CHECKLIST: Fume extractor filters

Fume extractor filters are a key component to welding safety. Today we’re providing you with a simple checklist of filters for our units. It’s important to know about the filters your fume extractors utilize for maintenance and to help reassure employees, as well as ensuring that you have the appropriate filters relative to your needs.

If you’d like more information about the different ratings, take a look at our article about MERV and HEPA filters. It’ll explain the difference between MERV and HEPA filters, the different ratings, and what they’re capable of filtering.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

The MERV rating measures how effectively the filter stops dust and other contaminants from passing through the filter. Filters with higher MERV ratings trap small particles more effectively than filters with lower MERV ratings. MERV 16 or below are considered HVAC-system-grade filters for residential, commercial, and general hospital use. MERV 13 through MERV 16 will filter particles down to 0.3 – 1.0 micron particle size.

High Efficiency Particle Air [Filter]

A HEPA filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns).

If you’re interested in sustainability, check out our article on sustainable fume extraction, which outlines some of the self-cleaning fume extractors we have available.