Do you know how often you should be replacing the spare parts in your Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) air fed welding helmet?
Properly maintaining your PAPR system boosts productivity and can have a number of benefits from a safety perspective. Below, we review each key consumable and the most practical time to replace it;
PRE-FILTER
It’s recommended that replacing your pre-filter once or twice a week (depending on usage) will have a direct knock-on effect. Most notably, on the other components within your PAPR system. By regularly changing the pre-filter, it will reduce the workload of the P3/Particle filter. It’s more cost-effective to replace the pre-filter than the P3/particle filter. This will save you money and help extend the life of your PAPR air fed system.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Make a habit of checking on the condition of your spark arrestor. Its purpose is to help prevent sparks and other hot particles from damaging the filter. So it plays an important role and should be changed upon signs of damage.
P3/PARTICLE FILTER
It’s largely recommended to replace and dispose of filters after 40 hours of use or every 30 days, whichever comes first. If a filter becomes damaged, blocked, or when breathing becomes strained then the filter should be replaced right away.
On most PAPR air fed systems, a traffic light indicator changes colour from green to amber and eventually red to highlight any problems, just like on the ESAB PAPR air fed system which works with the ESAB range of air fed welding helmets such sentinel A60 for air, G50, G40 & others.
You can also find, for instance in the new Esab EPRx1.1, a Gas Filter in your PAPR system. This Gas filter achieves a new dimension in the safety of the welder with a EN12941 TH-3P certification. If you want to find out more about this new PAPR system, we've created a guide to help you understand the advantages of this new system: ESAB EPR-X1.1 PAPR: Complete Guide 2025.
BREATHING TUBE/COVER
Finally, your breathing hose should be substituted as soon as it becomes damaged or starts leaking air. Its durability can be improved via the use of a breathing tube cover. A flame-resistant tube cover should be used to protect the breathing tube when welding or grinding.
Engweld stock a wide range of air fed welding helmet spares and air fed welding helmets to make sure we have the right supplies to keep you safe when welding.
