User instructions

Fit the headgear: hold down the buttons on the side mounts and slide the headgear in until it clicks into position. Make sure the black headband faces into the helmet. Adjust the position for a comfortable fit.

Prepare the cover plates: remove the protective film from both sides of the outer and inner cover plates.

Adjust the settings: select welding or grinding mode with switch (1). Set sensitivity using the left-hand knob (2). Adjust the shade using the right-hand knob (3). Select WELD before welding.

For long-term storage, select GRIND mode to extend battery life.

These user instructions apply to the AKETEK® VIEW welding helmet equipped with an auto-darkening filter (ADF). The helmet is designed for electric arc welding (MIG/MAG, MMA, TIG), grinding and plasma cutting. It provides reliable protection against ultraviolet radiation (UV), infrared radiation (IR), visible light, sparks and weld spatter when used according to these instructions.

AKETEK® auto-darkening filters must always be used with the welding helmet. The ADF has two sensors at eye level that react independently to welding arcs and darken the filter. After welding, the filter automatically returns to a light state, allowing the welder to keep the helmet on throughout the work and improving safety, efficiency and weld quality.

These instructions must not be removed except by the user of this equipment. Current instructions are available at www.aketek.com.

Areas of application: the helmet must always be fitted with an auto-darkening filter, inner and outer cover plates. Use only for electric arc welding (MIG/MAG, MMA, TIG) and plasma welding in the temperature range −5°C to +55°C (23°F to 131°F).

The AKETEK® AIR powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) filters the surrounding air, removing up to 99.9% of dust and particles, and supplies clean air to the helmet. Use it only with compatible AKETEK® AIR helmets, and follow the helmet instructions as well.

Areas of application: use AKETEK® AIR with its P3 particle filter only where dust, metal particles or other solid or liquid particles are present, including welding, grinding, metal cutting and handling building materials that emit hazardous dust.

A particle filter does not protect against gases or vapours. The system is not intended for oxygen-deficient or explosive atmospheres. The employer, or self-employed user, is responsible for determining suitability for the specific work.

Remove the protective film from both sides of new cover plates. Check that all parts are securely fitted.

Fit the P3 HEPA filter, activated-carbon prefilter and spark arrestor. Check that the filter holder is fastened securely and locked. Replace worn or damaged filters immediately.

Connect the hose by pushing in the bayonet coupling and twisting it into place.

Switch on the fan unit and wait for the self-test to finish (see Operating instructions). Then briefly cover the air outlet until the motor speeds up, uncover it and check that the motor slowly returns to normal speed. Do not enter the work area if a warning indicator is lit.

11. Put on the helmet and turn the rear knob until the headgear fits firmly and comfortably.

22. Adjust the two top straps to suit your head. The flexible neck pad supports a comfortable fit.

33. Press the buttons on both sides and move the headgear forward or backward. Five positions let you adjust the distance to the filter.

44. Adjust the upward/downward angle for a clear field of view. To remove the headgear, press the buttons and slide it out of the holders on both sides.

The ADF battery life is more than 10 years under normal use. Storing the helmet in a light environment or in GRIND mode can extend battery life. Select GRIND for long-term storage.

Always follow these steps in order.

33. Enter the hazardous area only with the fan unit running and the helmet securely fitted.

Airflow: press ON/OFF briefly to switch between low (190 l/min) and high (210 l/min) airflow. The indicators are explained under Indicators & alarms.

Filter indicator: when the indicator lights up, the filter is providing higher resistance, which affects battery life. You may complete your work, but change the filter after the work shift.

Sensitivity: turn the “Sensitivity” knob clockwise to increase sensitivity and counterclockwise to reduce it. Use maximum sensitivity unless the application requires a different setting.

Shade: turn the “Shade” knob clockwise to increase the shade number and counterclockwise to decrease it. The available dark-state range is 8–12.

The recommended period of use is 5 years, depending on use, cleaning, storage and maintenance. Inspect regularly, replace damaged or defective parts and keep the helmet free from dust and other particles. Handle carefully and keep in a clean environment.

Helmet shell: clean with a damp cloth and water. A damaged shell can be replaced separately.

Outer and inner cover plates: clean with a damp cloth. Replace scratched, damaged or deteriorated plates; transparency can decrease over time.

ADF: no special maintenance is needed over its lifespan. If cleaning is necessary, wipe gently with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use cleaning agents, solvents or other chemicals. Cleaning damage to the filter is not covered by the warranty.

Sweatband: sweatbands from 2026 onwards are washable. Neck pad: do not wash it; replace it periodically for hygiene.

Wipe the outside of the fan unit with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not allow water into the housing or filters. Liquid ingress can permanently damage electronics and invalidate the warranty.

Inspect the breathing hose regularly. Replace it immediately if dirt, detergent residue or other contaminants are inside it. Do not wash the interior of the hose.

AKETEK® AIR has no expiration date. The equipment may be used as long as it remains functional. Regular maintenance can prolong its service life.

Replace the filters when the orange filter indicator stays lit or battery life has become noticeably shorter. We recommend replacing the prefilter three times for each HEPA filter: fit a new HEPA filter at every third prefilter change.

Charge only between 0°C and +40°C. For best life, charge and store between +5°C and +25°C. Do not leave the battery connected to the charger for more than 48 hours.

Check that the helmet and its components have not been damaged in transit. Store and transport in the original bag or packaging, in a dry place between −10°C and +40°C, below 90% relative humidity, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Store dry between −10°C and +50°C, below 80% relative humidity; the recommended storage range is +5°C to +25°C. Protect from direct sunlight, dust and airborne contaminants in the original AKETEK® AIR storage bag.

Use original AKETEK® parts. Contact a distributor or Aketek support for replacements.

The respirator parts below fit both VIEW AIR and Lift-Up AIR. Only the helmet shell is model-specific.

Always leave the contaminated area before troubleshooting.

If the impact-resistance symbols on the lens/filter and helmet differ, the lower level applies to the complete protector.

The symbols used on the product are explained below. The table lists the protection classes defined in EN 12941.

EU type examination, module B, for EN ISO 16321-1:2022 / EN ISO 16321-2:2021, performed by:

DIN CERTCO Gesellschaft für Konformitätsbewertung mbH, Alboinstr. 56, D-12103 Berlin, Germany.

Notified body registration number: 0196.

The declaration of conformity is available at www.aketek.com. This document complies with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

EU type examination, module C2, for EN 12941:2023, performed by:

Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs, Jeruzalémská 1283/9, 110 00 Praha 1 – Nové Město, Czech Republic.

Notified body registration number: 1024.

The ADF has a two-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. Aketek Industries AB will provide repair, replacement or refund for a product or part found defective. Filters that fail to perform as specified within the first two years are replaced without charge.

Keep a copy of the original invoice and the serial number as proof of purchase. The warranty excludes indirect or consequential damage and excludes filters that have been tampered with, misused, abused, improperly maintained, fitted with non-original components or altered from their original configuration.

The PAPR unit and batteries have a one-year warranty against material or workmanship defects under normal use. The helmet’s ADF has a separate two-year warranty. Remedies are repair, replacement or refund for a product or part found defective. Keep the original invoice and serial number as proof of purchase. The warranty excludes indirect or consequential damages and damage from tampering, misuse, abuse, improper maintenance, non-original components or changes to the original configuration.

Manufacturer: Aketek Industries AB, Bernhard Erikssons väg 1B, SE-791 32 Falun, Sweden. VAT: SE556594164701. Website: www.aketek.com.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions, no guarantee or liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Aketek Industries AB reserves the right to change the specifications of the product described at any time without prior notice.