Kerosene lamps are highly useful during blackouts and in remote areas that either do not have electricity, or that have a very unreliable supply.
It is always risky to have a naked flame lamp, but the modern day kerosene lamps are very effective nowadays and much safer than candles.
You will need to keep a store of lamp oil or the recommended kerosene, and a supply of replacement wicks. After every extended period of use it is always wise to wash kerosene lamps. Storing away your lamps correctly will ensure they are in perfect condition for when they are needed.
Lighting/ Extinguishing Kerosene Lamps
Twist the chimney of the lamp to get access to the font and the wick. This is at the lamp bottom and is referred to as a fuel chamber. Twisting the chimney anti-clockwise will open the lamp. A large spout in glass protects the flame.
Kerosene lamps come in different shapes and sizes meaning that the process above may slightly vary from lamp to lamp. A lamp with a handle generally means you have to lift it and twist the chimney.
Pour oil to 90% full. Twist the burner anti-clockwise, pour directly the lamp oil. Use a funnel to avoid spillage of oil. Some burners may feature a side fuel valve. Kerosene smells nasty indoors. Paraffin evaporates faster, and is more solid, but it clogs the burner over time.
Bear in mind that you will need to avoid filling to full as kerosene expands when it warms and will overflow.
Install the wick and burner sleeve snugly. Place the wick directly to fit snugly. The wick should be perfectly placed or else it may draw more fuel or burn the wick down.
Cut the wick on the top with scissors. Trim straight so that it burns evenly. Remove loose threads. Shape the wick corners round and safeguard your lamp from getting overheated.
Lower the wick using the wick control knob or use your hand to adjust the wick. Trim the size or keep it low down in the font.
Turning the wick anti-clockwise reduces the wick and on turning it clockwise, it raises. Adjust the wick to see the burner tip poking out.
Soak the wick for an hour. This will ensure soaking of wick in oil and it will burn bright. When lighting just touch the flame to the wick, it will catch fire immediately. Ensure to lock the chimney by turning it clockwise, or else it may drop while you move the lamp.
Emitting smoke is normal. Bear in mind that steam and smoke are a result of excess heat and it can damage the glass lamp. Reduce the wick dial to keep the flame dim. Smoke and steam is common in cold rooms. However, with a cold chimney, heat exposure can cause the chimney to crack, so warm it gradually.
Extinguish the flame by turning the wick down. While extinguishing the flame, keep your face well away, blow air towards the flame and extinguish it.
Do not touch the glass it will be hot. Blowing into the chimney may damage it. Avoid using kerosene lamps for a very long time as it increases the chance of them becoming a fire hazard.