What lens shade number is recommended to use when welding?

What lens shade number is recommended to use when welding?

• A. 12-14 shade
• B. 9-10 shade & up always when welding
• C. 3-4 shade
• D. 5-8 shade

Answer: (B)

Welding emits a very bright arc that includes ultraviolet and infrared radiation, so protecting your eyes with the right helmet shade is essential. The lens shade number tells you how dark the visor is—the higher the number, the darker the lens and the less light gets through. For most welding tasks and processes, a minimum shade around 9 to 10 is recommended. This level provides enough protection against the bright arc while still letting you see the weld area clearly enough to control the puddle. Shades that are too light, like those in the 3–4 or 5–8 range, won’t block enough light and glare, risking eye injury and fatigue. Very dark shades (12–14) are fine for very bright arcs or high-current welding, but they aren’t the baseline safety standard for typical welding work—adjust to a darker shade only as the amperage and process require. So, using a lens shade number of 9–10 or higher whenever you weld is the safest general guideline.

Welding emits a very bright arc that includes ultraviolet and infrared radiation, so protecting your eyes with the right helmet shade is essential. The lens shade number tells you how dark the visor is—the higher the number, the darker the lens and the less light gets through.

For most welding tasks and processes, a minimum shade around 9 to 10 is recommended. This level provides enough protection against the bright arc while still letting you see the weld area clearly enough to control the puddle. Shades that are too light, like those in the 3–4 or 5–8 range, won’t block enough light and glare, risking eye injury and fatigue. Very dark shades (12–14) are fine for very bright arcs or high-current welding, but they aren’t the baseline safety standard for typical welding work—adjust to a darker shade only as the amperage and process require.

So, using a lens shade number of 9–10 or higher whenever you weld is the safest general guideline.