Kinect health and safety guidelines

• Determine how each child is able to use the sensor (playing games, chatting or video messaging with other players online) and whether they should be supervised during these activities.


• If you allow children to use the sensor without supervision, be sure to explain all relevant safety and health information and instructions.

Make sure children using the Kinect sensor play safely and within their limits, and make sure they understand proper use of the system.

Gameplay with your Kinect sensor may require varying amounts of movement. Make sure you won’t hit, run into, or trip over other players, bystanders, pets, furniture, or other objects when playing. If you will be standing and/or moving during gameplay, you will also need good footing.

Before playing:

• Look in all directions (right, left, forward, backward, down, and up) for things you might hit or trip over.


• Make sure your play space is far enough away from windows, walls, stairs, etc.


• Make sure there is nothing you might trip on—toys, furniture, or loose rugs, for example. Also, be aware of children and pets in the area. If necessary, move objects or people out of the play space.


• Don’t forget to look up. Be aware of light fixtures, fans, and other objects overhead when assessing the play space.

While playing:

• Stay far enough away from the television to avoid contact.


• Keep enough distance from other players, bystanders, and pets. This distance may vary between games, so take account of how you are playing when determining how far away you need to be.


• Stay alert for objects or people you might hit or trip on. People and objects can move into the area during gameplay, so always be alert to your surroundings.

Make sure you always have good footing while playing:

• Play on a level floor with enough traction for game activities.


• Make sure you have appropriate footwear for gaming (no high heels, flip flops, etc.) or are barefoot, if appropriate.

Arrange all cables and cords so that people and pets are not likely to trip over or accidentally pull on them as they move around or walk through the area. When the sensor and console are not in use, you may need to disconnect all cables and cords from the sensor and console to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Do not allow children to play with cables and cords.

To minimize eyestrain from glare, try the following:

• Position yourself at a comfortable distance from your television or monitor and the Kinect sensor.


• Place your television or monitor and Kinect sensor away from light sources that produce glare, or use window blinds to control light levels.


• Choose soothing natural light that minimizes glare and eyestrain and increases contrast and clarity.


• Adjust your television or monitor brightness and contrast.

A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to certain visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may appear in video games. Even people who have no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause these "photosensitive epileptic seizures" while watching video games. These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including lightheadedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness. Seizures may also cause loss of consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury from falling down or striking nearby objects. Immediately stop playing and consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Parents should watch for or ask their children about the above symptoms, as children and teenagers are more likely than adults to experience these seizures. The risk of photosensitive epileptic seizures may be reduced by taking the following precautions:

• Sit farther from the screen


• Use a smaller screen


• Play in a well-lit room


• Do not play when you are drowsy or fatigued.

If you or any of your relatives have a history of seizures or epilepsy, consult a doctor before playing.

As with many other electrical devices, failure to take the following precautions can result in serious injury or death from electric shock or fire or damage to the sensor.

If you use AC power, select an appropriate power source:

• The sensor's power input is 12V DC @ 1.1A. Use only the AC adapter on the USB/power cable that came with your sensor or that you received from an authorized repair center.


• Confirm that your electrical outlet provides the type of power indicated on the USB/power cable, in terms of voltage (V) and frequency (Hz). If you aren't sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult a qualified electrician.


• Do not use non-standard power sources, such as generators or inverters, even if the voltage and frequency appear acceptable. Use only AC power provided by a standard wall outlet.


• Do not overload your wall outlet, extension cord, power strip, or other electrical receptacle. Confirm that they are rated to handle the total current (in amps [A]) drawn by the sensor (indicated on the USB/power cable) and any other devices that are on the same circuit.

To avoid damaging the USB/power cable:

• Protect the cable from being pinched or sharply bent, particularly where it connects to the power outlet and the sensor.


• Protect the cable from being walked on.


• Do not jerk, knot, sharply bend, or otherwise abuse the cable.


• Do not expose the cable to sources of heat.


• Keep children and pets away from the cable. Do not allow them to bite or chew on the cable.


• When disconnecting the cable, pull on the plug—do not pull on the cable.

If the USB/power cable becomes damaged in any way, stop using it immediately and contact Xbox Customer Support for a replacement.

Unplug your sensor's USB/power cable during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Gameplay with the Kinect sensor may require varying amounts of physical activity.

Consult a doctor before using the sensor if you have any medical condition or issue that affects your ability to safely perform physical activities, or if:

• you are or may be pregnant,


• you have heart, respiratory, back, joint, or other orthopedic conditions,


• you have high blood pressure,


• you have difficulty with physical exercise, or


• you have been instructed to restrict physical activity.

Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine or fitness regimen that includes using your sensor.

Do not play under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and make sure your balance and physical abilities are sufficient for any movements while gaming.

• Stop and rest if your muscles, joints, or eyes become tired or sore.


• If you experience excessive fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, discomfort, or pain, STOP USING IMMEDIATELY and consult a doctor.

Use of these accessories or objects may result in injury to yourself or others and/or in damage to the sensor or other property. Using unauthorized accessories violates the Software License and may void your Limited Warranty.

Note If the information here has not answered your question, or if you have additional concerns about Kinect safety, please contact Xbox Support. (See the Assistance section at the bottom of this page for information about how to contact Support).