Welding is to play with flash and fire. Therefore, safety must be the priority for everyone who plays with it. The most exposed and high-risk part of the body is the face. For this reason, the welding helmets are at the front line in the list of safety instruments for any welding operation. There are two major types of welding helmets, Auto-darkening welding helmets and Passive welding helmets.
After reading this article you will know what is a passive welding helmet is and how does it work? We have also covered the working of auto-darkening welding helmets. The pros and cons of passive welding helmets. At the end of this article, you very well know about passive welding helmet and how it is different from active welding helmet. Let’s jump into the discussion.
Know More Passive Welding Helmet?
A passive welding helmet is a safety gadget that the welder wears on the face for facial protection from Ultraviolet and Infrared radiations emitting from welding operation. It is known as a passive welding helmet because it has a fixed shade lens which is usually number 10. You can perform only one type of welding operation at a time.
It is required to change the shade according to the desired kind of welding operation like TIG and MIG, to perform different kinds of welding operations. For this reason, it is known as a passive welding helmet. Although there are various kinds of auto-darkening helmets present in the market with extraordinary features, it is still the first choice for millions of welders across the globe. Veteran welders always feel comfortable working with this welding helmet.
How Does a Passive Welding Helmet Work?
A passive welding helmet has a fixed shade lens coated with a UV and IR protection layer. This layer ensures the eye’s safety from incoming ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Which other prove lethal for the welder’s eye. As the torch strikes the metal piece, then the emitting UV and IR are filtered out by coating. The welder can see a clear picture of the welding operation being carried out.
What We Like the Most in Passive Welding Helmets?
Here are some of the features and specifications of the passive welding helmets that are not available in auto-darkening welding helmets. Because of these features many welders like to use passive welding helmets.
Easier to Repair
As discussed in the previous section, there are not too many parts present in a passive welding helmet. It indicates repairing is very easy in case of any damage. Along with the fewer parts, there is no such part present that involves complications like sensors and batteries. The only thing that can be damaged is the lens. Anyone can change this lens easily.
Magnificent Optical Clarity
Although the active welding helmet is equipped with advanced features like auto-adjustment, according to the light emitting from the working environment. But the clarity is a major issue because it shows a view with a green tint background. Although some advanced welding helmets present that show high clarity they are uneconomical for most people. But in the case of a passive welding helmet, you can see a clear picture of your whole work.
Replaceable Lens
There are two types of lenses used in welding helmets. The first one is the transparent one, which is present at the front to protect the coated lens. This lens is very cheap; you can easily replace it. It doesn’t require any kind of technicalities. The other coated lens is also cheap and easily replaceable. You can also clean lenses of welding helmet so it can be used for longer period of time.
No Power Source Needed
No presence of sensors means no battery is required to trigger the automation process. You can work without the worries of a low battery. Also, you can work with this welding helmet in far-off areas, where there is no facility for electricity. Just wear the helmet, pick the torch and rock in your business.
Easier to Operate
If there is a presence of complexity in your operation, everyone can’t perform it. The purpose of a welding helmet is to protect the welder while welding. Imagine if there are a lot of complexities present with your safety gear, then imagine the difficulty in your operation. These passive welding helmets are simple and simple to operate.
What We Don’t Like in Passive Welding Helmets?
Everything has a downside along with attractive features. This rule is also applicable to the passive welding helmet. It is necessary to elaborate these points to answer what is a passive welding helmet and for what kind of welding these can be used.
Only One Shade
Usually, these welding helmets are built-in with a stand shade lens, that is number 10. So, you can work only one type of welding operation. If you are interested in performing some other kind of welding operation like TIG and MIG you must carefully choose the desired shade lens. Otherwise, emitting light will burn your eyes.
Lack Electronics
It is another obstacle that there is no presence of electronic features. To carry on with it, you must be a veteran welder. But the auto-darkening welding helmets are electronically rich and provide facilitation to the welder while welding operation.
Not Beginner-Friendly
These welding helmets are only suitable for veteran welders. They can tackle different kinds of hurdles with their experience. While the beginners are not fit for this welding helmet. It is much more difficult for them to flip up and down the welding hood at the proper time. Otherwise, high-intensity light will burn their eyes.
Now we look at the quick comparison between auto-darkening and passive welding helmets.
Difference Between Auto-darkening and Passive Welding Helmet
It is vital to know the differences between active and passive welding helmets because it helps you to get the answer of the question “what is a passive welding helmet.” Here is the quick comparison between the active welding helmet and the passive welding helmet. In the following, you will find out the comparison in the following aspects affordability, type of operation, weight of the gadget, repairing and replacement, size, safety, shade, sensors, maneuverability and lastly about the visibility.
Affordability
The passive welding helmet is affordable for everyone due to its lesser features. But on the other hand, the auto-darkening welding helmets are equipped with extra features like an Auto-darkening Filter knob, arc sensors, advanced level lens, battery to power the sensors and help activate auto-darkening feature. Active also have advanced level helmet shells. All of these features make it costly. You have to pay more to get all of these features. On the other side, you have to pay less for the passive welding helmet.
Operation
Passive welding helmets are manually operated. While operating, You have to flip up and down to inspect your progress. But the auto-darkening welding helmets are both electronically and manually controlled.
Weight
Passive welding helmets are lightweight due to their lesser features and parts. On the contrary, auto-darkening welding helmets are heavier than passive welding helmets due to the presence of various features.
Repairs and replacement
Repairing is very easy for a passive welding helmet. You can easily replace any damaged part within no time. On the other hand, it is much more difficult for an ordinary user to repair an auto-darkening welding helmet. Replacing any damaged part is also very difficult. It is also very time-consuming.
Here are some of the best passive welding helmets that are mostly used in welding helmets.
The Viking is a well-known brand in the industry of welding helmets. They presented a Viking industrial passive welding helmet, which provides consistent protection to the face, neck, and eyes while welding operation. It has a simple design and is available at economical prices. So, this is a fabulous opportunity for veteran welders with a low budget.
It comes with a fixed shade which is number 11. Shade 11 is considered an all-purpose shade. This shade proves a solid opposition to the light emitting from Stick, TIG, Pulsed TIG, MIG, Pulsed MIG, Flux-Cored, Gouging welding processes. Just wear the welding helmet and enjoy your work.
You can make your welding helmet a piece of attraction and motivation. All of these things are possible with attractive decal sheets. This helmet package included the decal sheets so you can customize your welding helmet according to your style. Besides the fashion, you can adjust the welding helmet according to your head size and working condition.
Safety is always a priority, and it improves if your welding helmet is certified by some authority. Two well-known certification authorities, ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3 insure its safety. Due to its low prices, it is an affordable option for students. Here are some of the features, pros and cons of this welding helmet.
Features
- A fixed shade of #11
- Its weight is 7 pound
- Ratchet headgear
- This welding helmet meets ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3 standards
- Decal sheets for design customization
- Suitable for Stick, TIG, Pulsed TIG, MIG, Pulsed MIG, Flux-Cored, Gouging welding processes
- Cheater lens holder
Pros
- A fabulous option for students
- Proper eyes protection
- Great view area improves welding operation
- Comfortable headgear
- Helpful for different kinds of operations
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Suitable for veteran welders
It is a passive welding helmet with a class. Built up with some extraordinary features which provide quality to the customers. Rugged super gals plus the material is used for building up to this welding helmet. This material offers imperviousness to moisture. Along with the impervious quality, it has the characteristic of bearing a sudden impact. It helps to resist cracks and chips. The surface is exceptionally smooth, which deflects the light completely.
It has a compact design which allows you to use it in such small spaces and tight clearance. A large number of welding helmets do not work efficiently in tight spaces. It offers a lens of a 2″x 4″ viewing area. This lens provides a clear view of the welding operation. It is coated with an ultraviolet and infrared radiation protection layer. This layer eliminates these harmful incoming rays and protects the eyes of the welder during the process.
Ratcheting headgear is another fabulous feature of this welding helmet that allows multiple adjustments according to the welder and the need of the hour. It helps to achieve the best working position with optimal weld viewing. Free-floating arms minimize the pressure point, which helps to provide comfort to the welder while operating. Besides, comfort also offers good balance and stability while welding tasks. Here are some features, pros and cons of this welding helmet.
Features
- Product weight is 1.25 pound
- It offers a 2″ x 4″ viewing area
- It comes with a fixed shade lens which is #10
- build up with rugged super gals plus the material
- Free-floating arms for balance
- Adjustable ratchet headgear
Pros
- Light in weight
- Suitable for tight spaces
- Adjustable headgear
- Complete deflection of incoming UV and IR radiations
- Comfortable headgear
- Imperviousness to the moisture
Cons
- Problem with the paint as it starts to scratch down
- Rough finished
- Adjustment is constantly required
When it comes to safety and class, Jackson has been among the names of reliability and trust for decades. Jackson has designed it by considering its durability and lightweight features. Durability helps the buyer in the long run. It’s light in weight and weighs only 6 ounces. Its lightweight feature reduces neck stress. The Hydraflex shell provides the ultimate flexibility to this welding helmet.
You can use it by wearing a hard hat. So, it helps to achieve head safety along with eye protection. It is also adaptable with the auto-darkening filters especially designed by Jackson Safety’s NexGen. Along with the built-in feature, you can get the cover plate and polycarbonate fixed shade welding helmet lens with shade 10.
It also offers protection to the operator, especially a blessing for the students and hobbyists. It is also a powerful safety tool for professionals. It comes with a variety of attractive graphics and features. It can adjust according to the welder. It is an attractive safety gadget with efficient features at economical prices. Jackson’s passive welding helmet has the certification of ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3, which attested that it is reliable regarding safety on behalf of these authorities. Check here the features, pros and cons of this product.
Features
- 6 ounces weight
- Fixed shade lens #10
- Hardhat adaptable
- Economical choice
- Adjustable with auto-darkening filters
- It meets with ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3 standards
Pros
- Relax to the welder while welding operation
- Work well with a hard hat
- A blessing for low budget companies or individuals
- Light in weight
- One can wear it for long hours
- Resistant to wear and tear
Cons
- Great for hobbyists, not for professionals
- the head strap has to be adjusted every time
Here is another excellent product of this list which is Miller passive welding helmet. If you love to look simple rather than a show-off or fancy, then Miller offers you according to your desire. It is a straightforward and well-designed passive welding helmet. The material used for the production of this welding helmet is Nylon, which is a rigid material that can withstand wear and tear.
It attracts customers with a large viewing area. The viewing area of this welding helmet is 15-7/10 inches x 15-7/10″, which is bigger than many other welding helmets. The large viewing area provides a clear picture of what’s going on. It also helps you to work precisely and efficiently. It is just possible due to the adaption of magnifying lenses. You can adjust a magnifying lens to inspect the details of the work.
It is a fixed shade welding helmet with shade #10. This shade number is considered the best-fixed shade for welding operations. In short, Miller passive welding helmet is a complete package for you with a fixed shade lens. You can find the features, pros and cons of this welding helmet in the following.
Features
- Its weight is 1.75 Pounds
- Its viewing area is 15-7/10 inches x 15-7/10″
- The dimension of the plate is 3-2/5 inches and 4 inch
- It is made up of Nylon
- Fixed shade #10
Pros
- Light in weight
- Suitable for working long hours
- Large viewing area
- Adjustable with welder
- Appropriate for tight spaces and every weather condition
Cons
- Hits back when tilting to inspect the work condition
- Skull is thin and flimsy
Conclusion:
The choice between the active and passive welding helmet depends upon the need. If you are a veteran welder and have to work in an open space, then these passive welding helmets are an outstanding choice for your work. Otherwise, choose the last one. Fibre-Metal by Honeywell Pipeliner Fiberglass Welding Helmet is suitable for working in tight spaces. On the other hand, you can do various welding operations with a Viking Industrial Passive Welding Helmet.
Miller Electric Passive Welding Helmet offers a superficial appearance to a welder. If you are stuck with the welding operations for long hours, then Jackson Safety Passive Welding Helmet is definitely for you. Miller Electric Passive Welding Helmet is suitable for proper inspection. It offers a large viewing area.