Avoid false economies
January 1st 2007 ESAB warns that buying a lowcost, low-specification, autodarkening helmet could be a false economy. It points out that because of the way auto-darkening helmets work, the switching time is faster at higher temperatures. A low-cost helmet may meet EN 379, and the manufacturer may quote a switching time of, say, 0.0001sec, but it could be that this is for an ambient temperature of 55°C – not a typical UK working environment The problem with the switching being even marginally slower at normal ambient temperatures is the small amount of additional light that reaches the operator's eyes, which can make them feel tired. A free brochure – PPE and Welding Accessories is available. More articles from ESAB Group UK Limited: | 
