CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
July 7, 2017
(Name withheld)
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
Revere, MA 02151
RE: Radio Frequency Interference
EB-FIELDNER-17-00024651
Dear (Name withheld):
The Federal Communications Commission has received a complaint of harmful radio 
interference apparently caused by an electrical device that is being operated in a building being 
managed by (Name withheld).  This building is located at (Address withheld) in Lynn, MA.  The 
interference is being reported by a licensed operator in the Amateur Radio Service.  The 
complainant is:
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
Lynn, MA  01905-2246
(Email withheld)
(Telephone withheld)
The Commission has the responsibility to require that such problems be rectified within a 
reasonable time if the interference is caused by faulty consumer equipment.  Under FCC rules, 
such electronic equipment is classified as an "unintentional radiator." These devices intentionally 
generate radio-frequency energy and but do intentionally radiate the energy as part of their 
normal intended operation.  In addition, most electrical equipment is classified as an incidental 
radiator.  These devices do not intentionally generate or radiate radio-frequency energy but only 
do so as an incidental part of its intended operation.  In most cases the interference is caused by 
arcing.
Please be advised that all these devices must not cause harmful interference under FCC 
rules.  When interference does occur, the burden falls on the device operator to correct it, and if 
necessary, cease operation of the device, whenever such interference occurs.  Some types of 
common consumer devices may also operate under Part 18 of the Commission’s rules.  In either 
case, however, the rules with regard to interference are the same.
Please also be advised that some of these devices are imported and do not comply with 
Commission certification standards, and thereby result in interference to other radio services.  
You may have one of those devices being operated in your building.  If the device is an approved 
one, it should have a silver FCC label on the unit showing a certification number.  Even an 
approved device, however, can only be operated legally if it is not causing harmful 
interference to a licensed radio service.  The device can also be defective resulting in a shock 
or fire hazard.
To help you better understand your responsibilities under FCC rules, here are the most 
important rules relating to radio interference caused by unintentional and incidental radiators:
Title 47, CFR Section 15.5 General conditions of operation.
(b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator is subject to the conditions 
that no harmful interference is caused and that interference must be accepted that may be caused 
by the operation of an authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional radiator, by 
industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or by an incidental radiator.
(c) The operator of the radio frequency device shall be required to cease operating the device 
upon notification by a Commission representative that the device is causing harmful interference.  
Operation shall not resume until the condition causing the harmful interference has been 
corrected.
Title 47, CFR Section 15.15 General technical requirements.
(c) Parties responsible for equipment compliance should note that the limits specified in this part 
will not prevent harmful interference under all circumstances.  Since the operators of Part 15 
devices are required to cease operation should harmful interference occur to authorized users of 
the radio frequency spectrum, the parties responsible for equipment compliance are encouraged to 
employ the minimum field strength necessary for communications, to provide greater attenuation 
of unwanted emissions than required by these regulations, and to advise the user as to how to 
resolve harmful interference problems (for example, see Sec. 15.105(b)).
The complainant has attempted unsuccessfully to resolve this problem and thus the matter 
has been referred to our office.  The Commission prefers that those responsible for the proper 
operation of equipment assume their responsibilities fairly.  This means that you should resolve 
the interference caused by the device and make necessary corrections within a reasonable time.
While the Commission has confidence that most people can resolve these issues 
voluntarily, the FCC wants to make you aware that this unresolved problem may be a violation of 
FCC rules and could result in a monetary forfeiture (fine) for each occurrence.  At this stage, the 
Commission encourages the parties to resolve this problem without FCC intervention; but if 
necessary to facilitate resolution, the Commission may investigate possible rules violations and 
address appropriate remedies.
Please advise this office and Mr. (name withheld) as to what steps you are taking to 
correct this reported interference problem.  The Commission expects that most cases can be 
resolved within 30 days of the time they are first reported.  Please direct any correspondence to 
the following address: 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith, Esq.
Special Counsel
Spectrum Enforcement Division
Enforcement Bureau