14
SHADE GUIDE SETTINGS
f your goggles do not include any one of the shades referenced above, it
is recommended you use the next shade darker.
NT 1
GUIDE FOR SHADE NUMBERS
OPERATION
ELECTRODE SIZE
ARC
MINIMUM
SUGGESTED(1)
1/32 in. (mm)
CURRENT (A)
PROTECTIVE
SHADE NO.
SHADE
(COMFORT)
Shielded metal arc
Less than 3 (2.5)
Less than 60
7
–
welding
3-5 (2.5–4)
60-160
8
10
5-8 (4–6.4)
160-250
10
12
More than 8 (6.4)
250-550
11
14
Gas metal arc
Less than 60
7
–
welding and flux
60-160
10
11
cored arc welding
160-250
10
12
250-500
10
14
Gas tungsten arc
Less than 50
8
10
welding
50-150
8
12
150-500
10
14
Air carbon
(Light)
Less than 500
10
12
Arc cutting
(Heavy)
500-1000
11
14
Plasma arc welding
Less than 20
6
6 to 8
20-100
8
10
100-400
10
12
400-800
11
14
Plasma arc cutting
(Light)
(2)
(2)
(2)
Less than 300
8
9
(Medium)
300-400
9
12
(Heavy)
400-800
10
14
Torch brazing
–
–
3 or 4
Torch soldering
–
–
2
Carbon arc welding
–
–
14
PLATE THICKNESS
in.
mm
Gas welding
Light
Under 1/8
Under 3.2
4 or 5
Medium
1/8 to 1/2
3.2 to 12.7
5 or 6
Heavy
Over 1/2
Over 12.7
6 or 8
Oxygen cutting
Light
Under 1
Under 25
3 or 4
Medium
1 to 6
25 to 150
4 or 5
Heavy
Over 6
Over 150
5 or 6
(
1)
As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark, then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going
below the minimum. In oxyfuel gas welding or cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbs
the yellow or sodium line the visible light of the (spectrum) operation
(2)
These values apply where the actual arc is clearly seen. Experience has shown that lighter filters may be used when the arc is hidden by the
workpiece.
.
Data from ANSI Z49.1-2005
