The most essential piece of equipment found in a welder's gear is his or her helmet.  Let's face it - you can't weld without it.    The helmet should provide complete protection from flying material, splatter and most importantly from the emissions of radiation, especially in arc welding applications.  Other important welding helmet features to consider include ergonomics and durability.  So the purpose of this guide is to provide a basic understanding of welding helmet components and functionality.    

ANSI Z87.1 Standards


The first requirement for any welding helmet is that it be in full compliance with ANSI Z87.1.  This is the standard set forth by the American National Standards Institute, a non-profit organization that acts as a voluntary administrator for voluntary conformity of standards in the United States private sector.  ANSI has no power to enforce compliance with its standards.  However, OSHA has adopted many of the ANSI standards as required compliance in the workplace.  The ANSI Z87.1 standard sets forth requirements for the design, construction, testing, and use of eye protection devices, including standards for impact and penetration resistance.  All safety glasses, goggles, and face shields used by employees under OSHA jurisdiction must meet the ANSI Z87.1 standard. The eye wear standard includes the following minimum requirements:

    * Provide adequate protection against the hazards for which they are designed
    * Be reasonably comfortable
    * Fit securely, without interfering with movement or vision
    * Be capable of being disinfected if necessary, and be easy to clean
    * Be durable
    * Fit over, or incorporate, prescription eye wear

Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets


Auto-Darkening Helmets are those which darken automatically when the arc is struck and return to light after welding stops.  This feature means the user can leave the helmet in the down position at all times and significantly reduces operator error, increases production and eliminates the effects of user fatigue from the constant up and down.  

Auto-Darkening Technology In A Nutshell

Inside every auto-darkening welding helmet, there is a device called an electronic shutter module.  Within this module are fixed/static Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV) filters that operate sans electricity with an electrically operated Liquid Crystal (LC) light valve also referred to as a shutter.  There are also photocells or light-dependent resistors present in the shutter module.  The photocells are connected to a control module that detects the changes in the ambient light from the welding arc.  This triggers the auto-darkening process.  The control module recognizes the bright light and signals the LC valve, the shutter, to close (darken).  Once the arc goes out and normal levels of ambient light return, a timer circuit will signal the valve (shutter) to open (lighten).  

A good welding helmet is going to have sensitivity adjustments.  The sensitivity control refers to the helmets response to a burst of bright light.  Also found in a good welding helmet, a shade adjustment control, especially adjustments between shades 9 and 13.  A shade of 9 is suited for low intensity arcs and shade 13 for high intensity arcs.
 


Arc Flash

The radiation emissions from the arc flash include UV (Ultraviolet), IR (Infrared) and intense visible light. UV and IR rays are powerful enough to burn the retina while the intensity of the visible light can cause temporary discomfort with vision blurry or obfuscated with spots.  All helmets that comply with the current ANSI Z87.1 standard (when in the proper down position) always protect operators from the harmful UV and IR damaging elements of the arc.

"Split-Second" Reaction After Flash Is Struck

There is often concern regarding damage to the eyes from the split-second it takes for the lens to adjust to the arc flash.  Again, any ANSI Z87.1 certified helmet, in the down position of course, always protect operators from the effects of the UV and IR emissions from the arc.  What is important to remember is that the protection is always present and active and is not contingent on the darkening or lightening of the lens.  The darkening speed is the conditional component.  The longer it takes to react, the greater the exposure to high intensity light.  Helmets with reactions under a millisecond are the most comfortable and effective since the response time happens so quickly that it is, for all intents and purposes, not perceivable to the human eye.

Conclusion

Features to consider when purchasing a welding helmet:

• ANSI Z87.1 Certified
• Auto-Darkening Technology
• Sensitivity and Shade Adjustments
• Lightweight & Ergonomic Design

Recommended Best Value Welding Helmet On the Market:   Auto-Helm AH88 Series Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets