Wireless device instructions: frequency and power
For Great Britain, radio equipment needs instructions describing intended use and the accessories, components and software needed for operation. Devices that intentionally emit radio waves also need operating bands and maximum transmitted power for those bands. Arrange factory document checks through Cambridge China Bridge.
Make the manual part of the purchase
The manufacturer must supply instructions and safety information covering intended use and describing the accessories and components, including software, that allow the radio equipment to operate as intended. For Great Britain, the importer must ensure that accompanying instructions and safety information are clear, legible and in easily understandable English.
Ask for the actual manual for your ordered model before approving production. Treat its radio information as a separate deliverable within the wider wireless product compliance checks. A generic manual shared across different models is a reason to ask which configuration it describes.
Identify operating bands and maximum power
For equipment that can intentionally emit radio waves, the manufacturer must also include the frequency band or bands in which it can operate and the maximum radio-frequency power transmitted in the bands in which it operates. Ask the factory to put this information together in the accompanying manual so buyers can match each band to its power figure.
Request the actual frequency ranges, power values and units for the supplied configuration. A wireless technology name or a claim about signal range does not tell you those details. Ask a competent technical reviewer to reconcile the manual with the test reports wherever the values or measurement terms differ.
Describe the accessories needed for operation
Ask the factory to identify the antenna, power supply, cables, host equipment and software needed for the intended operation, where relevant. Have it distinguish what comes in the box from what the buyer must obtain separately. Include model identifiers or specifications that let the buyer select the correct item.
Try setting up the sample using only the proposed instructions and listed accessories. Record any missing connection steps, settings or software details. Agree approval of firmware and software changes using the factory software approval guide, especially where a change affects available bands or transmitted power.
Keep use restrictions separate
OPSS guidance also says that the manufacturer must provide information about any restrictions on putting the equipment into service or requirements for authorisation of its use. Follow the separate radio equipment restriction labelling guide for that issue.
Ask the supplier to address restrictions explicitly alongside its band and power information. Keep unresolved questions on the approval list and obtain technical advice before accepting the document pack. A useful review checks both how the device operates and what the user needs to know before using it.
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Check the packed production device
Agree a pre-shipment check that compares the production model, manual revision, accessory list and software version with the approved sample. Open packed stock and confirm that the agreed instructions are inside. Keep photographs and the approved document files with the order record.
Cambridge China Bridge can use its staff in China to request model-specific documents and compare the packed product with the agreed specification. Send the supplier's manual, accessory list and unresolved technical questions together so the factory receives a clear correction list.
Frequently asked questions
What frequency information must come with a wireless device?
For equipment that intentionally emits radio waves, include its operating frequency band or bands and the maximum radio-frequency power transmitted in those bands.
Can I use a generic wireless product manual?
Ask the factory to confirm that it describes your supplied model, operating bands, maximum transmitted power and required accessories. Resolve differences before approving the manual.
Do the instructions need to describe software?
Yes. The required description of accessories and components includes software that allows the radio equipment to operate as intended.
Must imported radio equipment have English instructions?
For Great Britain, the importer must ensure that the equipment comes with instructions and safety information that are clear, legible and in easily understandable English.