puzzled about oil lamps, question.

City Bound · #1 10/23/12, 07:14 AM

I do not get it, other then aladin, do these oil lamps give off light no better then a candle? I might be doing something wrong because I do not think the light is any better or brighter then a candle. If they really do give off such poor light then the only advantage to them over a candle is that the fuel last longer then a candle.

Am I doing something wrong or do oil lamps give off a light similar to candles?

Rocktown Gal · #2 10/23/12, 07:17 AM

That's about right. I have found that if you cut the wick into a point like this > that it does give off a brighter light.

Alice In TX/MO · #3 10/23/12, 07:21 AM

The flame is the same size as a candle, so light produced will be approximately the same.

It's about safety, not increased light.

jwal10 · #4 10/23/12, 07:36 AM

Depends on the wick, the wider the more light....James

sss3 · #5 10/23/12, 07:40 AM

I'm going to get several of those outdoor solar lights. Window sills are wide enough to hold them and charge them. Lots of sunlight. Anyone see a problem w/this.

City Bound · #6 10/23/12, 07:46 AM

The wick is pretty wide, about 7/8 I think, if that is a legit size. It is close to an inch.

I have a small table lamp, a large table lamp, and two wall sconces with reflectors on them. The reflectors help but not enough. Mirrors helped but I am still having trouble seeing in the room.

City Bound · #7 10/23/12, 07:49 AM

olive oil lamps work pretty well, if you have ever been interested in them. You can make your own easily. They give off the same light as a candle.

City Bound · #8 10/23/12, 07:50 AM

that might work sandra. A light hooked up to a car battery seems to be the best alternative light source though.

City Bound · #9 10/23/12, 07:57 AM

that might actually be a healther liestyle, Wind. Getting up with the sun is good for the health.

Ok, looked up petromax. Does that lamp mist the fuel and that is why there is a pump on the side?

The Britelyte seems cool, it can run on all different kinds of fuel, even biogas.

City Bound · #10 10/23/12, 07:59 AM

the best use of the lamps I have would be for emergency back up.

What about propane lanterns indoors? I know it is not recomended, but the amish in lancaster have propane lamps attached to BBQ gas tanks in their house.

FarmboyBill · #11 10/23/12, 08:16 AM

IF you look in Lehmans catlog, youll see gas lights that mount to the wall or cealing just like they did in the teens up to the 40s.
I think there is at least a 2in wide wick, and I believe longer.
Check out a Rayo lamp on E Bay. They put out nearly as much light as an Aladdin and without any more hassle than a average kero lamp.
As was said. People didnt light the house at night with lamps. They might have a big aladdin or Rayo on a parlor table to read AND sew, AND do lessons by for the whole family. But that was about it. Those were city people. Country people as said went to bed with the chickens in the winter, and went to bed when they were so tired that the heat, and sweat, and mosquitos didnt bother them. AND woke up tired the next morning.

City Bound · #12 10/23/12, 08:21 AM

Looked up rayo. They are considered fuel hogs, was that your experience?

**Cabin Fever** · #13 10/23/12, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

that might actually be a healther liestyle, Wind. Getting up with the sun is good for the health.

Ok, looked up petromax. Does that lamp mist the fuel and that is why there is a pump on the side?

The Britelyte seems cool, it can run on all different kinds of fuel, even biogas.

The BriteLyt PetroMax is a pressure lantern, not a lamp. The pump on the side is to pressurize the liquid fuel, similar to a Coleman lantern.

The liquid fuel is heated by the burning mantle as it passes thru a metal tube called a "generator" or "vaporizer." The heat turns the liquid to a gas. The gas is burned iby the mantle giving off a light the brightness of a 400 watt incandescent light bulb (ie, about 500 candlepower).

City Bound · #14 10/23/12, 08:45 AM

cabin how are they on fuel consumption?

NJ Rich · #15 10/23/12, 08:51 AM

I only use my kerosene lamps as emergency lighting. When a storm is predicted I use a deep cycle boat battery and a table lamp with a 12 volt light bulb as used in motor homes. The battery stays in the attached garage with a heavy duty extension cord coming into the Family Room. This seems to work well and provides a lot of light with no kerosene smell.

I have solar charged patio lights also. I missed the "end of season sale" but still have 4 working patio lights.

As many people say including WIHH, "When it gets dark go to bed". It is wise to do the important things while there is daylight.

BTW: Never ever leave a candle or kerosene lamp lit and unattended.

**Cabin Fever** · #16 10/23/12, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

cabin how are they on fuel consumption?

Never really tested it. The lantern holds about a quart of fuel and we can use it for several evenings before refueling. I'd estimate a minimum of 10 hours per quart burning at full brightness.

City Bound · #17 10/23/12, 08:58 AM

hmmm. That sounds like a lot of fuel, but the brightness might be worth it.
That is roughly a gallon a month if used every day.

**Cabin Fever** · #18 10/23/12, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Bound

hmmm. That sounds like a lot of fuel, but the brightness might be worth it.
That is roughly a gallon a month if used every day.

BrightLyt PetroMax lanterns come in two - maybe three - sizes. Ours is the largest (500 candlepower). The smallest PetroMax is 150 candlepower which provides the light equivalent to a 100-watt light bulb.

farminghandyman · #19 10/23/12, 09:25 AM

I went to the pressurized lanterns, I chose Coleman kerosene lanterns, the cost was such that there were 1/2 of the pertomax, when I bought mine, they are as bright as a 100 watt bulb, and the kerosene is safer than gasoline IMO,

but the standard old no mantle lamps are not much,

we had Aladdin lamps but the fuel usage is close to the pressurized and I think the maintenance on the pressurized is less,

I have one in the barn I keep on the ready all the time, and makes a great calving or kidding lantern, as the light is 360 circle not just a beam,

the standard non mantle lantern is no much light, we just put our away or use for decorations, and when putting up high, or hanging, watch the heat produced, by the lantern even a wick unit puts out a lot of heat and if left to concentrate it can be dangerous,

NJ Rich · #20 10/23/12, 09:31 AM

I received a PM asking some very valid questions about my battery to 12 volt lamp set-up and I want to add these here.

Q: Do you use a fuse in the power line to the lamp?

A: I haven't but it is something I will do right at the battery to the extension cord conection. I use a heavy duty extension cord as would be used in heavy construction

Q: Do you keep the battery on a trickle charger?

A: I do not but I routinely charge my batteries, I have two, with a 12 volt charger that goes down to trickle when the charge is almost completed.

Note 1: I keep the batteries in the attached garage that is directly accessed by one door from the Family Room where our fireplace is. I would not have the battery in an occupied area of the house.

Note 2: Always have a spare 12 volt light bulb or two.

Note 3: Do a trial test with your own set-up. A car battery can do the same thing as a deep cycle battery but they do not give power as long.

Note 4: When conditions allow re-charge your battery with your vehicle or battery charger.

I did not want to hijack this thread but since the questions through PM came from here and I posted info I thought it was reasonable answer here. My apologies to everyone.