‘Laser’ is an acronym for ‘light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’ and is associated with optical radiation hazards. Lasers have many applications, including certain functions in electrical consumer equipment such as IT & AV equipment and household appliances.
A laser product may consist of a single laser with or without a separate power supply or may incorporate one or more lasers in a complex optical, electrical, or mechanical system.
The applicable international safety standard for such laser products is IEC 60825-1 (Equipment classification and requirements). IEC 60825-1 applies to both consumer- and professional laser products and does not differentiate between these.
To the European version of this standard, i.e. EN 60825-1:2014, an Amendment 11 has now been added which requires compliance with the new European standard EN 50689:2021 (Particular Requirements for Consumer Laser Products). This entails additional needs for evaluation and marking of such laser products and will prevail from 18 January 2024. EN 50689:2021 is a harmonized standard under both the European Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD).
For further information and/or assistance with updating of certificates or declarations for CE-marking of such laser products, please contact Kristian.Osvoll@nemko.com
(Article is based on text provided by Kristian Osvoll, edited by T.Sollie)
