FAQs
WELDING
Q: What is ADC (Angular Dependence Compensation)?
Allows a welder to work in various positions with no shade variation in the viewing area. This will decrease eye fatigue and allow the welder to perform better welds for a longer period of time. The advantage of the auto darkening filters with ADC plus, compared to those with standard technology, is a uniform shade level over the viewing area. Observed within ± 30° to the normal to the filter.
Q: Why does the ADF (Auto Darkening Filter) on the Tigerhood Futura welding helmet have only 2 sensors compared to the 4 sensors used in many competitors’ welding helmets?
A: Using 4 sensors in an ADF is considered old technology. If a manufacturer is using 4 sensors, it usually means that they are having difficulty with “angle dependency.” This is the angle at which light enters the sensors to activate the liquid crystals.
Q: What are the advantages of using 2 sensors instead of 4 sensors?
A: When using 4 sensors, each one has to be positioned almost perfectly in front of the light source to trigger the liquid crystal and darken the lens. This is not a factor with 2 “wide angle” sensors. This allows the sensors to react to the light source from almost any angle. One of the sensors can be covered, or the light source could be blocked, and the other sensor will react to the light and darken the lens. The Fibre Metal sensors work independently of each other. The lens is solar powered. Because batteries are not needed, cost is reduced. The FMP ADF lens does not need direct light to darken. It picks up light sources from almost a 90 degree angle. Our lens provides constant UV/IR protection whether the lens is on or off, light or dark.
Q: What is the purpose of the “sensitivity adjustment”?
A: This is a manual adjustment, located on the inside of the ADF, to protect it from the harsh welding environment. This adjustment reduces the effects of extraneous light on the sensors. Adjustments can be made to the welding application. The “smart” lens will only darken to your arc.
Q: What are the available sizes of the ADF lenses?
A: 2″ x 4 ¼”, 90 x 110 mm, 110 x 110 mm
Q: What shade levels are available for the ADC ADF lens?
A: The FMPBV913DSADC lens provides shade levels between 9 and 13.
Q: What is the warranty for the FMPBV913DSADC?
A: The warranty is 2 years from the date of shipping.
Q. If I use an auto darkening filter equipped welding helmet, will I see “flash” in the time it takes the lens to switch from light to dark?
A: No, most brands of ADF switch from light to dark many times faster than the international standards require and the human eye can see. In some of the old slower models, the wearer occasionally saw a split second of bright light but their eyes were still protected from radiation by an interference filter.
HARD HAT
Before wearing a protective cap or hard hat in a hazardous working environment, carefully read all instructions, warnings and limitations that come with or are attached to the hard hat. If you do not understand the instructions or have any questions, check with a responsible safety official or the manufacturer of the hard hat.
Q. What is the service life of my hard hat?
A. We recommend the maximum service life of a hard hat to be 5 years for the shell and 1 year for the suspension. This timeframe is based upon the date the hard hat is put into service, not the manufacture date. We recommend that you note the first day of service life by writing it on the ANSI or CSA certification label found on the inside of the hard hat. As required by both ANSI and CSA, a thorough inspection of the hat and suspension should be conducted before each use.
Q. Are replacement parts available for my hard hat?
A. Yes. Use only the replacement parts specific for your hard hat. Never try to install suspensions from one cap manufacturer to another.
Q. What markings are required on the hard hat?
A. Manufacturer’s identity, model, applicable type and class designation, date of manufacture, size. If applicable: reverse donning, lower temperature, high visibility
Q. Can I wear a baseball cap or place objects under my hard hat?
A. We designed your hard hat to meet strict ANSI Z89.1 and CSAZ94.1 standards. These standards require that a minimum distance between the hard hat and suspension is maintained in order to provide full protection. Do not place any object between the hard hat shell and the suspension! This includes cigarette packs, writing utensils or any other object. Your hard hat was also manufactured to meet specific dielectric standards for voltage. Placing a baseball cap or any other device under the suspension of the hard hat will reduce or eliminate the dielectric protection that the hard hat was designed to meet. A baseball cap or other similar object may reduce the function of the suspension, resulting in hard hat failure. You may place a smooth cloth, such as a bandana under the suspension of the hard hat, provided there is no bunching or folding of the cloth between the hard hat suspension and your head. Winter liners and cooling headwear should not affect the performance of a hard hat if these products are worn properly and are fitted smoothly on the head.
Q. Can I paint or apply stickers to my hard hat?
A. Stickers and labels may be added to the hard hat shell, as long as none is over 0.5 inches from the bottom of the hard hat. Keep in mind that adding stickers and labels to a hard hat makes it much more difficult to inspect the shell for cracks and damage. Pay close attention to the areas around and under the labels or stickers. You may have to remove the suspension and carefully check the underside of the hard hat shell in order to properly inspect the site of the label or sticker.
Paint contains chemicals that will interfere with the performance and integrity of the hard hat shell. Do not, under any circumstances, paint the shell of a hard hat!
Q. Can I drill holes in my hard hat?
A. Never drill ventilation holes in a safety hat. Headwear should never be drilled or otherwise modified in order to attach accessories or decorations. Making holes in headwear severely affects a product’s dielectric protective properties. For certain products, manufacturers provide kits for attaching accessories, but such modifications should be performed strictly in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Q. How do I clean my hard hat?
A. The buildup of workplace contaminants can hide cracks and gouges. Gently wash your hard hat with warm, mild, soapy water at least once per week. After washing, the shell, suspension, and liner should be thoroughly rinsed and air dried. Removing the buildup of workplace contaminants will help you to make the most thorough inspection of your hard hat.
Q. How do I store my hard hat?
A. Store your hard hat in a clean, dry, room temperature place where it will not come in contact with, or become subject to, any of the following: Sunlight/UV radiation, chemicals, temperature extremes (hot and/or cold), or impact from any object.
Q. What is a hard hat suspension?
A. The portion of the harness which is designed to act as an energy-absorbing mechanism. It may consist of crown straps, protective padding, or a similar mechanism.
Q: What is the difference between Type I and Type II?
Both the CSA Z94.1 and ANSI Z89.1 standards have two levels of protection. ANSI TYPE I or CSA TYPE 1: Intended to protect the user against impact to and penetration of the crown only. ANSI TYPE II or CSA TYPE 2: Intended to protect the user against impact to and penetration of the crown and laterally
Q: What is the difference between the different electrical classes?
Both the CSA Z94.1 and ANSI Z89.1 standards have three levels of electrical classes. Class E (Electrical) provides dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts. Class G (General) provides dielectric protection up to 2,200 volts. Class C (Conductive) provides no dielectric protection.