110mm X 90mm Lenses FAQs
Practical answers on fitting, caring for and replacing fixed-shade filter lenses and cover lenses in this size.
Does the move to EN ISO 16321 change what I should look for on a welding lens?
EN ISO 16321 is replacing the older EN 166 family of eye-protection standards, and Part 2 is the one aimed at welding protectors. You may see older markings on lenses for a while.
For a replacement lens, the practical point is to match what your helmet maker specifies. Check the markings on your current lens and the helmet manual rather than assuming a lens from a different source is equivalent.
Why does light show round the edge of my filter lens, and what should I do?
Light showing around a fixed filter usually means the lens is not seated or secured properly, or the holder, frame or gasket is worn or damaged. Do not keep welding. The helmet should screen the whole face, ears and part of the neck from direct arc radiation, and a gap defeats that.
Remove the lens, check the holder and gasket for damage, refit the parts flat in the order shown in the manual, and look for light before you strike an arc. If the gap remains, the holder or helmet may need replacing.
What goes in front of and behind a fixed-shade filter lens?
A fixed-shade filter is normally protected on both sides by clear cover lenses, usually made of polycarbonate or CR39. The outer cover takes the spatter and scratches so the filter does not have to, and an inner clear plate protects it from the inside.
Work in the order your helmet manual shows, usually outer cover, filter, then inner cover, with any gaskets or retaining parts seated flat. The exact layout varies between helmets, so follow the instructions supplied with yours, and do not weld with the filter exposed.
Can I use lenses made by a different maker in my helmet?
Sometimes, but check carefully. Lenses of the same nominal size can still differ in thickness, corner shape or edge finish, and a lens that does not seat correctly can rattle or let light leak round the edge. Some helmet makers state that only their own original spare parts should be used.
Check the helmet manual, compare the old lens against the new one before fitting, and make sure the lens carries clear markings including the shade where it is a filter. If the fit is poor or the markings are missing, do not use it.