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Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing and looking after spare parts for a powered air welding helmet with an auto-darkening filter.
Start with the model markings on the helmet itself and on the filter lens, then check them against the user manual, which lists the parts that belong to your version. Helmets in the same family often come in several variants, with different filter sizes, cover plates and side windows, so a part that looks right may not be.If you cannot find a marking, compare the old part side by side with the replacement, and check the part number printed on it. If you are still unsure, our team can help you match the part to your helmet before you order.
The outer plate is the clear sacrificial cover at the front. It takes the spatter and scratches and is changed most often. The inner plate sits behind the filter lens and keeps dust and debris from reaching the lens from inside the helmet.The auto-darkening filter lens is the part that changes shade when the arc strikes. It is the most delicate and valuable part of the optical stack, which is why the plates either side of it are there. Never run the helmet without the plates in place.
The shade you need depends on the process, the current and the brightness of the arc, so work from the welding procedure or your risk assessment rather than a guess. Many filters offer a fixed low shade for grinding or setting up and a variable range for welding.A wide variable range covers most MIG, TIG and stick work. Check that the replacement has the same outline size as the original, and that any upgrade or replacement kit is listed as suitable for your helmet version, as the fittings can differ.
The unit normally needs a particle filter for welding fume. Where there are gases or vapours, such as solvents, a suitable gas filter can be fitted as well, and some systems use an odour filter or a spark guard for added protection. Choose the filter type from your workplace risk assessment, not from habit.Replace a particle filter when it is damaged, clogged, or when the unit's airflow warning shows that airflow has dropped. Pre-filters trap larger dust and are changed more often, which helps the main filter last longer.