Projector eye safety (risk groups and laser class)
The hazard classification of the projected beam, from exempt (RG0) to high risk (RG3).
- Standard
- IEC 62471-5:2015 (image projectors)
- ISO 21118
- Extension
How to compare it
Photobiological risk group
Most consumer laser and bright lamp projectors are RG2: 'don't stare into the beam'. RG3 has a hazard distance and needs controlled installation, which is professional territory.
Hazard distance(m)
For RG3 (and some RG2 statements), the distance from the lens within which beam exposure is hazardous.
Installation planning: keep people out of that zone.
Standard: IEC 62471-5
Laser product class
The laser product classification, e.g. 'Class 1 laser product' (with RG2 per IEC 62471-5).
Under Ed. 3, laser projectors are typically labelled Class 1 for the enclosed laser, and the beam risk is assessed under IEC 62471-5.
Standard: IEC 60825-1:2014 (Ed. 3)
Eye-protection sensor
Dims or blanks the image when someone comes close to or looks into the beam.
Valuable for families, especially with UST and higher-RG laser models.
Standard: Vendor; relates to IEC 62471-5 hazard distance
Marketing traps
- Photobiological risk group: Grey-market lasers sometimes omit the label entirely. Missing RG data on a laser projector is itself a flag.
Deep cut
Photobiological risk group. The hazard distance (HD) is the distance within which exposure can exceed RG2 limits. Store `safety.hazard_distance_m` alongside the group. That's why eye-protection sensors matter on brighter models.
Laser product class. Laser Notice 56 covers the IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3 route for the US.
Terms on this page
IEC 62471-5 risk group (photobiological safety of image projectors)
RG0 (exempt) to RG3. Lamp-equivalent and laser projectors are classified by the risk of staring into the beam. RG2 and above need warnings, and RG3 needs professional installation. ⚖ safety.iec62471_5_risk_group
Laser class (IEC 60825-1)
Consumer laser projectors are typically classified under IEC 62471-5 instead. Some list "Class 1 laser product (IEC 60825-1)". ⚖ safety.laser_class
FDA laser variance (US)
Under FDA Laser Notice No. 57 (2019), laser-illuminated projectors (LIPs) can't exceed the Class IIIa emission limits of 21 CFR 1040.11(c). Brighter ones need a variance under 21 CFR 1010.4. FDA doesn't enforce those sections against makers conforming to IEC 62471-5 in the situations the notice describes. Laser Notice 56 covers the IEC 60825-1 route. Accession/variance numbers are public, which helps us verify US-market models. ⚖ compliance.fda_accession
Eye protection sensor
Dims the light source when someone gets close. Common on UST. ⚖ safety.eye_protection_sensor