More sensors mean better coverage, especially for out-of-position welding where a sensor could be obstructed.
The number of sensors ranges from two for a hobby level helmet to four for an industrial grade helmet. See the chart below to determine the correct shade number for your welding applications. Market standard shades are 8-13 with 13 being the darkest. Welding shades:ĭetermine how dark the welding filter gets when the welding arc is struck. Miller® auto-darkening helmets have a light state of 3. How light or dark the welding filter is when not welding, the lighter the welding filter, the better the welder can view the work area and weld piece. General features of an auto-darkening helmet Once the weld arc is struck, the helmet will automatically darken to the shade you have selected. When the helmet is in the down position, you will see through a light lens allowing for clear visibility and evaluation of the weld piece and the surrounding area. Typical weld shade ranges are between shade #8 to #13. If most of your welding involves similar material using the same welding process a fixed-shade auto-darkening helmet may be the right choice.Īn Auto-darkening helmet, variable shade allows you to select the shade preference, this allows you to adjust the shades based on different welding processes and applications. An Auto-darkening helmet, fixed-shade combines the economy of a fixed-shade helmet and the benefits of auto darkening. These helmets are generally lightweight, however because you can’t select your shade level and the constant dark tinted lens, certain weld processes - as well as viewing your work area in-between welds - may be difficult.Īuto darkening helmets are available for every welding level, from the hobbyist to the professional. Therefore, when inspecting the weld, you will need to remove the helmet. The lens will not switch from a light state to a darken state. When the helmet is in the down position, you will see through the dark lens.
There are two common styles of welding helmets, a passive and an auto-darkening variable shade.Ī passive helmet has a dark tinted lens, typically a shade #10. General standards ensure that the helmet lens protects the welder from anything that could affect the eyes, which includes ultraviolet and infrared filtering regardless of the shade settings. In the United States, welding helmets need to meet ANSI standards - and in Canada the helmets need to be CSA compliant. One of the foundational features of any helmet is safety and compliance. In addition, the welding environment should be evaluated to ensure appropriate ventilation and respiratory protection. Safety glasses should always be worn under the welding helmet.
Welding PPE includes, but is not limited to, eye, face, hand and body protection. The use of quality personal protective equipment and safe welding practices must be a top priority for welders, regardless of the type of welding process.