Do i need safety glasses for a 520nm 200-300mw?

[leemp5]

Hi guys,

Im considering buying a 520nm green laser from sci fi for no other reason other than i simply want one lol.

The joker does 2 versions of the arcane 2.0 in 520nm, a 200-300ma and 1w-1.4w.

Are these too powerful for shining at things indoors without safety goggles?

Thanks

 

[Gabe]

Yes, absolutely both of those are. Absolutely grab goggles FIRST, try here, they ain't cheap but it's a better price to pay than deteriorating, irreversible vision damage over time.

 

[leemp5]

I already have a pair of eagle pair 190-540nm (the od5 version), i was after a green laser that i could shine at things indoors withthout needing glasses.

I will have a look around for a lower power laser.

What is the maximum power do you think i could go without needing safety glasses?

Ps I have white walls.

 

[Gabe]

Oh I see, yeah those lasers are not to be used indoors without at least some form of protection, too many chances of stray reflections and whatnot. 5mW is the limit at which your blink reflex can stop the beam from doing damage if you were to get a direct hit, so I would recommend 5mW. Although, you do need to be quite the reckless and illogical individual to harm yourself with it. Still, better safe than sorry, you'll clearly be able to see the dot anyways, especially on white walls.

 

[leemp5]

Wow i didnt realise it took so little power to do damage. Iv always thought of 5mw as kids toys. I imagine a 1w direct hit would melt the eyeball (well not quite...but would do some serious damage).

 

[Encap]

Wow i didnt realise it took so little power to do damage. Iv always thought of 5mw as kids toys. I imagine a 1w direct hit would melt the eyeball (well not quite...but would do some serious damage).

You could maybe get one of these pens to use indoors LP 515nm 532nm 1-50

Here is a good laser hazard chart --- Laser hazard distance chart - Laser Safety Facts

It is always possible to use higher powers indoors if you know what you are doing, are very careful, and nothing accidental or unforeseen happens. Without much risk 5mW has been determined to be the limit. Assumes the worst can and will.

This guy hit himself in the eye by accident with a 1W 445nm blue http://laserpointerforums.com/f53/hit-eye-1000mw-445nm-blue-laser-69469.html

Have a look at this one too http://laserpointerforums.com/f53/irreversible-vision-damage-don-t-turn-blind-eye-laser-hazards-71299.html

 

[Pi R Squared]

Sci-Fi does sell a 100mW 520nm. The 520nm that I built meters at 82mW and it's bright enough to have a visible beam and still be safe to point around inside without glasses, although I wouldn't point it at a mirror or glass, at about 8 feet or I guess less than 3 meters the dot can be uncomfortable to look at if focused. With white walls 100mW may be too bright to look at the dot when pointing it accross the room, although the reflection off the walls won't be dangerous at that power. You should be able to tell if it's too bright to look at, keep in mind a direct hit to the eye at that power will instantly cause damage. 200-300mW requires more caution, that's also enough to burn stuff. Once you get up to class 4 (500mW and up) then it can be a fire hazard when focused, I have some scorch marks on walls and a wood door, yes I do use them inside, but I quickly learned to be careful. At that power you must also avoid any direct contact with the beam, I even recommend a large or extended focus ring.

Alan

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi,
Safety first always doesn't matter the output get into the habit of wearing them they can only help. You don't want to find out the hard way if a 300mW or a 1 or2W beam is dangerous treat them as the same.this way there is no [ oops ] involved , before I started building I purchased a pair of Eagles from SL .
Stay safe and enjoy this great hobby of ours )