Arc Flash from Plasma??

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Hi all, Don't use the Plasma much, had to cut up some stainless access doors today. Wore my RX safety sunglasses, and now, 4-5 hrs later I can't shake this Arc Flash feeling in my eyes.Should have I worn my shade 5 cutting mask? It was only a little 120v cutter....Would be nice to know for future eye protection, as my shades likely didn't help...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:yep that'll happen.I bought some "plasma cutter" sunglasses at the LWS that I wear as sunglasses;however, not sure what shade the are.Your safety glasses tinted? weld it like you own it
Reply:You wouldn't weld without a shade, so why run a plasma cutter without one?  Plasma is hotter than tig or mig, and gives off at least as much UV
Reply:Shade 3 and shade 5 lenes are the most common for plasma cutting. Yes, you should be wearing one, I use a full face shade 5 mask myself for plasma cutting/gouging.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:The ANSI Z49.1:2005  specifications for minimum eye shading for plasma cutting:Less than 40 amps.......shade 541-60 amps..................shade 661-300 amps................shade 8The eye shade ratings are based on current levels (amperage ) just as they are with welding processes. In actuality...the plasma process is easier on the eyes as compared to the same amperage level with a welding process....because when cutting metals much of the arc is either between the cutting kerf or under the plate being cut...so it is partially shielded from your eyes. Gouging with plasma would be an exception to that.In over 35 years of welding and plasma cutting...including plasma cutting to 1000 amps.....I have never had arc flash from plasma cutting. I have had arc flash twice from welding......and I can only balme myself as I was not using the correct protection.Bottom line: Read the safety section of the manual that came with your plasma cutter...use the correct eye protection as well as exposed skin protection. Standard safety glasses or sunglasses will not work!Jim Colt   Hypertherm
Reply:The shade will not have any effect on Arc Eye- Eye fatigue yes.Shade level is for Comfort in SEEING- UV protection does not increase with Shade level.I would bet you got it from the Uv rays bouncing off the SS and around your RX Sunglasses.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Manual? Haha.. No effects today, so maybe fatigue from UV?That's funny, manual...34 installers and a 10 yr old unit...Manual hehe....So any future use I'll use my trusty cutting/grinding shield..Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:If it is a Hypertherm that is 10 years old you can download the manual online for free. But then....you have to read it! Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1The shade will not have any effect on Arc Eye- Eye fatigue yes.Shade level is for Comfort in SEEING- UV protection does not increase with Shade level.I would bet you got it from the Uv rays bouncing off the SS and around your RX Sunglasses.
Reply:I've always used a pair of 100% UV protection tinted glasses when running the plasma, Not sure what shade they are but Ive never had worse than a spot in my vision for a few minutes from catching the arc just right.