If you think investing in an expensive auto-darkening welding helmet GUARANTEES the highest lens clarity, think again.
Not all high-end models offer the finest visibility, so it’s crucial for welders, including beginners, to check and be aware of lens clarity ratings.
Understanding optical ratings isn’t as complex as you might think. Learning to read and interpret them correctly will help you choose the best welding hood for your specific needs. Let me explain everything about the OPTICAL CLASSIFICATION of helmets, starting with the basics.
What Are Clarity Ratings In Welding Lens?
Clarity rating is the most vital factor that determines how well you can see through the lens of your welding helmet. It is a method of standardizing and classifying welders’ hoods based on the VISIBILITY LEVEL of lenses, ascertained through tests that evaluate light transmission and several other factors (which we will be exploring in a while in further detail).
Now, there are two major standards for the optical classification of an auto-darkening lens – ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and EN (European Norm). While most US-based manufacturers adhere to the ANSI guidelines, others adhere to the EN 379 standard, i.e., the popular x/x/x/x rating system.
However, here in the USA, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) only relies on ANSI, more specifically, the ANSI Z87.1 standard, which is the benchmark for welding helmets manufactured in our country. It standardizes the clarity we experience at each lens shade setting.
While a fixed MINIMUM percentage of light transmittance ensures the best visuals at a specific setting, there is also a MAXIMUM percentage of light transmission that ensures the safety of our eyes and prevents muscle fatigue. Incidentally, at my workshop, we have both EN and ANSI-rated hoods in our collection.
Here, I want to highlight something vital for you to understand. Though DIFFERENT BRANDS of welding helmets are equipped with different sophisticated technologies, the optical ratings will always bear the same meaning and significance, irrespective of manufacturers and models.
Welding Helmet Ratings: Classes Of Optical Clarity
Now that I have told you what clarity rating means let me explain in greater detail what those numbers mean in the EN379 or “x/x/x/x” system.
In the EN standard, developed by the European Standards Commission, all welding helmets we see in the market are graded based on their lens visibility using a series of four numerals. These four numbers represent the classes or factors I mentioned earlier in the article.
Now, What Are These Four Classifications Of Lens Visibility?
Optical Class (1/x/x/x): The first category, optical class, relates to the accuracy or quality of view – it determines whether I see a distorted image of the workpiece through my welding hood, and if yes, then how inaccurate it is. Needless to say, distortion is the least in the case of a lens rated 1, while it is maximum for 3.
Light Diffusion (x/1/x/x): The second class decides the defects or impurities that hinder our viewing clarity. Scratches or defects on glass, no matter how small or light, can be hugely bothersome while welding since you cannot see through them correctly. Ideally, the lens should be exceptionally clear and devoid of the slightest impurities or defects (Fig-2 in the image below), which happens with those marked 1.
Light Homogeneity Or Consistency (x/x/1/x): The third group determines inconsistencies in luminous transmittance, i.e., whether there are any dark or light areas hampering your viewing experience. Ideally, the lens should allow light to pass through, with minimum variations, at any point across its length, breadth, and corners. Ones that are rated 1 deliver near-perfect homogeneity in light transmission.
Angle Dependence On Luminous Transmittance (x/x/x/1): The fourth category decides whether angled views are accurate or appear stretchy or blurry with unwanted dark areas. It addresses those hard-to-reach welding spots because not all work pieces will be directly in front of us. A rating of 1 means you always get an accurate view with consistent shading, irrespective of angles.
So, What Does 1/1/1/1 Or 1/1/1/2 Mean In Application?
As per the EN379 standard, the lens of your welding helmet is rated from 1 to 3 on four classes of optical clarity, with 1 being the highest and 3 the least. Put differently, when you come across a hood that comes with a specification like 1/1/1/2, you instantly know that it offers slightly less clearness.
Therefore, rest assured, a rating of 1/1/1/1 on an auto-darkening welding helmet is the hallmark of the finest and clearest visual experience. In this context, I also want to clarify that most welding goggles do not come with such classes, so, it’s recommended to stick to a hood.
Read more: Welding Helmet vs Goggles
How Do Clarity Ratings Affect Performance?
Two decades ago, when I was a novice welding professional, I doubted if there was much difference between a helmet marked 1/1/1/1 and 1/1/1/2 or 3. Well, as a beginner, it is natural to be confused.
However, today, as an expert welder who has tried on different types of hoods with various optical classifications, I know the dissimilarities are substantial.
Every time I use a 1/1/1/1 auto-darkening welding helmet, the workpiece is in perfect view, and I can see the arc distinctly and accurately without any distortions (Fig-1 in the image above). I find the overall experience more comfortable than using one marked with a clarity rating, say, 1/2/2/1 or even 1/1/1/2, which is closer to perfect clarity.
What’s more? Liam, ace welder of my team with 10+ years of experience, can instantly notice even subtle distortions in lenses marked 1 and 2, just by wearing the helmet. He says he feels stress in his eyes after using a 3-rated lens for a long time, which subsequently curbs his productivity.
When I have to look through a lens with distortions, uneven shading, or scratches, I automatically strain my eyes to see the weld (Fig-3). I guess you can relate to this. Continuously straining the eyes requires significantly more effort, which, in turn, hampers my tenacity to work, and very soon, I start feeling exhausted.
Welding operations can be pretty strenuous and go on for hours together, so getting the CLEAREST VIEW OF THE ARC makes things easier for us. It is not just helpful in achieving high precision but also ideal for protecting our eyes against stress and strain so that we can sustain productivity over extended periods.
So, the clarity rating of a welding helmet is a lot more than a ‘nice to have’ feature; it must be considered while comparing hoods or picking one. As such, I am very happy that my team is quite particular about considering the ones that are marked as 1/1/1/1, ensuring OPTIMAL VISIBILITY and EYE PROTECTION.
Because, no matter how comfortable a helmet feels after wearing, you cannot produce high-quality welds if you cannot see clearly.
Also Read: How To Change Lenses In A Welding Helmet?
Examples Of Welding Hoods With High Clarity Ratings
Below, I have listed some of the most popular models of welding helmets, along with their optical class.
| Welding Helmet | Clarity Rating |
| Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 | 1/1/1/1 |
| ESAB Sentinel A50 | 1/1/1/2 |
| 3M Speedglas 9100 | 1/1/1/2 |
| Miller Digital Elite | 1/1/1/2 |
| Jackson WH70 | 1/1/1/1 |
| Yeswelder LYG-M800H | 1/1/1/1 |
| Sonnler WH-0130 | 1/1/1/1 |
| Tooliom TL-M800D | 1/1/1/1 |
| Jackson Safety HLX 100 | 1/1/1/1 |
| Antra AH7-860-0000 | 1/1/1/2 |
You May Also Like: Evolution of Welding Helmets from Early Days
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, all models of welding helmets should explicitly specify their optical classification, no matter if it is auto-darkening or fixed-shade, i.e., passive. However, in reality, I have looked around the market and found that not all hoods are rated for their visibility.
Generally, high-end models from reliable brands, built for professional use, come with optical ratings, while the basic ones typically do not. Welding helmets with protective lens filters are clarity-rated under standards EN 166, EN 175, EN 169 for passive filters, and EN 379 for auto-darkening filters (ADF).
Well, I would always recommend a 1/1/1/1 or at least a 1/1/1/2 since they deliver the finest optical clarity, translating to improved productivity and eye safety. These ratings are closely comparable, and you will find some of the finest pro-grade hoods, like the ESAB Sentinel A50, classified as 1/1/1/2.
I find 1/1/1/2-rated helmets useful for frequent grinding works with ADF shade level 3 because you do not have to take them off while switching modes. Incidentally, no 1/1/1/1-rated masks currently offer an ADF shade level below 4, so a perfect EN-rated one might not be suitable for switching frequently between grinding and welding modes.
That said, clarity ratings lesser than these can significantly compromise your overall welding experience, as well as eye protection.
You can test the clarity rating of your welding hood by wearing it and examining your view through the lens. I suggest you also strike an arc and try viewing it from an angle to see if the view gets stretched or not. Although this method is not entirely accurate, it depends on your experience.
With a helmet rated as 1/1/1/1, your view should be impeccably clear, accurate, and undistorted, even while you are looking from a sharp angle. There should also be no unevenly dark or light areas on the ADF at any shade level. Slight visual inaccuracies mean your helmet offers a visibility that is less than perfect.
When you are buying an auto-darkening welding helmet in the USA, first ensure its clarity compliance with ANSI Z87.1, which is the OSHA-approved standard. If you do not find ANSI anywhere in the specifications, look for visibility ratings under the EN 379 system, like 1/1/1/1 or 1/1/1/2; the EN standard is globally acceptable.
Reliable welding hoods from reputed brands should always specify their optical classification in any of these systems; this is the clearest indication of their compliance with industry standards.
We have already seen, under the EN 379 standard, the visibility factor of an ADF helmet is rated from 1 to 3, with 1 being the best, whereas, for passive welding hoods, there is just a single optical class. Apart from this specification-wise difference, I have experienced superior optics using modern ADFs, which is especially advantageous for precise welding operations. With passive ones, I have mostly experienced poorer lens clarity.
Speaking logically, if my welding helmet develops scratches or cracks on its lens due to wear and tear, it will automatically impact its overall optical clarity. So, despite being classified as 1/1/1/1 originally, in reality, it will offer a poorer level of visibility.
Tips To Maintain Optical Clarity
I religiously follow certain things that help me maintain the peak visual clarity of my auto-darkening welding helmet. Let me share them with you.
First, please handle your welding hood with enough care at all times, whether you are about to use it or not. When not in use, store it properly away from heat, moisture, and dust.
Next, always place your helmet lens up to prevent it from brushing or scraping against hard and rough surfaces, like the floor or table.
If your helmet comes with a protective carrying bag, please place it inside that bag before storing it in a cupboard.
Use a soft and lint-free fabric to dust the lens; avoid using harsh detergents or solvents that can corrode the surface of the lens. To learn more about cleaning welding helmets, read this article.
Optical clarity is a critical consideration that directly impacts our eye comfort, productivity, and overall work quality in welding operations. Yet, I have seen welders disregard ratings while buying a hood – often due to a lack of proper understanding, I dare say!
However, I am deeply hopeful that after reading this article, you can now appreciate the importance of optical classifications in welding helmets. And, that you can also award a “1” to the “clarity rating” of how well you understand this topic!
Key Takeaways
Lens clarity is essential for optimal visibility in welding helmets, but not all high-end models guarantee this.
Optical ratings, governed by ANSI and EN standards, help welders choose the right gear for their needs.
The EN379 standard uses a four-number classification for welding helmets to measure lens quality, including optical class, light diffusion, light homogeneity, and angle dependence.
A 1/1/1/1 clarity rating offers the highest clarity and comfort, reducing eye strain and boosting productivity during extended welding sessions.
Regular maintenance and careful handling of helmets preserve optical clarity and ensure long-term performance.
Understanding and checking optical ratings can enhance both eye safety and the quality of welds.
