We have three main interlocks:

• Trigger interlock:  The laser cannot fire unless the head is in electrical contact with the red earth clamp.  This earth clamp is only for sensing the head contact.  NOTE:  If the head is rested or sat on the metal table or workpiece, this interlock is overcome, and the head can fire if the gun slides or falls, or the trigger is bumped.  This is dangerous, so take care to have a secure place to rest the gun, such as an insulated gun holder or place not on the work bench.
• Door interlock:  Our laser welders have two wires which must be shorted to enable the welder.  These must be run to a switch on the door to the enclosure.  When the door starts to open, the switch opens and stops the laser from firing.  Most of our welders also have two wires which can power a sign which says “DANGER – LASER ON” when the laser system is turned on and therefore could be in use. See our flashing LED sign in the shop section.
• Enviremant interlock infra red sensors
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_{!!!! Safety is regulated by The American Compliance National Standard Institute with their standard ANSI Z136.1 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. Laser products must also meet the US code of federal regulations or CFR, which is usually covered by the Food and Drug Adminstration or FDA. Other requirements may come from CE/IEC for Europe (increasingly accepted in the US for things such as laser eyewear EN207), CSA in Canada, and TUV or UL guidelines.!!!}

To ensure that you understand all the potential hazards on your particular system, refer to the safety section of the operator’s manual that shipped with your system.