1、 Core standard system
The LiDAR installed on the robotic vacuum cleaner belongs to laser products, and its safety level certification is mainly based on the IEC 60825-1
international standard, which is developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and is a universal guideline for global laser
product safety evaluation. The corresponding national standard in China is GB/T 7247.1-2024, which will be officially implemented on April 1,
2025. The technical content is equivalent to IEC 60825-1:2014.
The US market is subject to FDA regulations 21 CFR 1040.10/1040.11, while the EU market is based on the EN 60825-1 standard and requires
CE certification.
2、 Security level classification
IEC 60825-1 categorizes laser products into seven levels based on their level of hazard: Class 1, Class 1M, Class 2, Class 2M, Class 3R, Class 3B, and
Class 4. The laser ranging sensor of a robotic vacuum cleaner usually belongs to Class 1 level, which means that it will not produce dangerous laser
radiation under normal use conditions (including naked eye direct view) and does not require additional protective measures.
The power limit of Class 1 is extremely low, usually not exceeding 0.39mW in the visible light band (400-700nm), and its achievable emission is lower
than the maximum allowable exposure (MPE) of the human eye. Some robotic vacuum cleaners with special optical designs may involve Class 1M level,
which is naked eye safe, but there are potential risks when observed through optical instruments such as telescopes.
3、 Certification Core Testing Items
Reachable emission test: Check whether the laser radiation is below the corresponding level of achievable emission limit (AEL) at a designated
measurement point (such as 10cm from the casing).
Engineering protection inspection: Verify whether the laser is completely enclosed inside the equipment, whether the enclosure protection level
meets the standard, and whether reliable interlocking switches are equipped to ensure that users cannot touch the internal laser radiation without
the use of tools.
Fault safety testing: Simulate abnormal situations (such as shell damage, interlock failure) to verify that the product can still maintain its safety level
under fault conditions and will not accidentally upgrade its hazard level.
Optical system evaluation: Check whether the laser beam may be focused or reflected, causing radiation to exceed the standard, and evaluate the
inherent safety of the optical path design.
4、 Label and document requirements
Vacuum cleaning robots that meet Class 1 safety standards must be labeled with laser safety information in the product body or manual, including
the words "CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCE", laser radiation symbols, wavelength, and maximum output power, among other key parameters. The labeling
requirements for Class 1 products are relatively loose, and safety information can be included in the user manual, with the manufacturer deciding
whether to attach warning signs to the body.
The instruction manual should include a safety usage guide, clearly informing users that the laser ranging sensor complies with the IEC 60825 Class 1
standard, does not produce hazardous radiation, and reminding them to avoid using optical instruments to directly look at the laser emission window.
5、 Global market access differences
US FDA registration: As a "radiation electronic product" exported to the United States, robotic vacuum cleaners are required to submit a Product Report
to the FDA, including technical specifications, laser parameters, design drawings, and safety measures, to demonstrate compliance with the 21 CFR 1040.10
standard. Manufacturers are required to submit an annual report between July 1st and September 1st each year.
EU CE certification: Based on EN 60825-1 standard, it needs to be audited by a notified body (such as T Ü V). It is worth noting that the EN 50689 standard
, which will be enforced from September 27, 2024, has stricter requirements for consumer laser products. It stipulates that consumer products must not
exceed the Class 1 limit, and even the Class 2 level allowed by traditional standards is not accepted.
Chinese market: Certification is based on GB/T 7247.1-2024, which has been updated from mandatory (GB) to recommended (GB/T), but remains the main
technical basis for market access.
6、 Consumer purchasing tips
When making a purchase, you can check whether the product manual or body label clearly indicates the words "compliant with IEC 60825 Class 1" or "compliant
with GB/T 7247.1 Class 1". Legitimate brand floor cleaning robots (such as 360, Ecovacs, Stone, etc.) will declare the safety level of the laser rangefinder sensor in
the instruction manual, which is the basic manifestation of the product passing safety certification.
