12-13-2021, 07:13 AM
If you are new to the world of high powered laser and handheld light technology, you may be asking yourself a few different questions when viewing certain models. With so many different items to choose from like: power ratings, wavelength colors, classes, duty cycles, battery varieties, accessory options, safety devices, and others; it can be a bit overwhelming knowing which handheld laser will be best suited to your needs.
![[Bild: 15161868700.jpg]](https://www.htpow.com/images/p/t/180117/15161868700.jpg)
Here we will not be looking at colors or accessory options, instead let’s look at a major different between different laser pointer: their Class.
Understanding laser classes:hand held laser pointers
Laser classifications are broken down into different power sectors and range from Class 1 (lowest power) to Class 4 (highest power). The classification any laser has is directly related to the beam output power which it is able to produce. Let’s take a look at each class:
Class 1: extremely low power, for visible light the beam emits at 0.39mW or less. These beams are not hazardous to the human eye from direct exposure or from reflected exposure. There is no skin burn hazard and no material burn hazard.
Class 2: low power, for visible light the beam is less than 1.0mW. Safe for unintentional exposure less than ¼ second. Do not stare at the beam. No skin burn hazard and no material burn hazard.
Class 3a: low power, visible beam ranges from 1mW to 4.99mW. Avoid direct eye exposure. Unintentional direct or reflected exposure risk to the eye is low. No skin burn hazard and no material burn hazard.
Class 3b: low to medium power, for visible light ranges 4.99mW to 499.9mW. Avoid direct eye exposure. Avoid reflected eye exposure. Generally safe, avoid starting at the beam or “dot” at close ranges. Can heat the skin if held long enough at close range (higher end of power spectrum over 200mW). Can burn materials if held long enough at close range (higher end of power spectrum over 200mW).
Class 4: high power, visible light ranges from 1000mw laser pointer (1W) or more. Dangerous to the unprotected eye or skin exposure through direct, reflected, or scattered radiation. Poses a severe eye threat if used improperly (always wear your goggles when using a class IV laser). Do not start at the beam or “dot” on a surface. If you see a sustained after image of more than 10 seconds, you are using the laser unsafely, wear your goggles. Can instantly burn skin (avoid direct exposure). Can instantly burn materials (avoid exposure to susceptible materials. Wear safety goggles.
As you can see the different laser classes vary greatly from Class I to Class IV.
![[Bild: 14846571570.jpg]](https://www.htpow.com/images/p/t/170117/14846571570.jpg)
What laser pointer class should i buy?
We’ve seen that handheld laser pointers can range in powers from relatively benign to potentially dangerous when used improperly. The class and power of the laser you need will depend greatly on the intended application of the laser itself. So, what will you use the green laser pointer for? This is an important piece when looking to buy a laser pointer online. Let’s see some of the most common uses for class III and class IV lasers.
Here we will not be looking at colors or accessory options, instead let’s look at a major different between different laser pointer: their Class.
Understanding laser classes:hand held laser pointers
Laser classifications are broken down into different power sectors and range from Class 1 (lowest power) to Class 4 (highest power). The classification any laser has is directly related to the beam output power which it is able to produce. Let’s take a look at each class:
Class 1: extremely low power, for visible light the beam emits at 0.39mW or less. These beams are not hazardous to the human eye from direct exposure or from reflected exposure. There is no skin burn hazard and no material burn hazard.
Class 2: low power, for visible light the beam is less than 1.0mW. Safe for unintentional exposure less than ¼ second. Do not stare at the beam. No skin burn hazard and no material burn hazard.
Class 3a: low power, visible beam ranges from 1mW to 4.99mW. Avoid direct eye exposure. Unintentional direct or reflected exposure risk to the eye is low. No skin burn hazard and no material burn hazard.
Class 3b: low to medium power, for visible light ranges 4.99mW to 499.9mW. Avoid direct eye exposure. Avoid reflected eye exposure. Generally safe, avoid starting at the beam or “dot” at close ranges. Can heat the skin if held long enough at close range (higher end of power spectrum over 200mW). Can burn materials if held long enough at close range (higher end of power spectrum over 200mW).
Class 4: high power, visible light ranges from 1000mw laser pointer (1W) or more. Dangerous to the unprotected eye or skin exposure through direct, reflected, or scattered radiation. Poses a severe eye threat if used improperly (always wear your goggles when using a class IV laser). Do not start at the beam or “dot” on a surface. If you see a sustained after image of more than 10 seconds, you are using the laser unsafely, wear your goggles. Can instantly burn skin (avoid direct exposure). Can instantly burn materials (avoid exposure to susceptible materials. Wear safety goggles.
As you can see the different laser classes vary greatly from Class I to Class IV.
What laser pointer class should i buy?
We’ve seen that handheld laser pointers can range in powers from relatively benign to potentially dangerous when used improperly. The class and power of the laser you need will depend greatly on the intended application of the laser itself. So, what will you use the green laser pointer for? This is an important piece when looking to buy a laser pointer online. Let’s see some of the most common uses for class III and class IV lasers.