The importance of SAR testing for manufacturers of wireless devices cannot be overstated. FCC SAR testing guidelines have been put in place to ensure that these devices are safe for consumer use, adding to the importance of proving compliance. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the most important reasons why no manufacturer should avoid SAR testing requirements. 

Ensure your products meet international regulations

RF exposure limits tend to vary between countries. FCC SAR testing guidelines set forth in the US are not the same as guidelines set forth in the UK, or any other country. 

However, in the US and Canada, mobile devices are required to meet a limit of 1.6 W/Kg measured from 1g tissue volume. This means that any manufacturer attempting to obtain FCC or ISED certification for a device to be sold in either country must prove that the maximum RF exposure level of the device does not exceed this number. In the European Union, the SAR limit of a device is 2.0 W/Kg measured from 10g tissue volume.

Because different countries have differing RF exposure limits, your device will require different SAR testing reports depending on the country or countries it will be sold in. 

Keep in mind that if your product fails to prove compliance with SAR regulations in any country or region, you will not have access to that market. This is what makes it so important to work with a lab that is both accredited and has the experience to efficiently and cost-effectively perform SAR testing for international markets. This is exactly what working with RF Exposure Lab can provide for you. View our full list of worldwide compliance testing standards here.

Avoid penalties for failing to show FCC SAR testing compliance

If your product fails to prove SAR testing compliance, the product will be barred from the market. However, in some cases, products have made it to market without proving compliance. In these cases, products are recalled due to the potential health risk they pose to users. There are also further consequences, such as monetary fines, suspension of sales, imprisonment, and a negative reputation for the business. However, products that fail compliance testing typically do not make it to market.

Working with a testing lab that lacks expertise can also lead to testing that’s unnecessary for your product, increasing the cost of testing. At RF Exposure Lab, we only perform the necessary testing for our clients based on what is required for their product to save our clients time and money.

Pre-compliance SAR testing can save time and money

It’s important to take FCC SAR testing requirements into consideration even when you’re in the initial stages of designing a product. Knowing what will be required of your product as early as possible in the production process will help you avoid costly surprises when the product undergoes SAR testing. 

SAR testing may show that your product requires a design change and if you wait until late in the process to speak with SAR testing experts about your product, redesigns will be more difficult and cause significant delays. Pre-compliance SAR testing saves manufacturers both time and money by letting you know if a product will pass testing early in the process when adjustments will be easy to make. Although pre-compliance testing can result in slightly increased costs, the benefits it provides, and the time and money it will save your business, make up for these added costs.

Get Help Proving FCC SAR Testing Compliance From RF Exposure Lab 

As you can see, both international and FCC SAR testing requirements are important and cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, it can be confusing and time-consuming to figure out which requirements and tests apply to your product. It’s possible to be wrong about what is required for your product, which can lead to fines, recalls, and other repercussions. It’s risky to maneuver through the maze of SAR testing without help from experts.

Fortunately, RF Exposure Lab has considerable experience and expertise in SAR testing for global markets. Jay Moulton, Chief Engineer, was even involved in creating the testing and methodology that has been used to establish today’s FCC requirements. We also remain up-to-date on the latest regulation changes to ensure we only perform relevant tests.

We are the only standalone SAR testing lab in the United States and apart from offering testing services for client products, we also provide design suggestions for manufacturers to guarantee that they meet all RF exposure compliance standards before completing the design process. 

We offer SAR testing for millimeter-wave devices, near-field charging devices, cellphones, laptops, tablets, wireless modems, medical devices, and more. For RF compliance testing provided with speed, expertise, accuracy, and integrity, contact us today.