Helmets are universally acknowledged as an essential protective device in the welding industry as no welding operations should be done without a special protection for the eyes. Auto darkening welding helmet is the modern day innovation and hotly favored by many welding operators.

It is common knowledge that several types of light radiate from the welding arc including ultraviolet (UV), high-intensity light and infrared (IR). These rays are highly pernicious and can lead to severe and at times permanent damage to the eyes.

The basic feature of auto darkening welding helmets is they change color the moment the electric arc is stuck. But you must make it a point to buy the auto darkening helmets only from some reputed manufacturers and ensure the helmets conform to ANSI standard Z87.1 on the auto-darkening cartridge. When you find a reasonably priced auto darkening welding helmet with excellent user reviews that has these specs, you can buy with confidence.

There may be fakes in the market and this is the best certification possible to satisfy your eyes are protected. Some better model auto darkening welding helmets provide a higher level of comfort than others and this depend on the speed of darkening response to the light emission. Sometimes even a millisecond in the time of darkening can make a difference.

There are two types of power used in the auto darkening welding helmets - solar-powered and battery power. The advantage of the solar-powered auto darkening welding helmets is that they provide UV and IR protection even when the eye shield has not changed color. They function automatically and protect the eyes against high-intensity light instantly. The battery-powered model has an on-off switch as well as an auto-off device as these are necessary for prolonging battery life.

The auto darkening welding helmets have fixed or variable shades depending on the model. The fixed type of shade is useful to welders who operate on the same type of material. But it is recommended that you opt for the auto darkening welding helmets with a variable shade option.

When the welding process uses lower amperages, you may lighten the shades and when the amperage is too high you can darken the lens. Wearing an auto darkening helmet will provide you comfort and confidence and make you a more efficient welding operator.

Auto darkening welding helmets offer a guaranteed protection to present day welding operators. These helmets automatically darken when an operator strikes the arc. Besides, they free the hands that in the past were busy adjusting the faceplate, or removing the helmet altogether to see.

Auto darkening helmets fully 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 stops when the welder shuts off the arc. High end 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 industries, it is best to invest in high-end auto darkening welding helmets to have a sensor for secondary arc light.