Arc welding shades typically range from ______.

• A. 4 to 8
• B. 6 to 14
• C. 7 to 14
• D. 9 to 12

Answer: (C)

Arc welding eyes need protection that matches how bright the welding arc is. The shade on the lens shows how dark it is, and darker shades protect better from UV/IR and the intense light. Because welding tasks vary in brightness—with different processes and current levels—the protective shade used spans a range. Lighter shades are enough for low-current or less intense arcs, while darker shades are required for high-current or more intense arcs. That’s why arc welding shades typically range from seven to fourteen: seven covers lighter, lower-current work, and fourteen protects for the brightest, most intense arcs. Other ranges don’t accommodate the full spectrum of common arc welding conditions.