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Laser Safety and Classifications
Laser Product Classification
A - 6
Lucent Technologies - Proprietary
See notice on first page
365-372-327 R2.0
Issue 1, October 2003
Laser classes
The maximum output power of laser radiation depends on the type of
laser diode used. The international standards IEC-60825 or DIN/EN
60825 define the maximum output power of laser radiation for each
laser class in accordance with the wavelength.
Hazard level assignment
Hazard level refers to the potential hazard from laser emission at any
location in an end-to-end optical fiber communication system that may
be accessible during service or in the event of a failure. The assignment
of hazard level uses the AELs for the classes.
Hazard levels for optical transmission equipment are assigned in either
of the following two ways:
•
actual output power from the connector or fiber cut.
•
if automatic power reduction is used, output power at the
connector or fiber cut at one second after automatic power
reduction takes place provided that maximum output and restart
conditions are met.
Classification of optical
telecommunication
equipment
Optical telecommunication equipment is generally classified as IEC
Class 1 or FDA/CDRH Class I, because under normal operating
conditions, the transmitter ports terminate on optical fiber connectors.
These are covered by a front panel to ensure protection against
emissions from any energized, unterminated transmitter. The circuit
packs themselves, however, may be IEC Class 1 or 3A or FDA/CDRH
Class I or IIIb.
Table A-1
Laser Classes
Laser class
Wavelength
Maximum output power of
laser radiation
1
1310 nm
8.85 mW
1550 nm
10 mW
3A
1310 nm
24 mW
1550 nm
50 mW
3B
1310 nm
0.5 W
1550 nm
0.5 W
