Are Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets Safe? | Solved

In spite of being more expensive than traditional ‘weighty’ welding helmets, auto-darkening helmets are becoming more popular day by day. But, before going to get auto-darkening welding helmets for you or your company, the question that may pop-up in your mind is: are auto-darkening welding helmets safe?

Well, you are going to get your answer in this article very clearly as we are diving into an in-depth discussion. We’ll also discuss some features and benefits of the auto darkening welding helmets and then explore why it is even safer than traditional helmets out there in the market.

How Much Safe Is It To Use An Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet?

If safety is the #1 priority for you, it is pretty usual that you will want to buy a helmet that ensures maximum safety for you. As we studied both traditional and auto-darkening welding helmets, we found that the later one is significantly much safer to use than the previous one. There are various reasons for it. Here are some safety measures that have contributed a better safety to an auto-darkening helmet:

1. You do not need to flip the helmet down and move your neck every time you go to strike the arc. This saves you from strain in your neck muscle.
2. UV and Infrared rays are very bad for the eyes and can cause cataract, retinal blurring, and even blindness. The smart lens and automated sensors in auto-darkening welding helmets care for your eyes by saving them from the flash and dust of the arc.
3. Excess heat, sparks, and flying particles can prove to be injurious to your head and face. When it comes to protecting your head and face, an auto-darkening welding helmet is the best choice to protect these.
4. For longer projects, an auto-darkening helmet is safer than a traditional helmet.

Core Features Of An Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

An auto-darkening welding helmet is designed in a way that helps to protect eyes and skins. Let’s get introduced with some salient features of an auto-darkening welding helmet.

• An auto-darkening welding helmet saves you from sparks, UV and infrared rays that emit from the arc while you work.
• An auto-darkening welding helmet is basically a standard helmet that features an auto-darkening lens. While the body of the helmet is made of molded plastic, the lens of an auto-darkening helmet is made up of a dark-tinted glass (LCD usually) that comes with UV and Infrared coatings along with #10 to #13 shades.
• Both battery and solar power work can be used to power the filter cartridges.
• Welding ark is detected by sensors placed near the lens.
• Usually the auto darkening display output lower shade, but when the ark begins to work, the sensor increases the sensitivity as your set limit. The whole process takes place within seconds.

Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets Vs Traditional Welding Helmets

An-auto darkening welding helmet provides more facilities and ensures more safety than a traditional welding helmet. Let’s see some differences between the traditional welding helmets and the auto-darkening helmets to reveal the benefits of the later one:

• Whereas a traditional welding helmet may weigh up to 2 pounds (0.91 kg), an auto-darkening welding helmet is lighter. Apart from being lightweight, an auto-darkening welding helmet also ensures quick welding.
• A welder may experience potential motion injuries due to repetitive neck movements while using a traditional welding helmet. But, when it comes to an auto-darkening welding helmet, a welder experience almost no strain.
• A traditional welding helmet may cost less, but it also cuts down productivity. On the other hand, an auto-darkening welding helmet contributes to increasing productivity by lowering the turnaround time.

Buying Guide: Things To Look For Before Buying An Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

Before purchasing, a consumer must know that are auto-darkening welding helmets safe or not. Now, let’s move to the things that you need to look for before you buy an auto-darkening welding helmet:

The Adjust-ability Of Shade Lens

You may need to adopt different welding processes like TIG, MIG, stick for certain kinds of welding. Before buying an auto-darkening welding helmet, you should keep in mind the nature of your work and choose the best one that has an adjustable shade lens and goes with your requirement and budget. This will help to keep your eyes healthy.

Compliance With Safety Standards

You may end up buying a low-quality auto-darkening helmet if you are unaware of the latest technology and safety standards. At present, all welding helmets are supposed to comply with ANSI Z87.1- 2003 in the USA, while CAN/CSA Z94.3. in Canda. So, before buying yours, check if the helmet is made following the standards to save you from complications and hazard.

Sensitivity And Delay Controls

Your auto-darkening welding helmets should come with adjustable sensitivity and delay control system. These help to keep welding light in control as you wish.

Optical Clarity

It refers to the visibility of the things through your lenses. If these are not clear, maybe that is not a good helmet to buy. Apart from the things mentioned above, you should also look for comfort. You should feel comfortable and safe when you wear an auto-darkening welding helmet.

FAQ

Wrap Up

We hope we’ve given you a clear answer to the question, are auto-darkening welding helmets safe or not. These helmets are a safer replacement of the traditional ones. To increase the productivity and lower the risk, you can surely go for auto-darkening welding helmets for your garage.

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