Welding Helmets

The auto-darkening helmet has a liquid-crystal screen that darkens by itself when the arc is struck, so you do not need to lower it for every weld. The fixed-shade helmet has a dark filter that is always the same and must be lowered before welding. The catalogue includes both types, such as the tiger TOP electronic helmet and the Ingco auto-darkening helmet.

DIN 11 is the shade number of the lens, that is, the amount of light the filter lets through. A higher number means a darker filter. The shade is chosen according to the process and the intensity of the arc, as indicated by the manufacturer. The Golden Protane DIN 11 lens has the same shade as the Protane DIN 11 lens.

The lens must be chosen according to the welding process and the intensity of the arc, and must be compatible with the helmet model. When the product title gives the shade, as in the Protane DIN 11 lens, the figure is already indicated. For other lenses, such as the replacement screen or the PROTECT Awelco cover lenses, check the shade and compatibility in the product sheet.

Clear cover lenses act as a transparent protection in front of the dark lens, which would otherwise wear out or get scratched by slag. The cover lens is replaced without changing the helmet. Replacement lenses let you repair the helmet instead of throwing it away. Check that the spare is compatible with the model, because the sizes vary.

The catalogue includes head-mounted helmets, with the screen on the head and hands free, and handheld or fixed-shell shields with a handle. Flip-up versions have a hinged visor, useful for alternating between welding and visual inspection of the piece. Choose the type according to the job: the head-mounted helmet is more practical for continuous work.

EN 175 is the European standard covering eye and face protection equipment during welding and allied processes. Polypropylene is the material of the helmet body in this model. Look for the marking on the product and in the product sheet, because conformity must be checked for each model, regardless of the name.

Besides helmets, the catalogue has welding goggles with dark lenses, such as the Protector 500 Awelco goggles and the shade 5 Portwest PW68 goggles. The other goggles in the catalogue, such as the 511 models or the adler ones, should be checked in the product sheet for their intended use. Choose the shade according to the type of work.

Clean the lens with a soft cloth and check that there are no scratches or cracks, because a damaged lens can distort your view of the arc. Replace the dark lens when it becomes scratched or dull. Sweatbands are changed when they no longer hold the helmet securely on the head. Check the helmet before every use.