Lincoln EuropurePLUS PAPR 5500 Parts FAQs
Filters, batteries, blower and head-top spares for a powered air respirator used with a welding helmet, and how to keep them in working order.
How do I know when the filter needs changing?
Filters have a limited capacity and can clog, and a clogged filter reduces airflow. The usual signs are a low-airflow alarm or indicator, a unit that fails its airflow check even with a fully charged battery, or a filter that is physically damaged. Makers say the unit must not be used if it fails the airflow test.
There is no single time interval, because it depends on how much fume you work in and how often. If the alarm sounds while you are working, leave the fume area straight away and follow the maker's instructions before you go back.
What do a pre-filter and a spark guard do?
In welding units the parts are usually fitted in layers. A spark guard (arrestor) sits at the front to stop hot spatter reaching the filters. A pre-filter catches larger particles before they reach the main particle filter, so that the main filter clogs more slowly.
Hot spatter can damage filter material, so a damaged or missing spark guard matters: check it before each use and replace it if it is damaged. A clogged filter makes the blower work harder, which can also affect battery run-time. Always fit these parts in the order and way the manual shows.
What does P3 mean on a filter, and can I use any P3 filter?
P3 is the highest of the three particle filter classes under the filter standard. It is the class usually specified for welding fume. Particle filters are tested at a very small particle size, and P3 filters have to catch at least 99.95 percent of the test particles.
Having P3 on the label does not mean a filter fits every unit. Filters and the blower are approved as a system, so the HSE advises that replacement parts ideally come from the original manufacturer of the equipment. Check the data plate and manual for the filter type and class your unit needs.
How do I check the airflow before I start work?
Follow the maker's airflow check each time you use the unit. Typically this means a fully charged battery, filters fitted correctly, the breathing tube connected to the head-top, and an airflow indicator or low-flow alarm test as the manual describes. HSE guidance for users also says to make sure battery-powered equipment is fully charged and that hoses are connected properly.
If the unit fails the test, do not use it. Repeat the test with a fully charged battery and a new filter, and contact the maker or your supplier if it still fails.