Which welding glasses to use? Guide to shades and EN 169 standard

Not all welding glasses are suitable for every process, and this is not a matter of comfort, but of actual radiation. The most common mistake is to assume that dark-tinted glasses are interchangeable between autogenous welding, cutting or electric welding, when each process generates a different level of radiation that requires a specific filter shade and, in some cases, directly demands a face shield instead of glasses.

In this article, we explain which processes welding glasses are really suitable for, how the EN 169 standard shade scale works, and at what point glasses become insufficient and complete facial protection is needed.

WHAT ARE WELDING GLASSES REALLY USED FOR?

Welding glasses are designed for processes with moderate radiation: autogenous welding (oxyacetylene), cutting, hard soldering (brazing) and low-intensity plasma cutting. They are also used for protection for welding assistants—workers who operate near an electric arc without being the direct welders—and who need a lighter filter than the main operator.

Difference with welding face shield

In medium or high-intensity electric welding (electrode, MIG/MAG, TIG from certain amperages), the radiation generated exceeds what a simple pair of glasses can safely filter, and it is mandatory to use a face shield or welding mask with a darker filter shade (usually shade 8 to 13) and additional protection of the entire face against molten metal splashes. We addressed this coverage distinction between glasses and shields in our dedicated article, and in welding it is precisely where that difference becomes critical: glasses should never be used as a substitute for a shield in medium or high-intensity arc processes.

THE EN 169 STANDARD: SHADE SCALE EXPLAINED

The EN 169 standard regulates filters for welding and related techniques, establishing a scale of shade numbers: the higher the number, the darker the filter and the lower the visible light transmission. Every welding filter must have this number engraved along with the CE mark, and must also meet the general requirements for resistance and impact of the EN 166 standard.

Shades according to process

As a general guide (the exact shade depends on the actual process intensity and should be confirmed with the manufacturer's table):

• Welding assistants, near the arc without directly welding : shade 1.7 to 3.
• Cutting and autogenous welding, light processes : shade 3 to 5, depending on the torch nozzle diameter or flame intensity.
• Low-intensity electric welding (light MIG/MAG) : shade 5, at the upper limit of what glasses can safely cover.
• Medium to high-intensity electric welding (electrode, TIG, high amperages) : shade 8 to 13, exclusive to shields and welding masks, outside the range of conventional glasses.

Fixed shade vs. variable shade filter

Traditional welding glasses feature a fixed shade filter, suitable when the process and intensity remain stable. There are also variable shade filters, which automatically adjust their darkening according to the detected light intensity, although this technology is much more common in shields and masks (under EN 379 standard) than in conventional welding glasses.

Read our full article on Which standard regulates safety glasses - Complete guide to EN 166

WHEN TO USE EACH TYPE OF WELDING GLASSES?

• Industrial cutting : glasses with shade 3-5, lightweight and well-ventilated for prolonged use.
• Autogenous welding and hard soldering (brazing) : glasses with shade 3-5, prioritising comfort if the process is repeated several times a day.
• Assistants and auxiliary staff in arc welding areas : glasses with shade 1.7-3, without being directly exposed to the arc.
• Low-intensity plasma cutting : glasses with shade according to the cutting equipment manufacturer's specifications.
• Any medium or high-intensity electric welding : shield or welding mask, never glasses, regardless of available shade.

PRODUCT EXAMPLES AND SOLUTIONS AT SEKURECO

In our Safety glasses category, you will find specific models for welding and related processes:

• Glasses for cutting and autogenous welding with EN 169 certified filter in shade 3, 4 or 5, lightweight and with integrated side protection.

See featured product:

• Glasses for welding assistants, with shade 1.7 to 3 filter, designed for prolonged work near the welding area.
• Welding clips and adapters to place over graduated safety glasses, without needing a specific complete model.
• For medium or high-intensity electric welding, see our welding shields category, with shade 8 to 13 filters and automatic darkening options.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I use welding glasses for any type of electric welding?

No. Welding glasses are designed for moderate radiation processes such as cutting or autogenous welding; medium or high-intensity electric welding requires a shield or mask with a much darker shade.

2. What does the shade number mean on a welding filter?

It is the scale number defined by EN 169 standard: the higher the number, the darker the filter and the less visible light it transmits, depending on the radiation intensity of the process.

3. What shade do I need for cutting?

It depends on the diameter of the cutting torch nozzle; as a general guide, it usually falls between shade 3 and 5, although it is advisable to confirm it with the specific manufacturer table of the equipment.

4. Do welding glasses also protect against particle impacts?

Yes, they must also meet the general requirements of EN 166 standard, which guarantees impact resistance in addition to radiation protection from the EN 169 filter.

5. Are there welding glasses with variable shade like in shields?

It is uncommon; automatic darkening technology (EN 379) is almost always used in shields and welding masks, not in conventional glasses.

CHOOSE THE CORRECT SHADE FOR YOUR WELDING PROCESS

Choosing the wrong shade for your eye protection in welding is not just a matter of visibility: it is a real risk to eye health in the long term. At Sekureco, you will find EN 169 certified welding glasses for cutting and light processes, as well as face shields for higher-intensity electric welding.

Browse our complete category of Welding Glasses and choose the appropriate shade according to your welding process.