A Guide to FCC and Class 2 LED Driver Standards

LED Driver FCC Certification

When an LED driver is sold in the United States, it may require FCC certification to ensure compliance with electromagnetic interference (EMI) regulations.

1.  Does an LED Driver Need FCC Certification?

Yes, if the LED driver:

Operates at frequencies above 9 kHz (most switching power supplies do).

It is marketed as a separate component (standalone power supply).

Intentionally emits radio frequencies (e.g., wireless or RF-controlled drivers).

No, if:

It’s a low-frequency linear power supply (rare in modern LED drivers).

It’s integrated into an end product (the final product, not the driver alone, may need certification).

2. FCC Certification Types for LED Drivers

3. Key Testing Requirements

Conducted Emissions (150 kHz–30 MHz):  

Measures noise injected back into the AC power line.  

Must meet FCC Class A (industrial) or Class B (residential) limits (Class B is stricter).  

Radiated Emissions (30 MHz–1 GHz):  

Tests electromagnetic radiation from the driver.  

Typically requires an anechoic chamber.  

4. How to Obtain FCC Certification?

(1.) Pre-compliance Testing (Optional but Recommended)  

  Use an EMI analyzer to check emissions before formal testing.  

(2.) Formal Testing at an Accredited Lab  

  Labs like TÜV, Intertek, or UL can perform FCC-compliant testing.  

(3.) Submit Documentation to FCC or TCB (Telecommunication Certification Body)

  Include test reports, schematics, and user manuals.  

(4.) Grant of Certification  

  Once approved, the driver can bear the FCC mark.  

5. Labeling Requirements

The product must display:

FCC ID (if certified under Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity【 SDoC】, an ID isn’t required but compliance must be stated).

Compliance statement:  

“This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference."

6. Common Compliance Failures & Fixes

Excessive Conducted Emissions →Add an EMI filter (X/Y capacitors, common-mode choke).  

Radiated Emissions Over Limit →Improve PCB layout, add shielding, or use ferrite beads.  

Wireless Interference (for smart drivers) →Optimize antenna design and RF shielding.  

7. Exceptions & Exemptions

DIY/Kits: If sold as an uncertified component for hobbyists, it may not need FCC certification (but end-user assumes compliance responsibility).  

Low-Volume Sales: FCC allows limited sales without certification, which is risky for commercial products.  

8. International Equivalents

CE (Europe): EN 55032 (EMC) and EN 61347-1/-2 (LED driver safety).  

KC (Korea): Similar to FCC but requires local testing.  

CCC (China): Mandatory for drivers sold in China.  

9. Notice

If your LED driver is a switching power supply with wireless features, FCC certification is likely required. Always verify with an EMC test lab before market entry. Non-compliance can result in fines or product seizures by customs.  

LED Driver Class2 standard

The Class 2 standard is a safety classification defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the U.S. and UL 1310 (for power supplies) or UL 8750 (for LED drivers). It ensures that the power supply operates within safe voltage and current limits, reducing fire and electric shock risks.  

1. What is a Class 2 LED Driver?

A Class 2 LED driver is a power supply that meets specific safety requirements for low-voltage, low-power applications.

Key features:  

Output Voltage: ≤ 60V DC (or ≤ 30V AC)  

Output Current: ≤ 8A (but power limited to 100W max under NEC)  

Inherently Safe: Limits energy output to prevent fire or shock hazards.  

Why Use a Class 2 Driver?  

No conduit required (saves installation costs)  

Safe for wet/damp locations (if properly rated)  

Simplified wiring (Class 2 circuits don’t need electrician-grade insulation)  

Key Standards for Class 2 LED Drivers  

2. Class 2 vs. Non-Class 2 LED Drivers

3. Applications of Class 2 LED Drivers

LED Strip Lighting (24V/12V systems)  

Under-Cabinet Lighting  

Architectural & Decorative Lighting

Exit Signs & Emergency Lighting

Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

4. How to Identify a Certified Class 2 LED Driver?  

Look for these markings:  

"Class 2" label on the driver  

UL Listed (UL 110 or UL 8750)  

Output specs (e.g., "24V, 2.5A Max") within Class 2 limits  

Example:

- A 60W, 24V (2.5A) LED driver is Class 2.  

- A 150W, 48V (3.125A) driver is not Class 2 (exceeds 100W limit).  

5. Common Misconceptions

"All low-voltage drivers are Class 2" → Not true! A 12V/10A (120W) driver exceeds Class 2 limits.  

"Class 2 drivers don’t need safety certification" → They still require UL/CSA approval.  

"Class 2 means waterproof" → No, but they can be rated for damp locations (check IP rating).  

7. International Equivalents

Europe: SELV (Safety Extra-Low Voltage) under IEC 61347 (similar to Class 2 but different limits).  

China: GB 4943 (low-voltage safety standard).  

Conclusion  

A Class 2 LED driver is ideal for low-power, low-voltage LED applications where safety and simplified wiring are priorities. Always verify UL/CSA certification and ensure the driver’s output stays within 60V DC / 100W limits.  

For commercial or high-power LED systems, a non-Class 2 driver (with proper wiring protections) may be necessary.  

Would you like help selecting a specific Class 2 driver for your project? Please contact us: sales01@ottima-tech.com, Ottima is a professional LED driver manufacturer