Most people know FCC Part 15 for RF devices, but FCC Part 68 governs wired telecommunications equipment connected to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

1. Overview of FCC Part 68

FCC Part 68 (47 CFR Part 68) regulates terminal equipment connection to the U.S. telephone network, administered by ACTA.Purpose: Prevent equipment from damaging the telephone network, causing over-voltage, excessive signal power, or interference.

  2. Products Requiring FCC Part 68

·Landline phones, fax machines, modems

·PBX systems, call center equipment

·POS devices, medical alarms with PSTN interfaces

·T-Box with analog telephone ports

Products with only Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and no PSTN port do NOT need Part 68.

  3. Test Items

·Electrical safety and leakage

·Signal power balance and limitation

·Over-voltage / over-current protection

·Impedance matching

·Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)

·Environmental reliability

  4. Certification Process

·Choose SDOC or TCB certification route.

·Prepare schematics, specifications, samples.

·Lab testing per TIA-968.

·Register with ACTA and obtain a US-XXXX registration number.

·Label and market legally.

Duration: 4–8 weeks.

  5. Cost

Typical products: $2,500 – $8,000Combined Part 15 + Part 68: 10–20% discount via bundled testing.

  6. FCC Part 68 vs. Part 15

·Part 15: RF emissions and EMC

·Part 68: PSTN line safety and network protectionMany products require both.

For FCC Part 68 certification, contact BLUEASIA certification consultant: +86 13534225140