Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!know!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!van-bc!mdivax1!moss Newsgroups: sci.electronics Subject: Re: Selling Electronics Kits: FCC Approval ? Message-ID: <1990Sep18.163715.3371@mdivax1.uucp> Date: 18 Sep 90 16:37:15 GMT References: <9009172016.AA07327@edison.CHO.GE.COM> Reply-To: mdivax1!moss (Barry Moss) Organization: Mobile Data International, Richmond, B.C., Canada Lines: 31 Return-Path: Apparently-To: van-bc!rnews In article <9009172016.AA07327@edison.CHO.GE.COM> Martan writes: > > >I have a nice little widget I have developed that I would like to sell thru >the mail in kit (or assembled) form. It's a little X-10 controller that is >nothing more than a small single board computer, a powerline interface and >lots of software. > >I have done all of the software myself, but the H/W (except for some cables) >is all off-the-shelf. What I want to know is: do I need some type of FCC >certification for my product, or is the responsibility of the board >maker ? Are there any other certifications, etc that I need to get to >sell this thing ? How do I go about getting these ? > >Any info would be greatly appreciated. > You will probably need to get FCC Part 15 Class B approval for this device (EMI emissions standards) and UL safety approvals as well since I your product will be connecting directly to the AC power lines. The responcibility for obtaining these approvals lies with the original equipment manufacturer or whoever sells the products as their brand name (this is not a legal opinion, just an observation of they way things seem to work). The board stuffing shop is not responcible since you've merely contracted them to supply assembly services. If on the other hand you sign over your invention to another company in return for royalties, shares, etc., then they would be responcible. I believe the final responcibility rests with whomever's name is listed on the product as the manufacturer. Barry Moss