Protecting a welder’s eyes is important because of the risk of arc eye and retina burns, which are painful and can lead to loss of vision. Welding helmets protect a welder’s eyes, face, and neck. Auto-darkening welding helmets seem like a great solution, but you may be concerned about their safety.
Are auto-darkening welding helmets safe? Yes. When used properly, auto-darkening welding helmets are safe, if not safer than passive welding helmets. Auto-darkening helmets do not have to be taken on and off, helping welder’s focus on their projects and reduce the risk of errors and injuries.
Welders have a variety of choices when choosing a welding helmet. Safety, style, function, and budget all play a role. When deciding whether to buy an auto-darkening helmet, it is important to understand how the helmets work and the pros and cons of such a helmet.
Why is a Welding Helmet Necessary?Arc Welding processes such as mig welding, plasma cutting, stick welding, and tig welding emit harmful ultra-violet ways that, just like the sun, are harmful to the human eye. Protecting your eyes and face from these ultraviolet and infrared rays, and gasses and splashes emitted during welding is a high priority.
Arc eye, a common hazard for welders, is the burning of the back of the retina caused by exposure to the ultra-violet rays emitted during welding. Arc eye is painful and can lead to temporary or permanent blindness and can increase the likelihood of eye cancer.
Wearing a helmet with a darkened lens is how welders can see what they are doing without damaging their eyes.
Around the world, there are safety standards with which helmet manufacturers should comply. In the United States, the industry standard for welding helmets is promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1. This organization establishes criteria for the use and testing of helmets.
These standards are not mandatory, so when buying a helmet, you should confirm that it is ANSI (or the equivalent in your home country) compliant.
How Do Auto-Darkening Helmets Work?Auto-darkening lenses, as the name suggests, automatically adjust from light to dark when light emission is detected. A combination of filters and cells in the viewing pane block out ultraviolet and infrared light when sensors detect light.
Auto-darkening helmets are safe when used properly, but you must make sure they are in working order and set to the right settings for your job. User error and failure to check that the helmet is working are the main reasons an auto-darkening welding helmet would not be safe.
Related Reading: How to Adjust an Auto Darkening Welding Helmet: A Quick Guide
Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet vs. PassiveAuto-darkening helmets were not invented until the early 1980s. Before auto-darkening helmets, welders wore (and still often wear) passive welder helmets.
Passive welder helmets have one dark lens shade. Passive helmets must be manually taken on and off while welding because the welder cannot see out of it except while welding.
When deciding which type of helmet to invest in, it may help to understand the pros and cons of each type of helmet.
Auto-Darkening Helmets ProsConsAuto-Darkening Feature. The lens starts out light and then becomes dark so the welder can see the project clearly without removing the helmet. This allows for fewer disruptions during the project.Affordability. Auto-darkening helmets are often more expensive than passive helmets because of the technology in the helmet. The sensors, batteries, and liquid cell technology are expensive.Visibility. The welder does not need to flip the helmet up and down during the project, which minimizes the chances of an arc flash or other injury. Constant visibility also speeds up the project. Batteries. Many auto-darkening helmets are battery-powered. A welder must make sure the helmet is charged or bring along replacement batters to ensure there is no loss of power during a job. Maneuverability. A welder can work in tight spaces without having to flip the helmet up and down, which may make the job easier to complete.Heaviness. Auto-darkening helmets are heavier than passive helmets because of the extra parts. This can cause discomfort to the head and neck during long projects.Constant Protection. The lens in an auto-darkening helmet protects against ultraviolet and infrared rays even when the lens is not darkened.Repairs and Replacements. Repairs and replacements of parts are more expensive, and the welder may have to outsource the repairs if they are too complicated. Passive Helmets ProsConsAffordability. Passive welding helmets are more affordable than auto-darkening welding helmets. Different lenses can be purchased for a variety of different projects at a low cost. Visibility. The welder cannot see with the helmet on unless in the process of welding.Lightweight. Passive helmets are lighter than auto-darkening helmets because they do not have sensors, batteries, and other extra parts. This helps prevent fatigue during a job.Versatility. If a welder does not buy a variety of shades, a passive helmet will restrict the types of work a welder can perform. The helmet usually only comes with one lens and different welding jobs require different types of shades.Size. Passive helmets are often smaller, allowing for a better fit in tight welding spaces.Disruption. A passive helmet must be taken on and off during the welding process because the welder cannot see the project through the helmet when the arc is not on. Repairs and Replacements. With fewer parts that can break, replacing parts is cheaper and easier. Misplacement. Taking the helmet on and off during welding may cause incorrect placement of the helmet or bad timing in lowering the helmet, which can lead to arc flashes.Operation. A welder does not have to learn about adjusting controls or worry about changing batteries.Choosing the right helmet depends on your budget and the type of welding projects that you do.
While passive helmets are more affordable and easier to repair, auto-darkening helmets allow for more consistent welding work because the helmet does not have to be flipped on and off during a project.
Many welders opt for the auto-darkening helmets because of the ability to leave them on during the project. This allows for jobs to be completed more quickly and safely.
Considerations When Purchasing an Auto-Darkening Welding HelmetNot all auto-darkening welding helmets are created equal. The size, shape, weight, and other features play a role in choosing the right helmet for your needs. Before buying a helmet, consider these criteria:
Related reading: Welding Helmets With Cheater Lens and Their Maintenance
Related Reading: How to Charge a Solar Welding Helmet?
It is important to take care of your welding helmet. Maintaining your helmet helps ensure that it works properly to protect your eyes and face. A good welding helmet will last you several years. Here are steps you can take make sure your helmet is working properly.
Related reading: Can You Look at the Sun or Eclipse with a Welding Helmet? Is It Dangerous?
Related reading: How to Properly Clean a Welding Helmet Lens – Fast and Easy
Solar-powered helmets are a great option because they work off both solar-power and battery power. Having the option to use solar power helps save the life of the battery, which can be more economical in the long run. Solar-powered helmets are also often lighter, making them more comfortable for welders who wear the helmet all day.
Solar-Powered Helmets Can be Used Inside and Outside.A common misconception about solar-powered welding helmets is that you must be working outside in the sun for the solar panel to charge. Solar panels in welding helmets can be powered by the sun, but they are also powered by the ultraviolet light from the arc
The battery power is used when the mask is first turned on. Once the welder starts welding, the solar panel gets power from the arc, and the solar panel powers the electronic components of the helmet. This saves the battery life.
How to Detect and Treat Arc Eye.If a welding helmet is used correctly, it should prevent arc eye, also known as a flash burn. Knowing how to detect arc eye is important because accidents do happen.
Arc eye is like a sunburn on the eye. For welders, it occurs when the eyes are exposed to ultraviolet light from a welding torch. Often arc eye can heal on its own in a couple of days, but in some cases it cannot, and this can lead to serious and permanent injuries including loss of vision.
Related reading: Can Welding Really Cause Sunburn? Effect On Skin and Eyes
Symptoms of Arc Eye.If you are working on a project and experience any of the following symptoms, it could mean you have arc eye:
If arc eye does not resolve in a day or two, there are treatment options, which may include:
Auto-darkening helmets are a great advancement for welders. They allow a welder to work without constantly having to lift the helmet on and off, which allows welders to work more quickly and safely. These helmets are safe if they are well maintained and used properly. Choosing the best helmet depends on the welder’s needs and preferences.
Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet DEMO >> Check out the video below
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