§ 15.113   Power line carrier systems.

   Power line carrier systems, as defined in § 15.3(t), are subject only to the
   following requirements:

   (a) A power utility operating a power line carrier system shall submit the
   details of all existing systems plus any proposed new systems or changes to
   existing systems to an industry-operated entity as set forth in § 90.35(g) of
   this chapter. No notification to the FCC is required.

   (b) The operating parameters of a power line carrier system (particularly
   the frequency) shall be selected to achieve the highest practical degree of
   compatibility with authorized or licensed users of the radio spectrum. The
   signals from this operation shall be contained within the frequency band 9
   kHz to 490 kHz. A power line carrier system shall operate on an unprotected,
   non-interference basis in accordance with § 15.5 of this part. If harmful
   interference occurs, the electric power utility shall discontinue use or
   adjust  its  power  line carrier operation, as required, to remedy the
   interference. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of
   interference to Loran C operations at 100 kHz.

   (c) Power line carrier system apparatus shall be operated with the minimum
   power possible to accomplish the desired purpose. No equipment authorization
   is required.

   (d) The best engineering principles shall be used in the generation of radio
   frequency currents by power line carrier systems to guard against harmful
   interference to authorized radio users, particularly on the fundamental and
   harmonic frequencies.

   (e) Power line carrier system apparatus shall conform to such engineering
   standards as may be promulgated by the Commission. In addition, such systems
   should adhere to industry approved standards designed to enhance the use of
   power line carrier systems.

   (f) The provisions of this section apply only to systems operated by a power
   utility  for general supervision of the power system and do not permit
   operation on electric lines which connect the distribution substation to the
   customer or house wiring. Such operation can be conducted under the other
   provisions of this part.

   [ 54 FR 17714 , Apr. 25, 1989;  54 FR 32339 , Aug. 7, 1989;  75 FR 63031 , Oct.
   13, 2010]

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