An important part of staying safe whilst welding is your helmet. Welding helmets have improved significantly over the years both in durability, quality and functionality. Here at Ambitek we have put together a few things to consider when purchasing a new helmet.
Cost – whether you are on a budget or willing to pay whatever is necessary, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The more your willing to spend on a helmet, the better quality the helmet and its functionality.
Fit – Make sure your helmet has a snug fit with no large gaps at the back or around the neck and protects your face and ears. Check whether the helmet has Automatic Park which will ensure that when you lift the helmet back, it will stay in the upright position. Also, when the helmet is lowered, ensure it is not pressing on your Adam’s Apple and you have a clear, unrestricted view through the lens.
Lenses – Most traditional helmets have a passive lens with UV- and IR-coated dark-tinted glass and a fixed shade value. Whilst they can be cost effective, the repetition of having to lift and lower the helmet can be inefficient overall. Auto-darkening lenses use sensors to decide when to switch the lens from a low shade to a high one when welding starts. Whilst more expensive, these helmets help improve efficiency whilst also reducing head and neck strain caused by repeatedly lifting and lowering your helmet.
Fixed or Variable Shade – As with lenses, you need to think about what you will be using your helmet for. Most people weld different materials these days and as such, welding arcs can vary in brightness and intensity and welding amperage can vary from 40 amps to 200 amps. If you are planning on welding different materials, then a variable shade helmet is best suited for you. If your welding is only going to involve one material, one welding process and the same amperage then going for a budget fixed shade lens will be fine (and inexpensive)
Lens Reaction Time – This is the amount of time it takes for the lens to darken when an arc is detected. The quicker the lens reaction time, the less UV and InfraRed light that will hit your eyes. Faster speeds also help reduce eye fatigue. Basic speeds start at 1/3,600 but can go all the way up to 1/20,000.
Battery or Solar? – Solar powered helmets will have a self-contained, internal battery and a solar assist panel. The drawback with these types of helmet are that they require charging in direct sunlight prior to first use or after they’ve been stored in darkness for a considerable period. If you spend a little bit more you can get a helmet with replaceable batteries (as well as a solar assist panel) which allows for immediate action regardless of whether there is sunlight or not.
Weight – Heavier helmets cause neck strain and can be uncomfortable to wear. If possible, aim to get a helmet on the lighter side.
Safety Standard – It’s pointless buying a helmet if it does not meet the latest standards. A copy of the European Standards and Markings for Eye and Face Protection can be found here.
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