Auto darkening welding helmets offer an intuitive
protection to modern welders. These helmets automatically darken when a
welder strikes the arc. They free the hands that in the past had to
lift and lower the faceplate, or remove the helmet altogether to see.
Many injuries have been eliminated by auto darkening helmets because
they cover a welder's eyes at all times without risking exposure to
irritating fumes and flying debris. By instantly responding to light,
these helmets auto darken when the welder strikes the arc and clear up
after the welder shuts off the arc.
Auto darkening welding
helmets prove especially useful to welders working indoors under poor
light conditions. Traditional welding helmets can literally blind a
welder if he has to suddenly cease welding and kill the arc, leaving
himself in total darkness and subject to fall and/or injury. Because of
this, many construction companies now require all of their welders to
use auto darkening welding helmets so they can see to walk the
buildings they are working in. Auto-darkening helmets also help farmers
working outside because they react to sunlight much like the light an
arc. In future years, it is very likely all welding helmets will be
auto darkening not only because they are more convenient than standard
helmets, but also because their ever-increasing precision allows for
customized-eye protection-something Federal authorities and Insurance
agencies may soon require.
There are two types of auto darkening
helmets that welders use. One is battery-powered; the other is solar
powered. Solar power is more convenient and efficient when working
outside, but work deep inside of large structures, or even underground,
will require battery-powered helmets. Both employ sensors to "know"
when the light brightens, and when it is time to adjust the special
glass in the face shield to block just the right amount of light. From
time to time a welder calls in with the question, "Won't the arc from
my fellow welder trigger the auto darkening glass?" The answer could be
yes or no, depending on the model in question.
Basic models will
grow darker with any exposure to arc light, regardless of the source.
Deluxe auto darkening helmets have a sensor built into their design
that "understands" the difference between the operator's arc and a
coworker's arc. For private individuals working by themselves, it makes
little difference, if any, if the helmet has an auto-darkening sensor
like this. For a company, however, it is best to invest in high-end
auto darkening welding helmets to have a sensor for secondary arc
light. It simply makes sense to do so.
Jason
has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business
for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve
the automotive and industrial industries. - Automotive Tools