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.
Why does my auto-darkening helmet not darken, or flicker?
If the filter does not darken when you strike an arc, stop welding at once. Maker manuals list the usual causes in much the same order: a soiled or damaged front or inner cover lens, dirty arc sensors, a sensitivity setting too low for low-current work, and weak batteries or dirty battery contacts.
Replace a damaged cover lens, wipe the sensors with a clean lint-free cloth, raise the sensitivity and check the battery. Very cold conditions can slow the response, and headgear set unevenly can cause irregular darkening. If the fault remains, stop using the helmet and contact the dealer or maker.
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.