Which class of laser includes devices like CD players and laser printers?

The class of laser that includes devices like CD players and laser printers is Class I. Class I lasers are deemed safe under normal operating conditions. This safety classification is due to the fact that they do not pose a risk of eye injury because they are designed in such a way that the emitted laser light is contained within the device. For example, in a CD player, the laser operates within a protective enclosure, preventing exposure to the human eye while still effectively reading information from the CD.

In contrast, the other classes—such as Class II, which includes visible light lasers that can cause eye injury only with prolonged exposure, Class IIIA, which can cause eye damage with brief exposure, and Class IV, which includes high-power lasers that can cause severe eye and skin injury—represent lasers that are generally more hazardous under normal usage conditions. The distinction between these classes is important for ensuring safety and proper handling of laser devices in different contexts.