GB 3609.2-2025 Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 2：Automatic welding filter English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing thorugh draft translation, self-check, revision and varification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS 13.340.99
CCS C 73
People's Republic of China National Standard
GB 3609.2-2025
Replaces GB/T 3609.2—2009
Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 2: Automatic welding filter
Issued on 2025-08-29 Implemented on 2026-09-01
Issued by State Administration for Market Regulation
Standardization Administration of China
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Classification
5 Technical requirements
6 Assembly and use with welding and laser protectors
7 Test methods
8 Marking
9 Packaging and product information
Appendix A (Informative) Selection guide for shade numbers
Appendix B (Informative) Introduction to automatic welding filters and testing precautions
Appendix C (Normative) Spectral distribution function
References
1 Scope
This document provides product classification for automatic welding filters (AWF), specifies technical requirements including materials, specifications, structure, and optical performance, as well as marking, packaging, and product information, and describes corresponding test methods.
This document applies to automatic welding filters installed on welding protectors.
2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute essential requirements for this document. For dated references, only the editions cited apply. For undated references, the latest edition (including any amendments) applies.
GB 3609.1 Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 1: Welding protector
GB/T 30042—2013 Personal protective equipment for eyes and face—Terminology
GB 30863 Eye and face protection—Laser protector
GB/T 32166.2—2015 Personal protective equipment for eyes and face—Occupational eye and face protectors—Part 2: Measurement methods
3 Terms and definitions
Terms and definitions established in GB/T 30042—2013 and the following apply to this document.
3.1
Automatic welding filter (AWF)
Filter that can quickly (see 3.4 "response time") change the shade number from a lower value (light state shade number) to a higher value (dark state shade number) when welding arc is generated, and maintain the dark state when arc is present.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.2, modified]
3.2
Automatic welding filter with manual dark state shade number setting
AWF that requires manual adjustment to set the dark state shade number.
Note: Typically, multiple dark state shade numbers are available for selection.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.4, modified]
3.3
Automatic welding filter with automatic dark state shade number setting
AWF that automatically adjusts the dark state shade number according to the intensity of welding arc.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.3, modified]
3.4
Response time (switching time)
ts
Time required for AWF to switch from light state to dark state after arc ignition.
Note 1: Expressed by formula (1).
Note 2: When human eyes are briefly exposed to optical radiation, the perceived glare is approximately proportional to the product of illuminance and time. As the darkening time of AWF varies significantly depending on product structure and shade number settings, the switching time is defined by integrating visible light transmittance over time and then averaging the visible light transmittance, rather than simply defining it based on light and dark state transmittance.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.9, modified]
3.5
Holding time (delay time)
Time required for AWF to recover from dark state to 3 times the dark state visible light transmittance after arc extinction.
3.6
Automatic welding filter for direct view
AWF installed on the front of welding helmets or face-shields.
3.7
Automatic welding filter for side view
AWF installed around welding helmets or face-shields for welders to observe the surrounding environment (not for direct viewing of welding arc).
Note: During non-welding, side-view filters with lower shade numbers help welders observe the environment (while direct-view filters remain in light state); during welding, side-view filters with higher shade numbers block discomfort glare from side radiation (while direct-view filters switch to dark state).
3.8
Astigmatic power
Absolute difference in spherical power between the two principal meridians of a lens.
Note: The absolute value of cylindrical power equals astigmatic power, usually denoted by symbol C.
4 Classification
4.1 By operation mode:
a) AWF with manual dark state shade number setting;
b) AWF with automatic dark state shade number setting.
4.2 By shape structure:
a) Flat-type AWF;
b) Curved-type AWF.
4.3 By functional purpose:
a) AWF for direct view;
b) AWF for side view.
5 Technical requirements
5.1 Materials
5.1.1 Parts contacting welder's skin shall not use materials causing allergies or irritation.
5.1.2 Areas beyond 5 mm from lens edges shall have uniform coloring, free from scratches, streaks, bubbles, foreign objects, or other defects impairing optical performance.
5.2 Structure
5.2.1 Surfaces shall be smooth, without burrs, sharp edges, or other defects causing eye/face discomfort.
5.2.2 Adjustable or replaceable components shall be easy to adjust and replace.
5.2.3 For AWF with manual dark state shade number setting, each dark state shade number shall be clearly marked/displayed as integers at setting positions.
5.2.4 For AWF with automatic dark state shade number setting, if equipped with shade number compensation function, each compensation value shall be marked/displayed as integers at compensation settings.
5.3 Specifications
5.3.1 Single-eye coverage AWF: Light-transmitting area dimensions (circumscribed rectangle) shall not be less than 30 mm × 25 mm.
5.3.2 Dual-eye coverage AWF: Light-transmitting area dimensions (circumscribed rectangle) shall not be less than 80 mm × 30 mm.
5.4 Spherical power, astigmatic power, and prismatic power (plano lenses)
Tested according to GB/T 32166.2—2015 section 5.1 only for AWF light state, results shall comply with Table 1 requirements. Telescope method is the arbitration method.
Note: Plano lenses (afocal lenses) refer to lenses with nominal spherical power, astigmatic power, and prismatic power of zero.
Standard
GB 3609.2-2025 Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 2：Automatic welding filter (English Version)
Standard No.
GB 3609.2-2025
Status
to be valid
Language
English
File Format
PDF
Word Count
21500 words
Price(USD)
645.0
Implemented on
2026-9-1
Delivery
via email in 1~8 business day
Detail of GB 3609.2-2025
Standard No.
GB 3609.2-2025
English Name
Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 2：Automatic welding filter
GB 3609.2-2025 Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 2：Automatic welding filter English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing thorugh draft translation, self-check, revision and varification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS 13.340.99
CCS C 73
People's Republic of China National Standard
GB 3609.2-2025
Replaces GB/T 3609.2—2009
Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 2: Automatic welding filter
Issued on 2025-08-29 Implemented on 2026-09-01
Issued by State Administration for Market Regulation
Standardization Administration of China
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Classification
5 Technical requirements
6 Assembly and use with welding and laser protectors
7 Test methods
8 Marking
9 Packaging and product information
Appendix A (Informative) Selection guide for shade numbers
Appendix B (Informative) Introduction to automatic welding filters and testing precautions
Appendix C (Normative) Spectral distribution function
References
1 Scope
This document provides product classification for automatic welding filters (AWF), specifies technical requirements including materials, specifications, structure, and optical performance, as well as marking, packaging, and product information, and describes corresponding test methods.
This document applies to automatic welding filters installed on welding protectors.
2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute essential requirements for this document. For dated references, only the editions cited apply. For undated references, the latest edition (including any amendments) applies.
GB 3609.1 Eye and face protection—Welding protection—Part 1: Welding protector
GB/T 30042—2013 Personal protective equipment for eyes and face—Terminology
GB 30863 Eye and face protection—Laser protector
GB/T 32166.2—2015 Personal protective equipment for eyes and face—Occupational eye and face protectors—Part 2: Measurement methods
3 Terms and definitions
Terms and definitions established in GB/T 30042—2013 and the following apply to this document.
3.1
Automatic welding filter (AWF)
Filter that can quickly (see 3.4 "response time") change the shade number from a lower value (light state shade number) to a higher value (dark state shade number) when welding arc is generated, and maintain the dark state when arc is present.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.2, modified]
3.2
Automatic welding filter with manual dark state shade number setting
AWF that requires manual adjustment to set the dark state shade number.
Note: Typically, multiple dark state shade numbers are available for selection.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.4, modified]
3.3
Automatic welding filter with automatic dark state shade number setting
AWF that automatically adjusts the dark state shade number according to the intensity of welding arc.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.3, modified]
3.4
Response time (switching time)
ts
Time required for AWF to switch from light state to dark state after arc ignition.
Note 1: Expressed by formula (1).
Note 2: When human eyes are briefly exposed to optical radiation, the perceived glare is approximately proportional to the product of illuminance and time. As the darkening time of AWF varies significantly depending on product structure and shade number settings, the switching time is defined by integrating visible light transmittance over time and then averaging the visible light transmittance, rather than simply defining it based on light and dark state transmittance.
[Source: GB/T 30042—2013, 9.3.9, modified]
3.5
Holding time (delay time)
Time required for AWF to recover from dark state to 3 times the dark state visible light transmittance after arc extinction.
3.6
Automatic welding filter for direct view
AWF installed on the front of welding helmets or face-shields.
3.7
Automatic welding filter for side view
AWF installed around welding helmets or face-shields for welders to observe the surrounding environment (not for direct viewing of welding arc).
Note: During non-welding, side-view filters with lower shade numbers help welders observe the environment (while direct-view filters remain in light state); during welding, side-view filters with higher shade numbers block discomfort glare from side radiation (while direct-view filters switch to dark state).
3.8
Astigmatic power
Absolute difference in spherical power between the two principal meridians of a lens.
Note: The absolute value of cylindrical power equals astigmatic power, usually denoted by symbol C.
4 Classification
4.1 By operation mode:
a) AWF with manual dark state shade number setting;
b) AWF with automatic dark state shade number setting.
4.2 By shape structure:
a) Flat-type AWF;
b) Curved-type AWF.
4.3 By functional purpose:
a) AWF for direct view;
b) AWF for side view.
5 Technical requirements
5.1 Materials
5.1.1 Parts contacting welder's skin shall not use materials causing allergies or irritation.
5.1.2 Areas beyond 5 mm from lens edges shall have uniform coloring, free from scratches, streaks, bubbles, foreign objects, or other defects impairing optical performance.
5.2 Structure
5.2.1 Surfaces shall be smooth, without burrs, sharp edges, or other defects causing eye/face discomfort.
5.2.2 Adjustable or replaceable components shall be easy to adjust and replace.
5.2.3 For AWF with manual dark state shade number setting, each dark state shade number shall be clearly marked/displayed as integers at setting positions.
5.2.4 For AWF with automatic dark state shade number setting, if equipped with shade number compensation function, each compensation value shall be marked/displayed as integers at compensation settings.
5.3 Specifications
5.3.1 Single-eye coverage AWF: Light-transmitting area dimensions (circumscribed rectangle) shall not be less than 30 mm × 25 mm.
5.3.2 Dual-eye coverage AWF: Light-transmitting area dimensions (circumscribed rectangle) shall not be less than 80 mm × 30 mm.
5.4 Spherical power, astigmatic power, and prismatic power (plano lenses)
Tested according to GB/T 32166.2—2015 section 5.1 only for AWF light state, results shall comply with Table 1 requirements. Telescope method is the arbitration method.
Note: Plano lenses (afocal lenses) refer to lenses with nominal spherical power, astigmatic power, and prismatic power of zero.
