If you are an ardent welder, then I am sure you know the importance of a quality welding helmet. A good welding helmet will save you from the danger of eye injury and even permanent blindness.
However, the importance of these welding helmets cannot be underestimated as they give ample protection to the eyes.
Auto Darkening Welding Helmets are in high demand today. Auto-darkening shade can protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation during welding, grinding, cutting, and flame cutting.
Why is auto darkening welding helmet not working? Most people that have an auto-darkening welding helmet realize how much time and money they save when using one.
But if you’re one of the few that has a helmet that is not working the way it should be, then it is time to find out why. After all, time is money. So, keep reading!
How to Know that Auto Darkening Helmet is Working or Not?
When you are using an electric arc welding helmet, it’s important to make sure that it is working properly. If you’re looking for a way to know that your auto-darkening helmet is working, here are a few ways to check:
- The helmet does not darken at all when the welder is turned on, even though the sensitivity switch is turned up to its highest setting.
- The helmet does not darken at all when the welder is turned off but does darken when the welder is turned on.
- The helmet darkens too quickly or too slowly compared to other helmets you use regularly.
- Check for the light sensor. If it’s not working, the helmet will not protect you from paintballs and other projectiles.
- Look at the lens and see if it has darkened or not. If it has not darkened, then there may be something wrong with your helmet.
- Check to see if there are any scratches on the lens. This could mean that the filter is damaged or missing, which would make it unsafe for use in combat situations.
To know more about welding helmets’ non-functioning causes and solutions to adjust these issues, read the full article.
Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Not Working? 7 Easy Ways to Adjust
If your auto-darkening welding helmet is not working properly and the light level isn’t adjusting correctly, it could be that the batteries are weak. Try to perform a test weld with different intensities and see whether your welding helmet settings adjust accordingly.
The following are seven common problems that can occur with auto-darkening welding helmets and instructions on how to solve them:
1. Obstruct Visibility Issue:
The first problem that you might have with your auto-darkening welding helmet is poor visibility. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, but the most common are dirty lenses and incorrectly adjusted settings.
Symptom: You cannot see out easily.
Solution:
If you’re having trouble seeing through your welding helmet, it may be time to clean it.
Cleaning your welding helmet is easy and can help improve visibility. All you need is some warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Simply wipe down all surfaces of your welding helmet, including the glass lens, to remove any dirt or grime buildup.
2. Too Much Darkening Issue:
If your helmet is too sensitive, it will darken completely when it detects any light at all, including the light from welding tools and other sources around you. This can make it difficult to see what you’re doing and may even cause eye strain or damage.
Symptom: Difficult to weld with care.
Solution:
To fix this problem, first, check out your helmet’s manual to see if there’s an option to adjust its sensitivity settings. If there isn’t, then check online for instructions on how to do so yourself. You’ll want to adjust these settings until they’re just right—not too sensitive and not too insensitive, either.
3. Helmet Loosening Issue:
If you’re wearing a helmet that’s too big for your head, it’s going to be prone to loosening. The helmet should be snug and secure on your head so that it doesn’t move around or fall off when you’re working.
It should also be padded enough so that it doesn’t cause any discomfort or pressure points on the back of your head.
If your helmet is too big for your head, this can cause problems with the auto-darkening feature. If the helmet isn’t secure on your head, then the auto-darkening mechanism won’t work properly. You’ll have trouble seeing clearly during welding and may even damage yourself because of it.
Symptom: Do not comfortable during welding work.
Solution:
The problem of helmet loosening is a very common issue and can be solved by tightening the screws on the helmet. The helmet should be tightened at least once every month, but it’s best to do so every day.
The solution is to rotate the outer shell clockwise and counterclockwise until it no longer moves. Then, tighten all of your helmet’s screws with an Allen wrench.
4. Difficult to See Weld:
If you can’t see enough of your weld, it can be a pain to get your weld right. When you’re trying to get a good bead on a weld, it’s important to see the entire weld area in order to ensure that you’re placing your weld in the right place.
If you have trouble focusing on the area of your workpiece that you need to work on, this can cause issues with consistency and quality.
Symptom: The issue in doing the welding.
Solution:
The standard lens for welding helmets is around 3 inches in diameter, which gives you a great field of vision but not enough to see the details of your weld.
If you’re having trouble seeing what you’re doing with your current helmet, try looking for a wider lens that’s between 4 and 4.5 inches in diameter. This will give you an even better view of what’s going on.
5. Too Bright Weld Issue:
Welds can be tricky, especially when you’re first starting out. You want to get the perfect amount of light and heat to the area you’re working on, but too much can mean that your weld is weak and brittle.
If your weld seems too bright, it could mean that your helmet is not set properly for the current lighting conditions.
Symptom: Welding seems much bright.
Solution:
When you’re welding, it’s important to have the right shade setting. If you have the wrong one, then you may be seeing too much light and not enough darkness. This can cause eye strain and other problems that can make your job harder.
If your helmet seems too bright when you’re welding, try adjusting the shade to a darker setting. This should help reduce the amount of light that you see while welding.
6. Eye Discomfort Issue:
Eye strain is a common problem that can be caused by using the wrong welding helmet. The auto darkening function is designed to reduce eye strain, but if it’s not working properly, you may experience discomfort and headaches.
Symptom: Headaches & Discomfort Issues
Solution:
If your eyes are getting strained from welding, it is probably because of the reaction time (or lack thereof) of your auto-darkening helmet. You may need to adjust the sensitivity settings on your helmet. To do this, turn on your helmet and flip up the visor.
Then press and hold the trigger switch until you hear a beep. Now press the +/- button until you reach the desired setting. Don’t forget to flip down your visor and turn off your helmet when you’re done!
7. Poor Battery Issue:
If your helmet is flickering when you turn it on, it could be a battery issue. The two most common causes are that the battery is dead or that it’s not fully seated in its compartment.
Symptom: Flickering of Lights
Solution:
To test if your battery is dead, try taking it out and putting it back in again (make sure the power is off). If that doesn’t work, try replacing the battery with a new one.
If the problem persists after changing out batteries, check to make sure that the contacts aren’t corroded and are making a good connection when you put them back together.
How to Purchase A Quality Level Auto Darkening Welding Helmet?
Welding is a rewarding hobby, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re planning on trying it out for the first time, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right equipment.
One of the most important pieces of equipment is a quality level auto darkening welding helmet. A good welding helmet will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, prevent flash blindness and give you a clear view of what you’re working on.
It should also be comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.
Here are some tips for picking out the right helmet:
Don’t Buy a Cheap Helmet
You can get a quality helmet for about $200, but you’ll likely have to spend more if you want to get the features that are most important to you.
If you don’t plan on using your welding helmet very often, though, it might be worth spending less money on one that is more affordable.
If you buy a cheap helmet, you will face some issues in the future, so I recommend you not to buy a cheap one.
Look at the Warranty and Return Policy
Your welding helmet should come with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for at least two years from the purchase date – and ideally longer (5+ years).
It should also offer free return shipping if you’re not satisfied with your purchase within 30 days of receiving it!
Make Sure the Face shield is Replaceable
It’s best if your helmet comes with at least 2 replacement face shields so that if one gets damaged or scratched during use, it can easily be replaced without having to buy an entirely new helmet or wait for one to arrive in the mail from the manufacturer or distributor (which could take weeks!).
Go for Anti Fog Coating Helmet
Last but not least, make sure that your helmet comes with an anti-fog coating on the inside lens so that you don’t have any problems seeing where you’re going while welding!
I have a helmet with anti-fog coating feature and I do not face any issues with the helmet vision.
Auto Darkening Welding Helmets Life Expectancy
The answer to this question is a bit complicated, and the reason for that is that there are so many different factors that come into play.
Let’s start with the basics: auto-darkening helmets will typically last anywhere from 5 to 7 years, depending on how much you use them.
If you’re only using it in your garage or at home, then it’s very likely that you’ll get more than 5 years out of your helmet.
However, if you’re using it every day at work and are exposed to lots of UV rays while you’re working, then the lifespan of your helmet will be much less.
There are two primary ways to measure the lifecycle of an auto-darkening helmet: reliability and durability.
Reliability, as it applies to auto-darkening helmets, refers to how long they take to switch from clear to dark when they’re exposed to light.
Durability refers to how long they can withstand the punishment of being worn on a daily basis without falling apart or breaking down.
Normally, I replaced two auto-darkening welding helmets in the past with a life expectancy of seven to nine years.
Also See: Made In USA Welding Helmet
How to Extend Life Expectancy of Auto-Darkening Helmets?
They offer the perfect combination of good visibility and protection from harmful UV rays, which means you don’t have to worry about getting sunburned or damaging your eyes.
But just like any other product, auto-darkening helmets eventually wear down and require replacement.
However, if you take care of your helmet properly and maintain it properly, you can extend its life expectancy and get more use out of it before needing to buy a new one. Here are some tips for keeping your helmet in good condition:
| No. | Tips | Description |
| 1 | Store it in a safe place | Don’t leave your helmet lying around where it can get damaged or lost—store it somewhere that’s safe from damage (like under a bed or under a desk). If you do have an accident with your helmet, replace it immediately! |
| 2 | Don’t store it in direct sunlight | Auto-darkening helmets use solar panels that generate electricity when exposed to light. If these panels are exposed to too much light (like if they’re sitting out on the dashboard), they could become damaged or stop working entirely. |
| 3 | Careful handling | It’s important that you always handle your helmet with care. Avoid dropping it on concrete or bumping it into hard surfaces, which can cause the glass on the viewing window to crack or scratch. This will make it harder for the device to darken when needed in an emergency situation. |
| 4 | Keep it clean | Your helmet should be kept clean at all times—but especially after each use—to maintain its function and longevity. You should also regularly clean any filters in your mask to keep dust and other particles from clogging up the air passages and affecting visibility during use. |
| 5 | Stay away from heat | Keep your auto-darkening welding helmet away from heat sources like open flames or hot tools. These can cause damage over time as well—even if it doesn’t happen right away! |
Things that Affect the Lifespan of Auto-Darkening Helmets
The lifespan of an auto-darkening helmet is affected by many different factors. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.
| No. | Things that Affect | Description |
| 1 | Helmet Usage | How often do you use it? If you’re using your auto-darkening helmet every day, it will last longer than if you only use it once in a while. |
| 2 | Material Quality | The quality of materials used in manufacturing the helmet. A higher-quality helmet will last longer than one that was put together with cheaper materials. |
| 3 | Welding Type | The type of welding used to put the helmet together. Stick welding is better than MIG welding for durability and longevity, but both are good choices for auto-darkening helmets if done well! |
| 4 | Proper Cleaning | How well do you clean your helmet after each use (and whether or not there is any corrosion on it)? A dirty or corroded helmet will not last as long as one that’s clean and shiny! |
| 5 | Helmet Care | Helmet is whether or not it has been exposed to extreme weather conditions. If you leave your helmet sitting in direct sunlight for long periods of time, this can damage its internal electronics and reduce its ability. |
Final Words!
It is a reality that a lot can go wrong with the best auto-darkening welding helmet. There are many types of auto-darkening helmets available in the market, and all come with different features and capabilities.
Some do not always perform as they should, while others may suffer from small flaws which creep up at some point.
However, if you follow the above article troubleshooting tips carefully when your auto darkening welding helmet is not working, then your helmet will be back to full auto darkening function in no time.
FAQs:
What can cause auto-darkening filters to malfunction?
There are many reasons that the auto-darkening lens might malfunction. One possible reason is that the helmet has not been put through a complete charge. It is also possible that the helmet could have been used by someone else with a different welding mount, and thus, changing your settings would affect how well your helmet works.
How do you test an auto-darkening welding helmet?
This is a simple way for you to check if your auto-darkening welding helmet will work well. First, wear a helmet and go outside. It’s best to choose a spot where there’s a lot of sunlight in order to get an accurate reading. Now, focus on the lens and see if there is any reaction.
Why is my auto-darkening welding helmet flickering?
When the auto-darkening welding helmet starts to flicker, it means that the battery is low and in need of replacement. An auto-darkening welding helmet will usually have between 3-5 years of battery life, depending on how often you use it and in what capacity. If you are using your welding helmet more than three hours a day at a high amp welding current, then you should consider replacing your batteries more frequently.
Are cheap auto-darkening welding helmets safe?
The cheap auto-darkening welding helmets are not safe because of the lack of features that are found on expensive ones. The cheaper helmets have fewer capabilities, and they will only work at certain temperatures. This can cause your eyes to be in pain if you forget to switch them back to clear mode when you’re finished working.
