvard.edu [Internet]
                          djb@harvunxw.bitnet   [Bitnet]