Safer Oil Lamp For Home and Boat

327. Safer Oil Lamp For Home and Boat by Dave Humphrey (humphrey@rtd.com)
     Posted: Aug. 17, 1999 @ 21:18.
     Is there an oil lamp (could be another fuel?) either old or modern that is rated (UL?) "safe". i.e. self extinguishing or spill proof or both? The reason for the question is as follows: need a good light source, remote area, no electricity, old wooden structures that are on historical register and therefore not replaceable. Thank you in advance Dave Humphrey Arizona
     

• On Aug. 17, 1999 @ 21:55, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary (fgraff@comcast.net) wrote:
  Dave: Don't think Underwriters Lab ever got around to liquid fueled lamps. Kerosene lamps are essentially non-explosive, and metal fonts won't break if dropped. I live in an 1802 Historic register farmhouse, and burn both kerosene lamps and gasoline pressure lamps for pleasure all the time! I'd recommend the Aladdin kerosene lamp...easily available, as they are still made, all parts and supplies available, easy to light and maintain, and give 60 candlepower each (That's about equal to a 50 watt bulb, were there such a thing) ! Like any liquid fueled lamp, you don't want to knock it over! If THAT is a real threat, find some old Coleman household lamps (Gasoline pressure), and they'll burn without spilling a drop even upside down!
  My insurance agent is well aware of my propensity to burn both open flame and mantle liquid fueled lamps, and my insurance rate is NOT affected. :: Fil Graff, Guild Secretary::
  
  
  
• On Aug. 18, 1999 @ 12:22, Dave Erickson (erickso2@mindspring.com) wrote:
  I am also looking for such a lamp for my sailboat. I do not want to cary a liquid fuel. I think a propane lamp would be a good choice. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
  
  • On Aug. 18, 1999 @ 18:44, Fil Graff (fgraff@comcast.net) wrote:
    Dave: Propane IS a good nautical idea, but the dang cylinders aren't refillable, so produce a big chunk of non-degradable waste! If you drill out the fill nozzle (on the shoulder), the tank can be recycled as steel, but you have to carry them outward bound, and then back empty. Propane is like gasoline; it's fumes are heavier than air, and can accumulate in a bilge. Just be sure the lantern is always lit when the valve is open. :: Fil ::
    
    
    
  • On Aug. 23, 1999 @ 16:34, Fil Graff (fgraff@comcast.net) wrote:
    Dave: Boy, did I get an education at Fred Smith's this past saturday! Yes, Fred's absolutely correct! Maybe not haute couture lighting, but Lehman's in Kidron, OH stocks TWO (one US made, one Canadian made) propane OR natural gas mantle gas lighting company's products. And Humphrey, the US 0ne, IS UL approved!
    Boy, when a wickie gets in over his head..... :: Fil ::
    
    
    
  
  
• On Aug. 23, 1999 @ 06:20, fred smith (fredaprl@citizen.infi.net) wrote:
  Dave, No form of lighting is without risk as all, in effect, use energy to create heat and therefore light. My recommendation, if you don't have to look 100 percent authentic, is that you evaluate fixed propane lights. They have been used for 75 plus years as home lighting where electrcity is not available. Typically they are ceiling or wall mounted and can be piped back to a standard propoane tank and regulator. Thus they don't spill. Lehman's offers two brands both of which have been certified by national gas standards organizations. I assume any propane gas dealer could get them for you also. Best of Luck! Fred