How to Choose The Best Welding Helmet For You

A welding helmet is crucial safety equipment for any welder. It protects your eyes and skin from harmful UV and infrared rays and the intense blue light emitted during welding. Additionally, it shields your face from sparks and debris, making it essential to choose a helmet that offers both protection and comfort.

But what are the criteria for an effective welding helmet? This guide will cover the key features to consider when choosing your next welding helmet.

Safety Standards

Before purchasing a welding helmet, ensure it meets the required safety standards. In Australia, they must comply with the AS/NZS 1338.1 (for auto darkening helmets) and AS/NZA 1337.1B (high impact welding helmets). These standards confirm that the helmet can withstand high impacts and that its auto-darkening lens can protect it completely from harmful UV and infrared rays.

Auto-Darkening vs. Passive Helmet Lenses

Passive helmets

Passive welding helmets have a fixed-shade lens, typically shade #10, that does not change. These helmets need to be manually flipped up when not welding, making them less convenient for tasks that require constant adjusting.

Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets

Auto-darkening helmets that can switch from a light shade to a darker share when it detects an arc. There are two types:

Fixed Shade Auto Darkening Welding Helmets that adjust to one specific shade when welding.
Variable Share Auto Darkening Welding Helmets that allow the user to control the shade level based on the welding process.

Optical Clarity Classification

The quality of vision through welding helmet is assessed using four optical clarity factors, each rated on a scale of 1 of 3, with 1 being the best:

Optical Class – Measures lens distortion.
Diffusion of light – Check for impurities in the lens.
Variations in luminous transmittance – Ensures uniform shading across the lens.
Angle dependence of luminous transmittance – Tests clarity when looking at angles.

A helmet with a 1/1/1/1 rating offers the best optical clarity.

Shade Range

A wider shade range provides flexibility for different welding situations. Most auto-darkening welding helmets offer a shade range from #9 to #13 but some include additional settings for low amperage TIG welding and plasma cutting.

Lens Sensors & Reaction Time

Helmets are typically fitted with two to four arc sensors – more sensors provide better arc detection, especially in obstructed positions.
Reaction time (shade switching speeds) should be between 0.1ms and 0.04ms for optimal eye protection.

Viewing Size

Larger lenses provide a broader field of vision, improving situational awareness and precision. Choose a lens size that suits your welding tasks and preferences.

Adjustable Settings

High-quality welding helmets offer adjustable sensitivity and delay settings:

Sensitivity – Adjusts how much light triggers the darkening effect
Delay – Controls how quickly the lens returns to its lighter state after welding.

Comfort and Fit

A comfortable helmet is an essential criterion for long welding jobs. Adjustable headgear with multiple contact points distributes weight evenly and reduces strain on the neck.

Batteries & Solar Charging

Most helmets are solar-powered with an internal battery that gets charged while welding. Some models do include replaceable batteries to ensure uninterrupted welding.

Grind Mode

Some helmets feature a grind mode, which prevents auto-darkening when grinding. This eliminates the need to switch helmets between grinding and welding tasks.

Respirator Compatibility

If you require additional PPE or an alternative to PAPR, ensuring helmets have sufficient space without compromising comfort or protection is crucial.

PAPR Helmets (Powered Air Purifying Respirators)

For welders exposed to heavy fumes or fumes consistently, PAPR helmets offer built-in respiratory protection. These helmets feature a sealed hood with a filtered air supply ensuring a clean breathing environment without the need for an external mask.

Choosing The Right Welding Helmet

Selecting the right welding helmet depends on your specific needs, whether you require advanced auto-darkening technology or respiratory protection Contact Gentronics to ensure that you get the correct one for you.