What are the power limits for different license classes?

In the United States, the power limits for different amateur radio license classes are determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There are three license classes: Technician, General, and Extra. Each license class has specific operating privileges and power limits that apply to various frequency bands and modes of operation.

Technician Class

Technician Class licensees are primarily limited to VHF/UHF bands, with some limited HF privileges. The maximum power limits for the Technician Class are as follows:

• 1,500 watts PEP (Peak Envelope Power) for most VHF and UHF bands
• 200 watts PEP for 10-meter HF band (28.3-28.5 MHz) – SSB phone operation
• 200 watts PEP for 80, 40, and 15-meter HF bands (3.525-3.6 MHz, 7.025-7.125 MHz, and 21.025-21.2 MHz) – CW operation only

General Class

General Class licensees have more extensive HF privileges than Technician Class operators. The maximum power limits for the General Class are as follows:

• 1,500 watts PEP for most HF, VHF, and UHF bands, with some specific frequency allocations where power limits may be lower

Extra Class

Extra Class licensees have the broadest operating privileges and access to all amateur radio bands. The maximum power limits for the Extra Class are as follows:

• 1,500 watts PEP for most HF, VHF, and UHF bands, with some specific frequency allocations where power limits may be lower

It’s important to note that these power limits are the maximum allowable output power levels for each license class. Many amateur radio operators choose to operate at lower power levels, such as in QRP operation, which involves transmitting with 5 watts or less for CW and digital modes, and 10 watts or less for SSB voice mode.

Amateur radio operators must always ensure they operate within the power limits and frequency allocations specified by their license class to comply with FCC regulations and promote responsible radio operation.