Class 3R is essentially the same as the Roman numeral “Class IIIa” you may see on some lasers’ labels. At this website, we primarily use the Arabic numerals, for convenience.
Can a Class 3R laser hurt your eyes?
A Class 3R laser is low powered. It normally would not harm eyes during a momentary exposure of less than ¼ second. This is within the aversion response, where a person turns away and/or blinks to avoid bright light. Do not deliberately look or stare into the laser beam.
What is the NOHD of a Class 3 laser?
For a 4.99 mW Class 3R laser with a less-tight beam that spreads out faster (1 milliradian), the NOHD is 52 feet (16 m). This divergence is more typical of consumer lasers. If you are closer than the NOHD distance to the laser, there is a possibility of retinal damage if the direct or reflected beam enters your eye longer than about ¼ second.
These lasers are Class 1M or 2M under the current Classification system. A Class 3R laser is a continuous wave laser, which may produce up to five times the emission limit for Class 1, or Class 2 lasers. Although the MPE can be exceeded, the risk of injury is low.
What are the different types of lasers?
Lasers are classified based on their potential for causing injury — especially eye damage, since the eye is most susceptible to excess laser light. There are four main classes for visible-beam lasers: Class 2, Class 3R, Class 3B and Class 4.
What is the difference between a Class 1M and Class 2 laser?
The MPE for a Class 1M laser cannot normally be exceeded unless focusing or imaging optics are used to narrow down the beam. If the beam is refocused, the hazard of Class 1M lasers may be increased and the product class may be changed. A Class 2 laser emits in the visible region (400-700nm).
What class of laser is 60825-1?
The 60825-1 standards apply equally to lasers and LEDs. In most places we have used the word “laser”, but “LED” can replace it. Generally speaking LEDs would be in the lower Classes (1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R), but very exceptionally may be Class 3B.
