OM-256476 Page 3
1-4. Lens Shade Selection Table
Process
Electrode Size
in. (mm)
Arc Current
in
Amperes
Minimum
Protective
Shade No.
Suggested
Shade No.
(Comfort)*
Shielded Metal Arc
Welding (SMAW)
Less than 3/32 (2.4)
3/32
−
5/32 (2.4
−
4.0)
5/32
−
1/4 (4.0
−
6.4)
More than 1/4 (6.4)
Less than 60
60
−
160
160
−
250
250
−
550
7
8
10
11
−−
10
12
14
Gas Metal
Arc Welding
(GMAW)
Flux Cored
Arc Welding
(FCAW)
Less than 60
60
−
160
160
−
250
250
−
500
7
10
10
10
−−
11
12
14
Gas Tungsten Arc
Welding (TIG)
Less than 50
50
−
150
150
−
500
8
8
10
10
12
14
Air Carbon
Arc Cutting (CAC-A)
Light
Heavy
Less than 500
500
−
1000
10
11
12
14
Plasma Arc
Cutting (PAC)
Less than 20
20
−
40
40
−
60
60
−
80
80
−
300
300
−
400
400
−
800
4
5
6
8
8
9
10
4
5
6
8
9
12
14
Plasma Arc Welding
(PAW)
Less than 20
20
−
100
100
−
400
400
−
800
6
8
10
11
6
−
8
10
12
14
Reference: ANSI Z49.1:2012
* Start with a shade that is too dark to see the weld zone. Then, go to a lighter shade which gives a
sufficient view of the weld zone without going below the minimum.
1-5. Principal Safety Standards
Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes,
ANSI Standard Z49.1, is available as a free down-
load from the American Welding Society at http://www.aws.org or purchased from Global Engineering
Documents (phone: 1-877-413-5184, website: www.global.ihs.com).
Safe Practice For Occupational And Educational Eye And Face Protection,
ANSI Standard Z87.1,
from American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 (phone:
212-642-4900, website: www.ansi.org).
Industrial Head Protection,
ANSI/ISEA Standard Z89.1, from American National Standards Institute,
25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 (phone: 212-642-4900, website: www.ansi.org).