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RP market surveillance finds massive safety flaws in laser projectors
As the Darmstadt Regional Council reports, recent inspections have revealed that many laser projectors used to project colorful designs or starry skies onto building facades during the Christmas season have serious safety defects. The market surveillance product safety team, together with the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) and the Hessian Equipment Testing Laboratory (GUS), examined laser projectors purchased online.
The result is alarming: Defects were found in approximately 80 percent of the tested devices – both in terms of laser output power and protection against moisture. Around 30 percent significantly exceeded the permissible laser power. One tested device was specified as having less than 1 milliwatt, but in reality, more than 8 milliwatts were measured. Such values can cause severe and permanent damage to the human eye due to the lensing effect.
The protection against splashing water, which is essential for outdoor lighting, was also frequently not met. Although manufacturers often specify IP44 or higher, water penetrated the plug or housing in approximately 80 percent of cases. This can lead to short circuits and dangerous situations.
The regional government is now urging the affected suppliers to immediately implement corrective measures. Consumers should pay particular attention to the following points when making purchases:
- Specification of laser class and laser power
- Warning signs such as "Laser radiation, do not look into the beam"
- Information on the responsible person within the EU
- Sufficient protection against moisture (at least IP44)
Lasers should never be used by children. It's also important to prevent laser beams from dazzling neighbors or other road users.
Regional President Prof. Dr. Jan Hilligardt emphasizes that market surveillance will be further strengthened: the aim is to remove dangerous products from circulation and to warn consumers at an early stage.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM/RPDA)
