THORLABS LSS10 LED Lightbox for 10 Inch x 14 Inch Laser User Manual

: June 9, 2024
: THORLABS

Introduction

The LSS10 Laser Safety Sign Lightbox provides a clear indication that a laser system is in use by illuminating the laser safety sign (sold separately) that states the appropriate warning message and laser classification. The lightbox accepts any one of the LSS10 series Laser Safety Signs available from our website. Signs can be quickly interchanged making it easy to update signage to meet your changing laser set up requirements.
The box operates at 100 to 240 VAC, (i.e. USA and EU regions) and has two safety interlock options (internal and external – see Section 4.2.) that prevent the use of interlock-equipped laser systems unless the safety light is turned on. The external interlock socket accepts a 2.5 mm phono jack (supplied).
The lightbox is permanently fixed to a wall via the mounting slots in the rear panel. Two sets of slots are available to allow positioning of the controls for left or right handed operation. A convenient line cord latch prevents the AC line cord from disengaging from the unit.
Illumination is controlled by turning a knob on the right hand side of the unit, allowing the brightness to be adjusted to suit the specific location of use. An internal jumper can be activated which bypasses the external control, thereby making the brightness tamperproof. Illumination is then controlled by a set of switches on the circuitboard – see Section 4.5.

Safety Information

For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself.
The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the equipment itself

Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock

Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock

Warning

Given when there is a risk of injury to users.

Caution

Given when there is a risk of damage to the product

Note

Clarification of an instruction or additional information.

General Warnings

Warning

If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. In particular, excessive moisture may impair operation.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided.
If spillage does occur, disconnect the power then clean up immediately using absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to enter the internal mechanism.
The equipment is for indoor use only.
The equipment is not designed for use in an explosive atmosphere.

Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock

The light box is powered by mains voltages. This is hazardous and can cause serious injury. Appropriate care should be taken when using this device.
Persons using the device must understand the hazards associated with using high voltages and the steps necessary to avoid risk of electrical shock. Particular care should be observed when adjusting or operating the unit via the internal PCB controls.

A convenient line cord latch prevents the power cord disengaging from the unit. The cord latch is supplied loose and should be fitted before the lightbox is used.

Fig. 3.1 Power supply connection panel

Although the unit is supplied preset for external power connections, power can be hard wired to the internal PCB as follows:

Cautions for Hard Wiring the Unit

The unit should be hard wired only when it is permanently attached to the wall.
Only use 3-core (0.75 to 1.5 mm2) 218/318 cable to EN 50525-2-11 to hard wire the unit.
Grommets with a flammability rating of UL94-V-1 or better must be used at the cable exit points. Suitable grommets are supplied.
In order to prevent accidental disconnection of cables, ensure that the strain relief clamp provided is used. The clamp is fitted with two M3 x 6mm screws for use with standard cable diameters. Two M3 x 8 mm screws are also supplied for use with larger diameter cables.
A switch or circuit breaker must be included in the installation. It must be conveniently located and easily reached, and must be clearly marked as the disconnecting device for the equipment.

Ensure that the unit is disconnected from mains power.
Using a PZ1 screwdriver or other suitable tool, remove the six M3 PoziDriv screws securing the front panel.
Pull to the left and forward to remove as shown in Fig. 3.2 over the page. Keep the cover supported until the internal electrical connection is disconnected at the next step.

Fig. 3.2 Removing the front panel
Unclip the connection to the LED circuit CON4 – see Fig. 3.3 then remove the panel.
Ensure mains power is disconnected, then move the INT/EXT jumpers at the bottom of the PCB to the INT position as shown below.

Fig. 3.3 Internal mains connection
Make connections using connector CON2 as shown in Fig. 3.3. Use the cable knock-outs, grommets (supplied) and strain relief clamps provided to ensure that the cable is adequately supported and restrained – see Fig. 3.4.

Fig. 3.4 Cable knock-outs and strain relief clamp locations
If using an internal safety interlock, perform the procedure detailed in Section 4.2.
Re-connect the LED circuit at CON4.
Refit the front panel.
To change from hard-wired power to using the panel connections, isolate the unit from the mains supply, then reverse the steps previously described.

Control and Connection Overview

The controls are located on the side panel above the power supply connections as shown below.

Fig. 4.1 Controls overview

BRIGHTNESS – Used to control the light intensity of the lightbox (when the external controls (see Section 4.5.) are enabled).
INTLK – For use in laser safety applications – see Section 4.2.
POWER – Used to switch the unit on and off.

Using the Safety Interlock

The lightbox is fitted with an optional safety interlock output, which allows interlockequipped laser systems to be interlocked to the lightbox such that laser use is prevented unless the lightbox is illuminated.
External interlock circuits can be connected to the lightbox interlock output externally or internally. External circuits should not exceed 34V DC or 34Vpp AC, 0.5A, and should be electrically isolated from hazardous circuits with reinforced insulation.
External connection is achieved via the jack socket on the right hand control panel (see Fig. 4.1) which accepts a 2.5mm phono jack (supplied). This should be wired into the laser interlock circuit as shown in Fig. 4.2.

Fig. 4.2 Jackplug interlock wiring

Internal connection is achieved by hard-wiring to the terminal block provided on the PCB as shown in Fig. 4.3.

Fig. 4.3 PCB interlock wiring

The ON/OFF switch on the panel controls power to the interlock relay, and completes the interlock circuit when the switched ON.

Replacing the Internal Fuses

Warning

The unit uses mains voltages. This is hazardous and can cause serious injury.
The fuses must be replaced only by suitably trained and qualified personnel who understand the hazards associated with using high voltages and the steps necessary to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

In case of an internal fuse blow, the fuse should be replaced as follows:

Remove power from the unit.
Remove the front panel – see Fig. 3.2.
Locate the broken fuse – see Fig. 3.3
Replace the fuse with another of the same type, 0.63A (T) 250 VAC.
Refit the front panel.

Inserting a Laser Safety Sign

Safety signs are inserted through a hinged flap as shown below.

Fig. 4.4 Inserting a laser safety sign

Disabling the External Brightness Control

To avoid unwanted tampering with the brightness setting, the unit can be configured such that the external control is bypassed, and brightness is set internally.

Isolate the unit from mains power.
Remove the front Panel – see Fig. 3.2.
Move switch SW3 to the INT position as shown below.
Adjust the brightness by setting switch SW1 to MIN, MED or MAX. Fig. 4.5 shows the brightness set to MED
Note
The ‘MIN’ setting corresponds to the brightness level set to minimum using the control panel pot. Similarly, the ‘MAX’ setting corresponds to the max brightness level set using the control panel pot.
Refit the front panel.

Fig. 4.5 Switching to internal brightness adjustment

6 Cleaning

Warnings

Disconnect the power supply before cleaning the unit.
Never allow water to get inside the case.
Do not saturate the unit.
Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent, e.g. alcohol or benzene.
The unit may be cleaned with a soft cloth, lightly dampened with water or a mild detergent.

General Specifications

Parameter	Value
Emitted Light Color	White (Daylight – 5300K)
Voltage	100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power	8W (Minimum Brightness) to 15 W (Max Brightness)
Internal Fuses	Qty 2, 0.63A (T) 250 VAC
Operating Temperature Range	5 to 40 °C
Dimensions (W x D x H)	362.0 x 257 x 50 mm (14.25″ x 10.12″ x 1.97″)
Weight	3.3 Kg
Power Cord Ratings
---	---
Cord Type	US
Voltage Rating	125 VAC
Fuse Rating	10 A
Temperature Rating	60 °C (140 °F)
Connector	IEC 60320 C13, Moulded

6.1 Declarations Of Conformity

For Customers in Europe See Section 2.
For Customers In The USA

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, persuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the company could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
56 Sparta Avenue
Newton, NJ 07860
USA
Tel: 973-300-3000
Fax: 973-300-3600
www.thorlabs.com
www.thorlabs.us (West Coast)
Email: sales@thorlabs.com
Support: techsupport@thorlabs.com

Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC may return “end of life” Annex I category electrical and electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treatment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.