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Introduction

The purpose of this guidance note is to inform those wishing to use Radar Level Gauge equipment of the requirements and regulations that have to be complied with in the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 (Note that from the 8 February 2007 the WT Act 1949 will be replaced by the WT Act 2006 but the effect of the provisions will be the same), it is an offence to install or use radio apparatus, except under and in accordance with, either a licence issued by Ofcom or Regulations exempting users of particular equipment from the need to hold a licence.

The use of Radar Level Gauge equipment, apart from those whose emissions fall within the band 10.6 GHz to 10.7 GHz, is now licence exempt under the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (SI No.2994)

A licence is required for the use of Radar Level Gauge equipment whose emissions fall within the band 10.6 GHz to 10.7 GHz. This is a lifetime licence and there is no licence fee to pay. A separate technical schedule is issued for each location and for different types of equipment.

What are the conditions of the licence?

The submission of an application form for a licence does not permit operation of the equipment. Until the licence has been granted and received by the applicant, installation and use of equipment is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1949.

Responsibility for obtaining a licence rests with the licensee not the supplier of the equipment. The application form should be signed by an authorised person employed by the applicant and not the supplier.

If the applicant consists of a partnership the full name of each partner should be shown on the application form. If the applicant consists of a non-corporate body, full names and any trading name should be shown on the application form. A licence will normally only be issued to a limited company, a corporate body or a named individual.

The equipment must not cause undue interference to any other wireless telegraphy. No protection can be given from interference radiated by other authorised services, or from industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment. If you experience any interference to your system you should contact your supplier in the first instance.

Any proposed change in the details of the system (equipment details, location, etc.) must be notified in advance. A change from the details shown in the licence made without prior approval from Ofcom may make operation of the equipment illegal.

Contact Information

For further information about Radar Level Gauges contact Maxine Lodge on 020 7981 3111 or maxine.lodge@ofcom.org.uk.

• Radar Level Gauge Licence application form [rtf]
• Radar Level Gauge Application form pdf [pdf]

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