IEC TR 60825-13-2011 PDF

Full title and description

Safety of laser products - Part 13: Measurements for classification of laser products. This IEC technical report gives practical guidance on radiometric measurement methods and analyses used to establish emission levels of laser energy for product classification (accessible emission limits — AELs and maximum permissible exposures — MPEs), including instrumentation guidance, measurement uncertainty considerations, and procedures for extended sources and laser arrays.

Abstract

IEC TR 60825-13:2011 (Edition 2.0) describes recommended measurement methods and considerations for classifying laser products in accordance with the IEC 60825 series. It covers wavelength and temporal characterisation, spectral and spatial measurement approaches, apparent source treatment, scanning considerations, calculation of parameters used to derive AELs and MPEs, and how to account for measurement uncertainty and reasonably foreseeable single-fault conditions. The report is intended as guidance; alternative valid measurement methods may be used where appropriate.

General information

• Status: Published (technical report; later replaced by a 2026 technical specification).
• Publication date: 19 October 2011 (Edition 2.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 31.260 (Optoelectronics. Laser equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2011).
• Number of pages: 65 (as published by IEC; some national adoptions report 66–69 pages depending on front/back matter).

Scope

Provides manufacturers, testing laboratories, safety officers and regulatory or standards bodies with practical guidance on radiometric measurement procedures and analyses needed to determine emission levels of laser products for classification under IEC 60825‑1 (the equipment classification and requirements standard). The report applies to single‑wavelength lasers, multiwavelength sources, spectrally broad sources, extended sources and laser arrays, and addresses measurement points that are reasonably accessible during operation, maintenance or service.

Key topics and requirements

• Instrumentation and detector requirements for radiometric measurements (power/energy meters, spectrometers, beam profiling equipment) and guidance on calibration and measurement uncertainty.
• Classification flow and decision steps to translate measured quantities into accessible emission limits (AELs) and MPE comparisons.
• Wavelength determination and handling of multiple‑wavelength and spectrally broad sources; ocular hazard region treatment.
• Procedures for extended sources and apparent source considerations (including conservative approaches and notes on when more rigorous evaluation may be required).
• Temporal characterisation (CW, pulsed, repetitively pulsed, scanning/modulated sources) and associated exposure period handling for AEL/MPE calculations.
• Consideration of collateral radiation, reasonably foreseeable single‑fault conditions, and product configuration effects on accessible emissions.
• Examples, conversion tables and annex guidance to assist measurement practice and unit conversions.

Typical use and users

Used by laser product manufacturers, independent test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, occupational health and safety officers, standards committees and regulatory authorities to support classification testing, verification of compliance with IEC 60825‑1 requirements, and to develop measurement protocols for routine product certification and investigation of unusual or complex sources (e.g., arrays and extended sources).

Related standards

Directly linked to IEC 60825‑1 (equipment classification and requirements — referenced edition for this TR is IEC 60825‑1:2007). It is part of the broader IEC 60825 family (other parts and technical reports/TS cover optical fibre systems, displays, free‑space optical links, manufacturer checklists, and additional measurement or application guidance). Note: IEC TR 60825‑13:2011 has been superseded by IEC TS 60825‑13:2026 (technical specification updating measurement guidance to align with later editions of IEC 60825‑1).

Keywords

laser safety, radiometry, measurement, classification, AEL, MPE, IEC 60825, extended source, laser array, apparent source, measurement uncertainty, ocular hazard.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 60825‑13:2011 is a technical report titled "Safety of laser products — Part 13: Measurements for classification of laser products" that provides measurement guidance to support classification under IEC 60825‑1.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers recommended radiometric measurement procedures, instrumentation and calibration considerations, treatment of multiple/spectrally broad and extended sources, temporal characterisation, classification flow for calculating AELs/MPEs, measurement uncertainty, and practical examples and conversions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test houses, accredited laboratories, standards committees, safety officers and regulatory bodies involved in laser product safety testing and conformity assessment.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TR 60825‑13:2011 was published in October 2011 (Edition 2.0) and has been replaced by IEC TS 60825‑13:2026; the IEC webstore records the TR as replaced by the 2026 Technical Specification. Users performing new classifications should consult the 2026 TS to ensure alignment with the current IEC 60825‑1 edition and the latest measurement guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 13 in the IEC 60825 series (Safety of laser products). The IEC 60825 family includes Part 1 (classification and requirements), other parts addressing specific applications (fiber communications, displays, free‑space optical communication, etc.) and several Technical Reports and Technical Specifications providing supplemental measurement and application guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: laser safety, radiometric measurements, AEL, MPE, classification, extended source, laser array, measurement uncertainty, apparent source, IEC 60825‑1.