Mark, Regarding question #1
Perhaps your question is based on the misconception that in Europe and elsewhere we use IEC standards directly. This in fact is not the case. For Europe we use ENs agreed by CENELEC and published by national standards bodies, such as BSI. These ENs are frequently either based on, or identical to, IEC standards: however they are not IEC publications per se. The same is also true in other parts of the world, such as Australia. The OJEC list of standards offering a presumption of conformity with the LVD provides information that the second amendment to EN 60825-1 does provide a presumption of conformity with the LVD. Moreover, Amendment 2 (which contains the newer classifications) supersedes the earlier amendment (A11 - containing the older classifications) on 1 Jan 2004. Until 1 Jan 2004 you can you use the new or the old classifications, at your choice. Regarding question #2 No there is currently no published version of IEC (or EN) 60825-2 that references the newer Classes in Amendment 2 of 60825-1. IEC TC76, the committee responsible for the IEC 60825-x series of standards is, however, in the process of preparing such an update. In the interim the IEC have available an 'Interpretation Sheet' that explains how you could amend IEC 60825-2 to use the newer class designations. However, there is also disagreement regarding the value of this Interpretation Sheet: more I will not say. Finally, IEC 60825-2 does not contain any 'Class' designations. This standard has 'Hazard Level' designations which take into account the fact that optical networks may utilise high optical powers to transmit data along a contiguous fibre path providing that there is an Automatic Power Reduction feature (of adequate reliability) to decrease the output to a safe value in the event of a fault. Of course, the Hazard Level designations in part 2 refer to the AELs and MPEs for the corresponding Class in part 1. Opinions as always, Richard Hughes. -----Original Message----- From: Gandler, Mark [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 12 November 2002 18:47 To: '[email protected]' Subject: Laser safety questions Hello Group, According to the new revision of IEC 60825-1 (2001-08) , there are following laser products classes: 1, 1M, 2, 2M , 3R , 3B and 4, instead of 1, 2 , 3A, 3B and 4 per previous revision. Question # 1 : should we change the labeling, let's say from 3A to 3R? Is it any timetable for implementation? The latest revision that I have for IEC 60825-2 is 2000-05 and classification there still 1,2,3A ,k 3A, 3B and 4. Question # 2 : is it any newer version of 60825-2 available? and if yes, what are the classes in it? Is it correct to assume that if somebody asking for laser power density , so I need to look for maximum permissible exposure (MPE)? If not , what it could be? If yes, what is the easiest (or only) way to calculate it? Let say the wavelength is 1550 nm, located on PCB , than after 10 mm or so is a connector, exposure is 100s. Any ideas? The MPE in the IEC table is 1000W/m2. Thank you in advance, Mark Gandler Ciena ------------------------------------------- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: [email protected] with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: [email protected] Dave Heald: [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected] Jim Bacher: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://ieeepstc.mindcruiser.com/ Click on "browse" and then "emc-pstc mailing list"
