When it comes to welding, safety should be the top priority for every welder. One of the most important safety gears you should own is a Welding Helmet. A good welding helmet protects the eyes and face from severe sparks, intense heat, and potential vision-damaging ultraviolet and infrared rays. Both effects may cause severe burns of the eyes and skin, or vision impairments. That is only 2 of the many risks of welding without wearing personal protective equipment.
When buying a welding helmet, there are two types of Welding Helmets that you can look out for:
Passive Helmets
| One option available to welders are the passive welding helmets, which are typically inexpensive in the market. This type of helmet is effective in doing their job of protecting your eyes, skin, and face. A passive welding helmet comes with a fixed shade of dark glass and normal glass lens, which remains darkened at all times when using.
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Despite the advantages, some welders may not find passive helmets convenient. A disadvantage that comes along using such helmets is that welders will need to lift the helmet whenever they need to observe the work done, and bring the helmet down again when they need to weld. This repetitive movement can be troublesome especially when you need to get the job done and over quickly.
Auto Darkening Helmets
| An alternative to passive helmets are the Auto Darkening Helmet which are more advanced and an increasingly popular option amongst welders. These types of helmets automatically adjust the shade that you see through the glass
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Auto Darkening Helmets are just as safe as the Passive Helmets and worth the additional cost.
Key Factors to Consider
1) Optical Clarity
A narrow and small viewing area will constrict your vision and may result in some difficulties when using the helmet for long hours. Having a wide viewing area allows you to easily view your welds in high definition.
2) Comfort & Fit
Placing a helmet with a head harness for a long period of time may cause some discomfort over some time. You would want to ensure that the helmets you purchase have the option for you to adjust the size and position in order to fit your head well. Both our LYG50 Auto Darkening Helmet and Normal Welding Helmet offers you the flexibility of adjusting the head harness to fit your level of comfortability.
3) Fixed Shade or Variable Shade
The consideration between fixed shade and variable shade depends on your personal preference. If you have read the advantages and disadvantages stated above, you will have a better idea of which type of helmets you will much rather have. Do you mind having to lift the helmets every so often? Or would you rather have the helmet remain on your head due to its auto darkening function?
4) Cost
Another factor to think of is the cost of the helmets. As you already know, a cheaper choice that you have is the standard welding helmet that comes with a fixed glass lens. The more advanced and advantageous option will cost you slightly extra.
5) Personal Preference
Both types of welding helmets have their own pros and cons. Despite that, the function of a welding helmet remains the same – to protect workers from potential risks and damages. Always go for welding helmets that best suit your preference.
