Do I need a variance?

[bungy]

I need help determining if I need a laser show variance (I am in the US). I am just a hobbyist who wants to display laser graphics on the front of my house on Halloween.
I like for my house to be a destination on Halloween, and I set up decorations, arcade games (free play), a laser show, and give out good candy.

In fact, I have been doing this for years, but now I want to be compliant with all US regulations.
I have done some searching here, but am having trouble understanding the variance process, and if it even applies to me.

I have been using a Pluto II laser (no manufacturer variance), but I will be purchasing a Kvant ClubMAX 3 FB4 (already have a BEYOND license).
The public is restricted from the area between the projector and the screen. The screen is 3 meters away from the public, in the horizontal direction. However, the bottom of the screen is ~7' above the ground, which breaks the 2-meter-above-heads rule, but no one is allowed in that area anyway (blocked by caution tape and obstacles).

I have seen something about "regulation of commerce" coming into play regarding the CDRH, and I think that may apply to me.
I am not a business, and I do not accept payment, donations, or compensation of any kind, for any reason, either directly or adjacently related to my laser display activity on Halloween.
https://www.photonlexicon.com/forums...630#post356630

The CDRH draws all of it's power from the "regulation of commerce" clause. So technically, the requirement to have a laser light show variance is not triggered by the act of doing a show, but rather by engaging in commerce with the laser product.

I have also read that the FAA likes to know about outdoor laser activity. My laser show is terminated on a sheet hanging from my gutter and tied to cinder blocks on the bottom.
Since the laser is terminated, it appears I may not need to contact the FAA, is this correct?
https://www.photonlexicon.com/forums...685#post346685

As long as it is fully terminated, you do not have to file for an FAA letter of non objection but, good for asking.

When I get the ClubMAX laser, will I need to get a laser show variance, and do I need to notify the FAA?

[araugh]

Purely from a legal standpoint, yes you need a variance. Even if it's for home, non-commercial use, in the US buying a class 3B or class 4 system requires a variance for a legal purchase and a reputable company like Kvant won't sell a system without the purchaser getting a variance.

For FAA, no notification needed for the show you describe here because it's fully terminated.

[bungy]

Thank you for the clarification. I am trying to decipher the FDA Form 3147 - I will be back later with some specific questions in this thread.

First question - the variance needed for purchase would be a "show" variance, not a "manufacturer" variance?

EDIT: It looks like everything I need is on the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitti...er-light-shows

In my forum searching I did see someone say that they used https://lasersafetyservices.com/ to get their variance in order. Does anyone with experience know if this service worth paying for?

[araugh]

You're actually getting a manufacturer's variance but the thing you're manufacturing is a show. It's weird and confusing but that's how they word it.

No need for you to learn how to file or pay for a variance. Any reputable manufacturer is going to help you with that for your first purchase