ESAB Sentinel A50 User manual

Auto Darkening
Welding Helmet

1
Professional Quality
Welding Helmet
SAFETY WARNINGS - READ BEFORE USING
WARNING
Read & Understand All Instructions Before Using
Auto-Darkening welding helmets are designed to protect the eye and face from sparks, spatter
and harmful radiation under normal welding conditions. Auto-Darkening filter automatically
changes from light state to dark state when welding arc is struck, and it returns to the light
state when welding stops.
The Auto-Darkening welding helmet comes assembled. But before it can be used, it
must be adjusted to fit the user properly. Check battery surfaces and contacts and
clean it if necessary. Verify if the battery is in good condition and installed
properly. Set up for delay time, sensitivity and shade number for your application.
The helmet should be stored in dry, cool and dark area and remember to remove
the battery before long-time storage.
WARNING
•This Auto-Darkening welding helmet is not suitable for laser welding.
•Never place this helmet and Auto-Darkening filter on a hot surface.
•Never open or tamper with the Auto-Darkening filter.
•This Auto-Darkening welding helmet will not protect against severe impact hazards.
•This helmet will not protect against explosive devices or corrosive liquids.
•Do not make any modifications to either the filter or helmet, unless specified in this manual.
•Do not use replacement parts other than those specified in this manual. Unauthorized
modifications and replacement parts will void the warranty and expose the operator to the risk
of personal injury.
•Should this helmet not darken upon striking an arc, stop welding immediately and contact
your supervisor or your dealer.
•Do not immerse the filter in water.
•Do not use any solvents on the filter screen or helmet components.
•Use only at temperatures: - 5 °C ~ +55 °C (23 °F ~ 131 °F).
•Storing temperature: -20 °C ~ +70 °C (- 4 °F ~ 158 °F). The helmet should be stored in dry
cool and dark area, when not using it for a long time.
•Protect filter from contact with liquid and dirt.
•Clean the filter surface regularly; do not use strong cleaning solutions. Always keep the
sensors and solar cells clean using a clean lint-free tissue.
•Regularly replace the cracked / scratched / pitted front cover lens.
•The materials which may come into contact with the wearer’s skin can cause allergic
reactions in some circumstances.
•The ADF shall only be used in conjunction with the inner cover lens.
•The eye-protectors against high speed particles worn over standard ophthalmic
spectacles may transmit impacts, thus creating a hazard to the wearer.
•Toughened mineral filter oculars shall only be used in conjunction with a suitable backing
ocular.
•If the symbols F or B are not common to both the ocular and the frame then it is the lower
level which shall be assigned to the complete eye-protector.

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•If the impact letter followed by letter "T", you can use it for protection against high speed
particles at extremes of temperature. If the impact letter does not followed by letter "T", you
should only use the eye protector for protection against high speed particles at room
temperature.
WARNING
Severe personal injury could occur if the user fails to follow the above mentioned
warnings and/or fails to follow the operating instructions.
COMMON PROBLEMSAND REMEDIES
•Irregular Darkening Dimming
Headgear has been set unevenly and there is an uneven distance from the eyes to the filter
lens (Reset the headgear to reduce the difference to the filter).
•Auto-Darkening filter does not darken or flickers
1. Front cover lens is soiled or damaged (Change the cover lens).
2. Sensors are soiled (Clean the sensors surface).
3. Welding current is too low (Adjust the sensitivity level to higher).
4. Checkbatteryand verify theyare ingoodconditionandinstalled properly.Also, check
battery surfaces and contactsand clean if necessary. Pleaserefer to the “BATTERY
INSTALLATION” on page 2.
•Slow response
Operating temperature is too low (Do not use at temperatures below -5 °C or 23 °F).
•Poor vision
1. Front / inside cover lens and / or the filter is soiled (Change lens).
There is insufficient ambient light.
Shade number is incorrectly set (Reset the shade number).
Check if removing the film on the front cover lens.
•Welding helmet slips
Headgear is not properly adjusted (Readjust the headgear).
WARNING
The user must stop using the auto-darkening welding helmet immediately if the
above-mentioned problems cannot be corrected. Contact the dealer.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
WARNING! Before using the helmet for welding, ensure that you have read and understood the safety
instructions.
•BATTERY INSTALLATION
Slide the battery cover out of the external control case,
install the battery properly (see fig. 1), remember to
slide back the cover after battery installation.
•DIGITAL TOUCH SCREEN ACTIVATION
This auto darkening filter will automatically turn on
when an arc is struck.
Option 1: Short press the “DISPLAY” button (see
fig. 2a) to active the digital screen. After 5 seconds, it
will automatically turn to standby mode. Short press
“DISPLAY” button again will active the screen once
more and previous settings will remain.
fig. 1
Besure Positive
(+) sideofbattery
facesup.

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fig. 3
Option 2: Long press “GRIND” button on external control case for 3 seconds can also active
the digital screen (see fig. 2b). After 5 seconds, the screen will automatically turn to standby
mode.
•BATTERY INDICATOR
This ADF cartridge is powered by solar cell and 2pc CR2450 lithium batteries. The symbol
“ ” shows the current state of the battery. The volume of batteries has four levels symbol
to appear (see fig. 3). When the symbol shows “ ”, please replace new batteries in time.
•OPTION SELECTED STATUS
There will be a yellow bolder on the option you select.
•SELECTING GRIND MODE
Option 1: Touch the “GRIND” on display screen to switch to grind mode (see fig. 4-A), touch
the “GRIND” again will return to previous mode.
Option 2: After weld / cutting work, long press “GRIND” button on external control case for 3
seconds (see fig. 2b), the auto darkening filter will switch to grind mode. After 5 seconds, the
screen will automatically turn to standby mode. Long press “GRIND” button for 3 seconds
again, it will return to previous mode.
In grind mode, the lens shade is fixed shade 4 (see fig. 4-B), and the sensitivity and delay
cannot be adjusted. The grind indicator will flash every 3 seconds under grind mode (see
fig. 2a). Before restarting weld / cutting work, ensure that the auto darkening filter return to
weld / cutting mode.
fig. 4
•VARIABLE SHADE CONTROL
Touch the “SHADE” on display screen to set shade number (see fig. 5a-A), touch “SHADE”
once more to switch between Shade 5-9 and Shade 9-13, touch “ ” and “ ” to select the
lens shade. Select the proper shade number for your welding / cutting process by referring to
fig. 2a
fig. 2b

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the “Shade Guide Table” below. The shade range for each mode is as follows:
Cutting Mode −Shade 5 ~ 9 (see fig. 5a-B)
fig. 5a
Weld Mode −Shade 9 ~ 13 (see fig. 5b-C)
fig. 5a
Grind Mode - Shade 4 only (see fig. 4)
•SENSITIVITY CONTROL
Touch the “SENSI.” on display screen to set the sensitivity (see fig. 6-A), touch “ ” and “ ”
to make the lens more or less sensitive to arc light of different welding processes. Sensitivity
setting 5-10 is the normal setting for everyday use. The sensitivity ranges for each mode are
as follows:
Weld Mode(Shade 5 ~ 9) / Cutting Mode(Shade 9 ~ 13) − Sensitivity 0 ~ 10 (see fig. 6)
fig. 6
Grind Mode − No sensitivity adjustment
As a simple rule for optimum performance, it is recommended to set sensitivity to the
maximum at the beginning and then gradually reduce it, until the filter reacts only to the
welding arc while don’t make reaction to ambient light conditions (direct sunlight, intensive
artificial light, neighboring welders’ arcs etc.).
•DELAY CONTROL
Touch the “DELAY” on display screen to set the delay time (see fig. 7-A), touch “ ” and “ ”
to adjust the time for the lens to switch to the clear state after welding or cutting. The delay
ranges for each mode are as follows:

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Weld Mode(Shade 5 ~ 9) / Cutting Mode(Shade 9 ~ 13) −Delay 0 ~ 10 (see fig. 7)
fig. 7
Grind Mode − No delay adjustment
The delay is particularly useful in eliminating bright after-rays present in higher amperage
applications where the molten puddle remains bright momentarily after welding. Use the Lens
Delay Control buttons to adjust delay from 0 to 10 (0.1 to 1.0 second). When welding stopped,
the viewing window automatically changes from dark back to light but with a pre-set delay to
compensate for any bright afterglow on the workpiece. The delay time
/response can be set from Level 0 to level 10. It is recommended to use a shorter delay with
spot welding applications and a long delay with applications using higher currents. Longer
delays can also be used for lower current TIG welding, and TIG / MIG / MAG pulse.
•MEMORY SETTING
This auto darkening filter can save the pre-defined parameters as memory setting. Users can
take the set memory out any time they need. The system can save 8 sets of parameters at
most. Take Memory 1 as example, detailed step as follows:
Step 1: Touch “MEMORY” on display screen, set to “1” via touching “ ” and “ ” (see
fig. 8a-A).
Step 2: Setting shade number, sensitivity and delay via “ ” and “ ”.
Step 3: After finishing all settings, touch “SET” for save (see fig. 8b-A), the “1” after
“MEMORY” (see fig. 8b-B) will take a flash, which means the system has saved the
parameters just set and name this set as “1”.
Step 4: MEMORY 2 to MEMORY 8 can be set the same way. Users can callout
MEMORY setting via touching “MEMORY” first and then choose some certain set via
“ ” and “ ”.
fig. 8a
fig. 8b

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•ADJUSTING THE FIT OF THE HELMET
•The overall circumference of the headband can be made
larger or smaller by rotating the knob on the back of the
headband. (See adjustment “Y” in fig. 9). This can be done
while wearing the helmet and allows just the right tension
to
be set to keep the helmet firmly on the head without it being
too tight.
•If the headband is riding too high or too low on your head,
adjust the strap which passes over the top of your head. To
do this release the end of the band by pushing the locking pin
out of the hole in the band. Slide the two portions of the band
to a greater or lesser width as required and push the locking
pin through the
‘Y’
nearest hole. (See adjustment “W” in fig. 9).
fig. 9
•Front and back bands will automatically self-adjust according to headform, and soft pads suit
forehead and back of head perfectly, which will bring more comfort (see fig. 10a). Test the fit
of the headband by lifting up and closing down the helmet a few times while wearing it. If the
headband moves while tilting, re-adjust it until it is stable.
• ADJUSTING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE HELMET AND THE FACE
Step 1: Press down and hold the “LOCK” latch on both sides (see fig. 10b) and it can be
slide back and forth.
Step 2: Loosen the “LOCK” latch and keep it snap into slots. Please make sure the distance
between the lens to both eyes are equal, to avoid uneven darkness.
•ADJUSTING VIEW ANGLE POSITION
Tilt adjustment is located on right side of helmet. Loosen the right headgear tension knob and
adjust the lever forward or back to the proper position. Re-tighten the right headgear tension
knob (see fig. 10c).
TOP
fig. 10c
fig. 10b
fig. 10a

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Certification and Control labels
The SENTINEL™ A50 welding filters are tested for eye protection by the following notified body: DIN CERTCO
Gesellschaft fürKonformitätsbewertung mbH, Alboinstr. 56, D-12103 Berlin, notified body 0196, that provides approval and
continual quality system under the control of the European Commission, the German Ministry forWork and the Central
Office of the Provinces.
The shell and the auto darkening filter are marked accordingly. Classification for eye and face protection is following
EN379, EN175, EN166.
We are therefore allowed to use the following marks:
European Conformity mark.
This confirms that the product fulfils the requirements of
the Directive 89/686/ EWG
EN 175
Address from
DIN CERTCO Gesellschaft für
Konformitätsbewertung mbH
Alboinstr. 56 ,
D-12103 Berlin
ADF Marking Explaination: 4/5-9/9-13 TM 1/1/1/2/379
4 - Light state scale number
5-9 - Lightest dark state scale number
9-13 - Darkest state scale number
TM - Manufacture’s identification
1 - Optical class
1 - Diffusion of light class
1 - Variation in luminous transmittance class
2 - Angle dependence of luminous transmittance class
379 - Number of the standard
MAINTENANCE
•REPLACING THE FRONT COVER LENS
Replace the front cover lens if it is damaged. Press the semicircle button on external grind
control side (see fig. 11a), remove the front cover lens carefully. When replace new front cover
lens, make sure to assemble from the side without Grind Button first (see fig. 11b), and then
snap the lens into the button side.
•REPLACING THE INSIDE COVER LENS
Replace the inside cover lens if it is damaged. Place your fingernail in recess below cartridge
view window and flex lens upwards until it releases from edges of cartridge view window.
•REPLACING THE AUTO DARKENING FILTER
Push upwards the latches on both side of ADF, then the ADF can be removed from the shell
(see fig. 12a). When assembling new ADF, put the ADF into shell, push down the latches for
lock. (see fig. 12b).
•CLEANING
Clean helmet by wiping with a soft cloth. Clean cartridge surfaces regularly. Do not use strong
cleaning solutions. Clean sensors and solar cells with methylated spirit and a clean cloth and
wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Optical Class:
1 / 1 / 1 / 2
Viewing Area:
100 x 60 mm (3.94" x 2.36")
Arc Sensor:
4
Light State:
DIN 4
Grind State:
DIN 4
Cutting Mode:
Shade No. from 5 to 9
Welding Mode:
Shade No. from 9 to 13
Shade Control:
Internal, Variable Shade, Digital Touch Control
Power On/Off:
Automatic On / Off
Sensitivity Control:
Low — High, Digital Touch Control
UV/IR Protection:
Up to Shade DIN13 at all times
Power Supply:
Solar cell. Battery replaceable
2 × CR2450 lithium battery
Switching Time:
1/25,000 s. from Light to Dark
Oxyfuel Gas Welding
Yes
Oxygen Cutting
Yes
Grinding:
Yes
Delay (Dark to Light):
0.1 ~ 1.0 s Digital Touch Control
Low Amperage TIG Rated:
≥ 2 amps (DC); ≥ 2 amps (AC)
Operating Temp.:
-5 °C ~ +55 °C (23 °F ~ 131 °F)
Storing Temp.:
-20 °C ~ +70 °C (- 4 °F ~ 158 °F)
Helmet Material:
High Impact Resistance Nylon
Application Range:
Stick Welding (SMAW); TIG DC∾ TIG Pulse DC;
TIG Pulse AC; MIG/MAG/CO2; MIG/MAG Pulse;
Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC); Plasma Arc Welding
(PAW); Air Carbon Arc Cutting (CAC-A); Oxyfuel Gas
Welding (OFW); Oxygen Cutting (OC); Grinding
Approved:
DINplus, CE, EN175, EN 379, EN166, ANSI Z87.1,
CSA Z94.3, AS/NZS 1338.1
fig. 11a
fig. 11b
fig. 12a
fig. 12b

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SHADE GUIDE TABLE
GUIDE FOR SHADE NUMBERS
OPERATION
ELECTRODE SIZE 1/32 in.
(mm)
ARC CURRENT(A)
MINIMUM
PROTECTIVE
SHADE
SUGGESTED
(1)
SHADE NO.
(COMFORT)
Shielded metal arc
welding
Less than 3 (2.5)
3-5 (2.5–4)
5-8
(4–6.4)
More than 8 (6.4)
Less than 60
60-160
160-250
250-550
7
8
10
11
—
10
12
14
Gas metal arc
welding and flux
cored arc
welding
Less than 60
60-160
160-250
250-500
7
10
10
10
—
11
12
14
Gas tungsten arc
welding
Less than 50
50-150
150-500
8
8
10
10
12
14
Air carbon
Arc cutting
(Light)
(Heavy)
Less than
500
10
11
12
14
Plasma arc welding
Less than 20
20-100
100-400
400-800
6
8
10
11
6 to 8
10
12
14
Plasma arc cutting
(Light)
(2)
(Medium)(2)
(Heavy)(2)
Less than
300
300-400
400 800
8
9
10
8
12
14
Torch brazing
–
–
3 to 4
Torch soldering
–
–
2
Carbon arc welding
–
–
14
PLATE THICKNESS
in.
mm
Gas welding
Light
Medium
Heavy
Under 1/8
1/8 to 1/2
Over 1/2
Under 3.2
3.2 to 12.7
Over 12.7
4 or 5
5 or 6
6 or 8
Oxygen cutting
Light
Medium
Heavy
Under 1
1 to 6
Over 6
Under 25
25 to 150
Over 150
3 or 4
4 or 5
5 or 6
(1) As a rule of thumb, start with a shade that is too dark, then go to a lighter shade which gives sufficient view of the weld zone without going
below the minimum. In oxyfuelgas welding or cutting where the torch producesa high yellow light, it is desirable to use a filter lens that absorbsthe
yellow or sodiumline the visible light of the (spectrum)operation
(2) These valuesapplywhere the actualarc is clearly seen. Experiencehas shown that lighter filters may be used when the arc is hiddenby the
workpiece. Data
from ANSI Z49.1-2005