Radio-Locator Help Page
Classes of Stations
AM and FM radio stations are divided into different domestic classes by
the FCC. The class of a station is primarily determined by its
transmitting power, but there are other factors as well.
FM Classes
FM radio stations in each class are limited in their maximum power and
in the maximum allowed height of their antennas.
| Class |
Max Power |
Max Height |
| A |
6000 watts |
328 feet |
| B1 |
25,000 watts |
328 feet |
| B |
50,000 watts |
492 feet |
| C3 |
25,000 watts |
328 feet |
| C2 |
50,000 watts |
492 feet |
| C1 |
100,000 watts |
981 feet |
| C0 |
100,000 watts |
1476 feet |
| C |
100,000 watts |
1969 feet |
Please see the FCC's website for more information about
FM Station Classes.
AM Classes
AM radio stations in each class are limited in their minimum and
maximum allowed power. Some classes of stations can only transmit
on certain frequencies. Also some classes of stations are only allowed
to broadcast in certain parts of the country. Class D stations
may not operate with more that 250 watts at night and some class D
stations only transmit during the day.
| Class |
Min Power |
Max Power |
| A |
10,000 watts |
50,000 watts |
| B |
250 watts |
50,000 watts |
| C |
250 watts |
1000 watts |
| D |
250 watts |
50,000 watts |
Please note that there are a number of exceptions to the information
listed above. Please see the FCC's website for full details about AM
Station Classes.
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