How to Choose My Welding Helmet?

Selecting the right welding helmet is essential to ensure your safety and comfort during welding work. This personal protective equipment plays a crucial role in preventing risks associated with radiation, projections, and impacts. In this article, we will explore the key criteria to consider when choosing the welding helmet that best meets your specific needs.

I. Safety standards: A guarantee of quality for your welding helmet

Before diving into technical details, it is essential to understand the importance of safety standards governing the design and manufacturing of welding helmets. These standards ensure a minimum level of protection and performance for your safety.

1. The main standards to know

Three major standards regulate the manufacturing of welding helmets:

• EN 379 standard: This European standard defines safety and performance requirements for auto-darkening welding filters. It specifies criteria such as optical quality, light transmission, and reaction time.
• ANSI Z87.1 standard: This American standard establishes performance and design requirements for eye and face protection equipment, including welding helmets.
• CSA Z94.3 standard: This Canadian standard sets safety requirements for eye and face protectors, including welding helmets.

While these standards share common objectives, there may be differences in their specific requirements. It is therefore recommended to choose a helmet that complies with the applicable standard in your region.

II. Technical criteria for choosing your welding helmet

1. Filter shade: Protection adapted to your work

The filter shade is a key element in choosing your welding helmet. It determines the level of protection against intense light radiation generated during welding. The choice of shade mainly depends on the welding process used and the intensity of the current.

Shades are generally classified on a scale from 9 to 13, where 9 corresponds to the lightest shade and 13 to the darkest. Here are some general recommendations to help you choose the appropriate shade:

• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW): shades 10 to 12
• MIG/MAG welding: shades 11 to 13
• TIG welding: shades 9 to 11
• Plasma cutting: shades 11 to 13

It is important to note that these recommendations may vary depending on the current intensity used. A more detailed reference chart is usually provided with your welding helmet or available from the manufacturer.

2. Optical class: For clear and precise vision

The optical class is an indicator of the visual quality offered by your welding helmet’s filter. It is evaluated based on several criteria:

• Optical clarity: Measures the sharpness of the image seen through the filter.
• Light diffusion: Evaluates the filter’s ability to reduce glare and reflections.
• Shade uniformity: Ensures consistent coloring across the entire filter surface.

Optical classes are rated from 1 to 3, where 1 represents the best optical quality. For intensive professional use, it is recommended to choose a helmet with an optical class of 1, as it provides the best visual comfort and reduces eye strain.

3. Reaction time: A key criterion for auto-darkening helmets

If you opt for an auto-darkening welding helmet, the reaction time is a crucial parameter. It corresponds to the delay between the detection of the electric arc and the darkening of the filter. A fast reaction time is essential to protect your eyes from harmful radiation as soon as welding starts.

Current standards generally require a reaction time of less than 0.4 milliseconds. Some high-end models achieve reaction times of around 0.1 milliseconds, providing optimal protection.

4. Comfort and ergonomics: Factors not to be overlooked

Beyond technical aspects, the comfort and ergonomics of your welding helmet are crucial for your productivity and well-being at work.

Weight: A long-term comfort factor

The weight of the helmet is an important criterion, especially if you need to wear it for long periods. A helmet that is too heavy can cause neck fatigue and pain. Opt for a lightweight model, ideally weighing less than 500 grams, while ensuring it provides adequate protection.

Fit: For optimal protection and increased comfort

A proper fit of the helmet is essential to ensure effective protection against radiation and projections. Look for a model with an adjustable system that allows you to adapt the helmet to the shape of your head. Some models offer height and circumference adjustments, as well as pivoting systems for easy lifting.

Field of vision: For better work visibility

A wide field of vision greatly enhances user comfort and work precision. Modern helmets often provide extended viewing areas, sometimes with panoramic filters. Check the viewing area dimensions and choose a model that offers a good balance between protection and visibility.

Impact resistance: Additional protection

Although protection against radiation is the primary function of a welding helmet, impact resistance should not be overlooked. Safety standards set minimum requirements for impact resistance, but some models go beyond these requirements.

If you work in an environment where the risks of projections or falling objects are high, choose a helmet with enhanced impact resistance. Some models incorporate reinforced materials or specific structures to absorb shocks.