Self-darkening welding helmets are the most important welding safety equipment. It automatically adjusts from light to dark.
For this reason, however, it is crucial to know how to test self-darkening welding masks.
The problem is, if your auto-dimming lenses aren’t working properly, you could experience eye strain or a welder’s flash could hurt your eyes – which is why it’s essential to know if your auto-dimming helmet is working before you hit the arc reason.
Fortunately, there are four easy ways to test the lenses of an auto-darkening welding mask. let’s see!
NOTE : Some helmets have a “grind mode” that turns off the auto-dimming arc sensor when enabled. This is useful when using an angle grinder where you don’t need a high shade of 9-15.
If your helmet has a grind mode, make sure to turn it off before attempting any of these light tests.
1. Expose the lenses to full sunlight
Exposing an auto-dimming helmet to full sunlight is the best way to test the sensitivity of your lenses. This exposure requires the helmet’s sensors to trigger an automatic dimming feature when you face the sun.
Make sure to check your helmet’s sensitivity settings during this time. If the sensitivity level is low, a lot of light is needed to trigger a lens change; if the sensitivity level is high, only a little light is needed.
Facing the sun is also the easiest way to test the helmet, since no other equipment is required. Of course, this only works if the sun is shining outside. Otherwise, try some of these options:
2. Use the spark from a lighter
A lighter spark is the second option for testing an auto-dimming helmet. The spark is a close replica of a welder’s flame, bright enough for the sensor to trigger a lens change.
You can also move the lighter around like a welder to make sure the movement doesn’t affect the functionality of the helmet. Another test is to turn the lighter flame on and off to see how the helmet responds.
This method is a good option for smokers, since your lighter is always with you. It’s a quick and easy way to make sure your auto-dimming helmet is working properly.
3. Expose the lens to bright fluorescent light
If you don’t have a lighter handy, you can always test your helmet with a bright light. Many workshops have bright fluorescent lighting and are easily accessible.
The sensors will pick up any bright overhead lights and trigger the helmet’s auto-dimming feature. Then try moving your hand in front of your face to make sure this movement doesn’t change the setting.
You can also turn off the glare (while still looking at it) to see how quickly the helmet illuminates the shot. You can adjust the delay setting to change how quickly the helmet snaps back to normal after an arc.
4. Use the TV remote
Another interesting way to tell if an auto-dimming helmet is working is to use a remote that uses an infrared signal. The standard remotes for many TVs and stereos send an infrared signal and can be used for this purpose.
Using an infrared signal TV remote is possible because the welding helmet blocks both UV and IR rays. So put on the helmet, point the remote at it, press any button on the remote, and the auto-dimming feature triggers and goes dark.
That said, you have to be careful when using this technique. If the IR signal is not very strong, you may need to adjust the sensitivity of the helmet to the highest possible setting. Also, the pings from some IR remotes may cause your helmet to flash.
If your helmet starts to flicker, increase the delay time. Of course, if you try this and nothing happens, check to make sure the remote is working and sending IR signals before jumping to any conclusions.
How long do self-dimming helmets last?
The life of an auto-dimming helmet depends on several factors, including how well you care for it.
For example, if you’re going to have it rolling around in the back of a truck getting dirty and damaged, it’s unlikely to last very long.
However, most auto-dimming helmets should last around seven to ten years if cared for properly. This longevity is mostly related to sensors, lenses (which can be replaced in some helmets) and batteries.
It is important to remember that the main cause of failure of an auto-dimming helmet is either the lens or the battery. With many cheap helmets, these parts are not replaceable, so you will have to buy new ones.
If your auto-dimming helmet has been around for years, you might want to consider getting a new one—we’ve reviewed all the best models on the market.
Lens life
The lens is the most vulnerable part of an auto darkening welding helmet. So you should always pay attention to how you handle it. Do not drop or misuse the helmet, or the lens may be damaged and must be replaced.
However, if you maintain your helmet properly, you should be able to use it for 7 to 10 years before the lens needs replacing. However, keep in mind that lenses can only be changed on certain helmets.
Therefore, when choosing a helmet, it is important not only to look at the shading range of the lens. If you plan to use the helmet a lot, it’s nice to be able to swap out the lenses if you need to in the future, especially if you’re happy with the overall fit and comfort.
Battery Life
Another factor that affects how long an auto-dimming helmet lasts is the type of battery it uses. Some batteries need to be charged and replaced more often than others.
Self-dimming helmets typically contain lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged by plugging them into an electrical outlet or automatically using solar cells. The most convenient and long-lasting are those that use solar energy as a source of energy.
In general, most non-replaceable batteries in auto-dimming helmets have a lifespan of about seven years. For this reason, buying a helmet with a replaceable battery is usually a better investment. Many helmets are also powered by solar energy, which is more than enough if there are many people, and the charging time will not be too long.
Other Factors Affecting Lifespan
Other important factors that affect the lifespan of an auto-dimming helmet include exposure to cold temperatures and prolonged storage without electricity. Not only is the battery prone to power outages, but the LCD’s response time is also affected.
Subfreezing temperatures can affect the response time of the auto-darkening lenses, so it’s best not to leave your helmet in a garage, shed, or behind a truck during the winter months. The last thing you want is to shorten the life of your auto darkening helmet lenses in storage.
The batteries in the helmet will also self-discharge if left unused for an extended period of time.
to sum up
Testing an auto-darkening welding helmet before you start welding is an important safety step to avoid potential eye strain or worse. Fortunately, you don’t need a pilot arc to test a self-darkening welding helmet, as other methods will work just as well.
For example, you can expose the lens to full sunlight or use the sparks from a lighter. Bright fluorescent lights can also be used when the sun is out. If all else fails, keep a TV remote that uses infrared signals close by.
Employing these techniques can save a lot of time and make sure your helmet is working properly before you strike the arc and start welding.