Is Wi-Charge Safe? Infrared Wireless Power Safety Explained
The short answer: yes. The Wi-Charge R1 transmitter is a Class 1 laser product — the same safety classification as a DVD player or barcode scanner. Certified by the FDA, FCC, CE, IEC, and UL. Safe around eyes, skin, children, and pets, 24 hours a day. The longer answer — with the certifications and built-in safety systems — is below.
What "Class 1 Laser" Means
Laser products are rated by the IEC 60825-1 international standard on a scale from Class 1 (safest — no risk under any foreseeable use) up to Class 4 (direct or scattered beams can cause eye and skin injury). The Wi-Charge R1 transmitter is Class 1.
Class 1 is the same classification as the lasers in DVD and Blu-ray players, grocery store barcode scanners, laser printers, and laser range finders used in golf and construction. A Class 1 product is safe under all conditions of normal use. The standard does not require warning labels, eye protection, or any operational precautions.
A quick note: this is a different category from both consumer laser pointers (typically Class 2) and industrial cutting or cosmetic lasers (Class 3 or 4). Class 1 is specifically designed to be safe under all conditions, not one that relies on user behavior to stay safe.
Certifications the R1 Carries
The Wi-Charge R1 transmitter is certified and registered across all major safety standards in North America and Europe. All certifications are held by Wi-Charge Ltd., the manufacturer.
FDA registered — compliance with 21 CFR 1040, the US federal performance standard for laser products. FCC certified — confirms the device does not cause harmful radio-frequency interference with other electronics. CE marked — European Economic Area conformity for health, safety, and environment.
IEC 60825-1 compliant — the international laser safety standard. The Class 1 rating is tested against this specification. UL recognized — North American safety certification for the electrical and thermal aspects of the transmitter.
Wi-Charge has been deploying long-range infrared wireless power commercially since 2016. The R1 is the consumer version of a platform used in airports, retail stores, and commercial access control. The technology has been recognized with five CES Innovation Awards (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023) and an Edison Award.
Built-in Safety Systems
Beyond the Class 1 rating, the R1 has active safety systems that interrupt the beam whenever anything unexpected happens.
Automatic beam shutoff. If an object, person, or pet enters the beam path, the transmitter detects it and stops emitting within milliseconds. It resumes only when the path is clear again.
Thermal protection. The transmitter monitors its own temperature and throttles or shuts off if it exceeds safe operating limits — so 24/7 continuous operation doesn't risk overheating.
Power cap. Maximum continuous optical output is a small fraction of what would be required to cause harm, even at the closest specified operating range of 3 feet.
Fail-safe design. If the optical path is compromised — for example, a broken lens or damaged housing — the transmitter stops emitting. There is no "open laser" failure mode.
Common Misconceptions
1
It's not like a laser pointer
Laser pointers are Class 2 — they're only safe because of the human blink reflex. Class 1 is a different category: safe regardless of user behavior, safe for unlimited exposure, safe for kids and pets.
2
It's not a health risk
Infrared light at the R1's output levels is non-ionizing and non-thermal. It does not interact with cells, tissue, or electronic implants — including pacemakers, hearing aids, and insulin pumps. The R1 is FCC-certified against RF interference with medical devices.
3
It's not new or experimental
Wi-Charge has been shipping long-range IR wireless power into commercial environments — airports, retail stores, access-control systems — since 2016. The R1 is nearly a decade of engineering iteration, not a prototype.
If you've seen safety concerns about "lasers at home" online, they usually refer to much higher-powered industrial equipment or ungrounded DIY builds. Neither applies to a Class 1 certified consumer product.
Who Uses Wi-Charge Technology?
Wi-Charge's infrared wireless power platform has been deployed commercially since 2016. The R1 in your home is an evolution of hardware that has been powering devices in public spaces — with the public — for years.
Airports. Wi-Charge transmitters power sensors and other low-power devices in terminals where traditional wiring is impractical.
Retail. Shelf-edge displays and product sensors are powered wirelessly in retail stores to avoid wiring through fixtures.
Commercial access control. The same core technology underlying the R1 powers door sensors, readers, and electronic locks in commercial buildings — the same category of use case as your Schlage Encode.
Still Have Questions?
If you've read this far and still have questions about safety, specifications, or installation — we want to hear them. Email us and a Wi-Charge engineer will reply personally.
Support: support@wi-charge.com
We're happy to share specific test data, certification documents, or engineering details. The R1 is a consumer product but the engineering behind it is deep and documented — we're proud of it.
Wi-Charge Ltd. is based in Israel with US operations. Company website: https://www.wi-charge.com
Wi-Charge is an independent company. The Kit is a third-party accessory. Wi-Charge is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with Schlage, Allegion, or any of their affiliates.
Wireless Power Safety FAQ
Is Wi-Charge safe for my eyes?
Yes. The R1 is a Class 1 laser product under IEC 60825-1 — the international safety standard classifies Class 1 as having no foreseeable ocular hazard under any normal use, at any distance within the operating range. The beam is also outside the visible spectrum (infrared), so there's nothing to stare at.
Is Wi-Charge safe if a child walks through the beam?
Yes. Class 1 means the beam is safe for skin and eye exposure under all normal conditions of use. Additionally, the R1 transmitter has an automatic beam-shutoff safety system that interrupts emission within milliseconds of detecting any obstruction.
Is Wi-Charge safe for pets?
Yes. The Class 1 laser rating is species-agnostic — cats, dogs, birds, and other pets can cross the beam path safely. The automatic beam shutoff triggers on any obstruction regardless of species.
Does running the R1 24/7 cause overheating?
No. The R1 has built-in thermal protection that throttles or shuts off the unit if it exceeds safe operating temperatures. Continuous 24/7 operation is a designed use case.
What is a Class 1 laser product?
Class 1 is the safest classification under IEC 60825-1, the international laser safety standard. A Class 1 product is safe under all conditions of normal use — no warning labels, eye protection, or precautions are required. DVD players, barcode scanners, and laser printers are all Class 1.
Can Wi-Charge damage furniture, curtains, or walls?
No. The beam's energy density is far below any level that could heat a surface. You can point the R1 transmitter at painted walls, fabric curtains, or wood furniture for years without any effect.
Does Wi-Charge interfere with pacemakers or medical devices?
No. Infrared light is non-ionizing and does not interact with electronic implants. The R1 is FCC-certified against radio-frequency interference with medical and other electronic devices.
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