You may have lingering doubts about how to securely operate a propane gas lantern now that you’ve learned more about propane lanterns and some of their most significant characteristics. Continue reading to find out the answers to some of the most often asked questions concerning this type of camping gear.
Q. Do propane lanterns produce carbon monoxide?
Because propane releases carbon monoxide when burned, a propane lantern cannot be used indoors. A propane lantern, like outdoor patio heaters, should only be used outside.
Q. Can you burn a propane lantern indoors?
No. A propane light should never be used in an enclosed place, including a tent. When propane is burned, carbon monoxide is released into the air, which is toxic and even fatal. Always use a gas light in an open area with lots of airflow.
Q. How many cylinders should I bring for extras?
The number of cylinders required is determined by the duration of the camping excursion. Depending on the size of the lantern and the brightness of the setting, a single 16.4-ounce canister of propane will last for roughly 12 hours. On a high setting, a large two-mantle lantern will last four hours on a single canister, while a compact single-mantle lantern may last close to 12 hours.
Consider how many hours of light you’ll require at night. For a five-day trip requiring around four hours of lantern use per night, a large lantern will require five canisters while a tiny lantern will require two.
Q. Can the lantern flame blow out?
It is conceivable for a lantern to blow out, but this occurs infrequently. The mantles and housing of the lantern surround the flame, keeping it from being blown out by the wind. A blown-out lantern flame could be an indication of damage to the housing or a worn-out mantle.
Q. How long do propane lanterns last?
While propane lanterns can last a long time if properly maintained, the mantles that cast the light do wear out over time. Approximately every a year, the mantles should be replaced.
Is it possible to use gas lights indoors?
Although gaslighting has not been popular for interior or outdoor usage since 1900, antique gas fittings can still be seen in some period residences. Some homeowners who want to maintain historical accuracy while rebuilding worry if they should restore the old traditional gas lights along with other updates. While it is possible to use gas-fueled fixtures inside the home, it is dangerous.
A gas mantle, which consists of a bag made of fabric or wire mesh loaded with rare earth metallic salts that burn away when the mantle is heated, can be used instead of an open flame. Unlike an open flame, which generates a soft flickering light similar to a 25-watt lightbulb, a gas mantle delivers a constant white light similar to a 50 or 60-watt bulb.
The issue with employing gas fixtures indoors is that they can generate too much heat, which can ignite flammable materials like wallboard, wood, and fabric, especially if the lights are placed too close to them. At temperatures between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, gas leaves the top and bottom vents of lanterns.
Furthermore, gas lights emit carbon monoxide (CPO), which can be fatal if absorbed into the bloodstream. The emissions emitted by a lantern are identical to those emitted by a running automobile in a closed garage. Because CPO is odorless and colorless, it has the potential to kill you without you ever recognizing it.
When compared to open flame types, gas mantle lamps pose fewer risks. Similarly, fixtures made for propane or adapted to use bottled gas are safer because this product burns to produce carbon dioxide and water vapor, neither of which is harmful. Propane fuel fixtures, like open flame types, emit harmful methane gas. When this information is combined with the fact that lighting in modern homes is used for longer periods of time than in the past, propane fixtures with gas mantles are not a suggested alternative for use within the home. Gas lamps are a fire and health hazard in modern homes and other buildings, which are better insulated than in the past.
Surprisingly, some lantern makers believe that gas fixtures can be used indoors if properly ventilated, have an electronic ignition, are CSA-approved, and are professionally fitted. There are no national regulations for internal gas lights, even if they exceed ANSI criteria for indoor or outdoor usage defined by CSA, a group that sets codes and standards. The majority of manufacturers do not provide warranties for interior installations.
Another issue is that after pressure testing, local governments must accept the installation. You could waste time and money if the lamp fails the test after installation, leaving you with an inoperable fixture.
Gas lanterns are difficult to install indoors, but they are safer to use outside, including on open-air porches, entryways, and decks, as well as on drives and lawns. Gas light brackets and posts are available from a variety of manufacturers.
Even open flame lanterns are safe in an outdoor setting. These types are very popular due to the romantic mood provided by the flame.
Although outdoor gas lamps pose fewer risks than indoor counterparts, building standards require that they be installed by a qualified plumber.
Despite the temptation to repair exquisite gas lanterns in period homes, rewiring the fixture for electricity is the best approach to retain the fixture’s appearance. The following are the measures you should take, according to This Old House:
- Remove paint splatters and dirt from the area. You may remove grime while keeping many original finishes intact by using a cleaner like Simple Green. You’ll need to disassemble the fixture for a complete job. Remove all paint, varnish, and lacquer from the fixture if it has been painted.
- You’ll have to totally scrape and refinish the surface if it’s “spelter,” a zinc alloy that looks like brass. Scratch the finish off in an inconspicuous area to observe if the surface beneath the finish is white or silver.
- Before you begin rewiring, use a drop of Loctite to freeze the gas valve shot, and then blast compressed air through the gas line to clear it of debris and burr.
- Remember that electric wire is thicker than gas streams when rewiring the fixture. The specialists recommend putting 18 gauge wire through the thin arms of the fixture after pre-lubricating it with a dry bar of Ivory soap. (Attach the wire to 18 and snake it through first to make it easier to pull the wire through.) If the wire will not fit, it may be necessary to run it outside.
- Install LED bulbs that resemble gas flames in your rebuilt fixture before turning it on.
Your efforts will result in a rebuilt fixture that looks like the original, is safe to use, and provides light that is comparable to gas.
You might find the perfect lantern in our Charleston and other collections, which you can modify with scrolls, loops, and other details, as you browse our various collections. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, we’ll work with you to design a unique piece that’s perfect for your house. Candelabra-based flickering flame bulbs that mimic the sight of gas flames can be used with any of our lanterns.
Do propane lanterns emit a noxious odor?
Sorry for taking so long to get to the subject, but coal, camp fuel, propane, and natural gas do not have this kerosene quality; they can look to burn well, have no odor, and produce significant volumes of CO.
On a lantern, how long does a 1 pound propane tank last?
When used with a tiny 75,00 BTU stove and both burners on high flame, the most commonly used Coleman propane tank the 16.4oz or 1lb small tank will last for two hours.
22,000 BTUs are contained in a 16.4 oz propane tank. To figure out how long it will last with certain equipment, divide 22,000 by the BTU consumption per hour of the equipment, and you’ll have the number of hours your 16.4Oz propane tank will last (this is a very rough calculation and the actual burn time greatly depends on the efficiency of the equipment.)
Is it true that propane lamps emit heat?
In addition to providing light, any fuel-powered lantern will also give heat. Although propane is the easiest and cheapest to use, I find that my gasoline or kerosene lanterns, despite using the identical mantles, are significantly brighter.
Is it safe to use gas lamps indoors?
ANSWER: Indoor combustion of any fossil fuel is potentially hazardous. Coleman lanterns consume fossil fuel and, if used indoors, can build up dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. As a result, Coleman strongly advises customers to only use their lanterns outside.
Do you keep your gas lanterns lit at all times?
Gas lanterns are an appealing choice for some people who enjoy the flickering light of a gas flame that can reflect off surfaces such as glass windows and patio doors, ponds, pools, and lawns. A gas light creates a brighter, more intense light once installed, but these lanterns are prized for the soft, ambient light they emit. Because the flame flickers, it may not provide enough light in the area where you require it. It’s possible that you’ll require more lighting.
Gas Lighting Installation Costs
Installing a gas connection in the absence of a local gas line could cost $1,000 or more per line. Installing a gas line is not a do-it-yourself project; it should be done by a licensed expert in compliance with ANSIZZ233.1, the National Fuel Gas Code. 1/4″ copper tubing that has been internally tinned or treated to resist sulfur corrosion must be used by the installer.
Gas Lantern Operating Costs
In addition to installation costs, gas lanterns cost an average of $10 a month to operate, but depending on local gas prices, they can cost three times as much. Unless you extinguish the flame, it will remain lit. You’ll need to relight the flame with a match if you have a manual igniter. Electronic ignition gas units can be turned on using a switch.
Dying Flames
A rush of wind or an air draft can extinguish the flame. You can add a wind guard to protect the light, but it’s not a good idea to block the vent holes on the bottom of your lantern with coins or anything else, since this can cause the device to overheat. The wind chimney provides additional protection at the burner’s tip, preventing any wind from entering the lantern.
Well-ventilated Location
Because gas lanterns are noisy to run, emit a lot of heat, and can emit carbon monoxide, they should only be used in well-ventilated locations away from children and pets. They’re best used outside or in semi-enclosed spaces like outdoor kitchens, porches, verandas, and courtyards.
While you can choose a natural gas or propane post/column lantern from our Charleston, Georgetown Cities, or Yacht Basin Collections, you can also add additional electric exterior and interior lanterns to complete the look.
Copper is a good material for external lanterns, regardless of the fuel used. Our lights are comprised of 20 and 32-ounce copper, so they’ll endure a long time. Unlike lights made of nickel, aluminum, or composites, which only last three or four years before being destroyed by the elements, authentic copper and brass lanterns only get better with age. Copper, rather than rusting, develops a patina that gives it an ancient bronze appearance. The appearance of the product will vary depending on your location; for example, although copper in seaside settings may develop a greenish tone within a few years, this may not occur for decades elsewhere. In around three years, most copper deepens in color to “patina.”
Modern post lights and lanterns powered by any fuel improve your property’s safety and curb attractiveness. You could wish to put a post or column lantern in your yard to light your driveway or pathway leading up to your house, or even to light your front door for yourself or guests. The lighting looks wonderful installed on your exterior above flower beds or near water features in the yard, or handing on a fence, retaining wall, or other permanent structure. Post lanterns allow you to stay out late on your deck or patio. A gas or electric lantern can provide enough light to illuminate the surroundings. Is it better to run on gas or electricity?
Is it possible to use kerosene lights indoors?
Yes! When used appropriately, oil lamps can be used safely in interior environments. Oil lamps are an alternative to electricity that are ideal for lighting dark interior rooms without the use of energy.
Is it possible to replenish Coleman 16-ounce propane tanks?
Camping with Coleman propane gas canisters is a great idea. They’re used to power portable propane camping lamps and outdoor cooktops. While these canisters are typically thrown away once they’ve been emptied, they can be refilled with a 20-pound propane tank.
What is the best way to store a tiny Coleman propane tank?
- Propane cylinders should be stored outside. Never store them inside or in a confined space like a garage, shed, or basement.
- Keep them somewhere cool. Heat should not be applied to the cylinders above 120 degrees. This temperature could result in a fire or a leak.
- Propane cylinders should be kept away from open fires. This includes smoking and the use of spark-producing devices. Any flame has the potential to induce combustion.