Autodarkening Vs. Standard Welding Helmets

Choosing a welding hood can be a daunting task, especially with all the available choices. Knowing a few facts about auto-darkening versus fixed-shade welding hoods may help.

Sight

Both hoods protect us from harmful UV rays, but auto-darkening units allow us to see where we are going to strike without lifting the hood.

Batteries

A fixed-shade welding hood is always dark, but an auto-darkening unit uses batteries to switch between light and dark modes. In most models, they are charged by UV.

Price

Fixed-shade helmets are inherently cheaper than auto-darkening ones because they are a simpler design. For those who weld often, an auto-darkening hood may be worth the extra cash.

Settings

A fixed-shade standard hood contains a lens that is always dark, but an auto-darkening hood can be set to different shades via a dial on the side of the unit.

Comfort

While both styles of welding hoods will feel the same when worn, the constant lifting of a standard unit can cause discomfort over a period of time.

References

• Welder's Handbook, RevisedHP1513: A Guide to Plasma Cutting, Oxyacetylene, ARC, MIG and TIG Welding; Richard Finch; 2007