What shade of lens should you use for welding?
Different lenses have different shade numbers depending on the type of welding. For MIG welding, for example, welders would typically need lenses ranging from shade 10 to 13. Such shades tend to filter most radiation light compared to a lens with a lower shade number.
What is the best welding shade?
Both ANSI and AWS are more cautious, recommending a shade number 11 for welding at 60-160 amps, a number 12 for 160-250 amps, and a number 14 for 250-500 amps. Verify that both the welding helmet and lens shade meet ANSI Z87.
What shade is best for arc welding?
For example, shielded metal arc welding requires at least a Shade 7 and up to a Shade 14 depending on the electrode size and arc current. For gas welding and oxygen cutting operations, a Shade 3 up to a Shade 8 is required depending on plate thickness.
Do welders go blind over time?
When welders don’t properly protect their eyes from the arc, they commonly suffer welder’s flash, or photokeratitis, a condition caused by exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation resulting in temporary blindness and extreme discomfort. More extreme eye injuries can result in permanent blindness.
What is the minimum shade value when arc welding?
| OPERATIONS | MINIMUM* PROTECTIVE SHADE | |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon arc welding | 14 | |
| Gas welding: | Light | 4 |
| Medium | 5 | |
| Heavy | 6 |
Is 99.9 UV protection enough?
Wearing quality sunglasses that block 99.9% of harmful UV radiation is key to long term eye health. While all sunglasses offer some relief from visible light, the exposure to UVA and UVB from sunglasses that don’t block 98% to 100% of UV rays is detrimental to your eye health in both the short-term and long-term.
Can you look at the sun with a welding helmet?
Can you look at an eclipse or the sun with a welding mask? Yes, you can do both with a welding mask if the shade of your welding mask is 12 or higher. Anything less than 12 shade will not adequately protect your eyes, and most welding masks you can easily find in stores are not 12 shade.