However, for maximum comfort, look for a high quality helmet that has a response darkening time of 4/10ths of a millisecond. Since high-quality auto-darkening helmets provide UV and IR protection even when the helmet is not activated, you are always protected. Unprotected from this light, both eye damage and discomfort can occur. Q: Auto-darkening helmets don't darken until the welding arc is struck - will this "split second" damage my eyes?Ī: Welding arcs emit both IR and UV wavelengths of light. Always select a shade that allows you to see the weld puddle clearest and that most aids your welding ability. These correspond with the amperage being welded. Of course, there are some suggested lens shade numbers that you can use as a guide if you are unsure what to select for your application.
The number just denotes the amount of darkness provided by that particular lens and should be used by operators as a guide to select the one that is most comfortable and yet provides good visibility for the particular application. But in reality, all well-constructed quality welding lenses, have a screen that filters out 100 percent of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) wavelengths and provides protection to the eyes. Q: What is the correct lens shade to use in my welding helmet to properly protect my eyes?Ī: Many people mistakenly think that the lens shade number corresponds to the amount of protection that is provided to the eyes and hence the higher the number, the better the protection.
But what types of questions should you be asking as you are looking for your next helmet? Below are some of the most common. Welding helmets are one of the most common accessories in welding - let's face it, you can't weld without one or at least some type of protective eye shield.