ESAB Savage A50 LUX Parts FAQs
Spare lenses, magnifiers, batteries, headgear and controls for an auto-darkening welding helmet, and how to work out which part you need.
How do I check the helmet works before I weld?
Press the test button if your helmet has one. The filter should darken at once and return to light when you release it. If it does not, do not use the helmet. Manuals also say to check that the sensors are clean, that the protective films are removed from new lenses, that the low-battery light is not on, and that the shade suits the process.
Check the headband is secure and look over the parts for scratches, cracks or pitting before each use, replacing anything damaged first. If the filter ever fails to darken when you strike an arc, stop welding immediately.
How do I know the helmet battery needs replacing?
Many helmets have a low-battery light, and manuals say not to use the helmet while it is lit. If the filter flickers or fails to darken, a weak battery is one possible cause, but dirty lenses, dirty sensors or a low sensitivity setting cause the same symptoms, so check those too. Many filters use a replaceable lithium coin cell, sometimes two, alongside a solar cell. Your manual gives the type and number.
Fit the cell the right way round, clean the battery contacts if needed, and never open or tamper with the filter itself. Makers advise removing the battery before long storage. Dispose of old cells safely.
What is grind mode for, and why must I switch it off before welding?
Grind mode holds the filter at a fixed light shade so you can see while grinding or preparing a joint, and the filter does not darken for bright grinding sparks. Maker manuals state that the shade is fixed in this mode and that it is for grinding only, never for welding.
Always return the helmet to weld or cut mode before you strike an arc, because a filter left in grind mode may not darken and will not protect your eyes from the arc. If the filter does not darken when you strike an arc, stop at once and check the mode first. Follow the manual for how your helmet switches mode and how to look after its controls.
Do I still need safety glasses under the helmet?
Yes. Wear safety glasses with side shields under the helmet when welding, grinding or chipping, as a helmet is not designed to guard against every flying particle. Contact lenses are no substitute, because they do not protect against ultraviolet radiation or flying objects.
Manuals also warn that a welding helmet will not protect against severe impact. A magnifying lens or an inner cover lens does not replace safety glasses either. Check your risk assessment and the helmet manual for any additional eye protection needed for the work you do.