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Not too sure which helmet is right for you? Check out our welding helmet buying guide to help you choose!
Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing an auto-darkening helmet with a powered air respirator system.
Think about the processes you use, the current range, the hours you spend welding and the positions you work in. Then compare viewing area, shade range, sensitivity and weight.Check the respirator side as well: battery life, filter type, airflow and alarms. The two halves should be a matched system.
Shade numbers show how dark the lens is. Low shades are for low-current work and grinding, while high shades are for high-current work. A range that goes from a low shade up to a high one covers many processes.A wide range suits mixed work, such as TIG at low current and MIG or stick at high current. Use the shade guidance in the manual.
Many are, as long as the filter is sensitive enough to detect a low-current arc and has a light enough clear state. A filter that fails to darken at low current is a risk to your eyes.Test on scrap, adjust sensitivity and delay, and check the manual for the lowest current the filter can detect.
Sensitivity sets how readily the lens reacts to the arc light. Raise it for low-current work or when the arc is partly hidden, and lower it if bright ambient light or nearby welding sets the lens off.Delay sets how long the lens stays dark after the arc stops, which protects your eyes from the glow of hot metal. Use a longer delay for high-current work.
The blower sends a steady flow of filtered air into the helmet, which cools the face and carries fume away from the breathing zone. This also reduces lens fogging.Set the airflow so it is comfortable and does not blow onto the eyes. Make sure the helmet fits well so the air flows out properly.
Run time depends on the battery size and age, the airflow, the filters fitted and the temperature. Cold and old batteries run for less time.Charge fully using the correct charger, store in a cool, dry place, and replace the battery when the run time is much shorter than it used to be.