FAQ

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you. Contact Us

How much light will I get from my gas lantern?

Imagine the glow from a large candle. Open flame gas lanterns produce a warm flickering light, creating an ambiance that cannot be reproduced with electric sources. When used at an entrance , it is wise to supplement with another inconspicuous light source, such as recessed, to ensure adequate light levels for safely entering and exiting the space.

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How much will it cost to operate my gas lantern?

It is difficult to give an exact answer. Plan for at least $10.00 and as much as $30.00 per lantern to cover the operating costs of a continually burning open flame gas lantern. Supply your local gas supplier with a description of the lantern you are interested in for realistic estimate.

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How can I control the operating cost of a Gas lantern?

You can add an electronic ignition system. This allows you to turn your lantern on and off from an electric switch. While this feature is notably expensive to purchase, it will pay for itself over time in the savings from reduced gas usage. It also greatly enhances the convenience of operation.

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How do I turn my lantern off and on?

For a manual valve lantern, you will turn the lever located on the valve to allow the gas to flow and use a match to light the flame. It is recommended that you not use a mechanical match for this purpose.

Allow a small flow of gas to light the flame and then adjust the flow with the lever until your flame reaches the desired height. Simply turn the lever to the off position to stop the gas flow and extinguish the flame.

Lanterns equipped with electronic ignitions can be turned on and off with a switch that has been connected to the ignition system.

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Can I have a gas lantern with propane gas?

Yes. Simply order your lantern with a propane burner available in options with each lantern.

Operating a lantern equipped with a natural gas burner on propane, will cause excessive heat and smoking.

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I hear that lanterns can blow out from wind. Is this true?

Yes it is. Lanterns are designed to burn in moderate wind and air flow conditions. Excessive wind or air drafts can cause the flame to go out. If this is a condition that exists in your area or the location where your lantern will be installed, purchase the optional wind guard. This will help protect the burner from excessive wind conditions. Some recommend that you place pennies over the vent holes in the bottom of your lantern. We do not advocate this as it may cause excessive heat to build up inside your lantern.

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Can I convert my electric lantern to gas?

Normally no. Unless your lantern was manufactured to withstand the high heat that is produced by an open flame lantern, it will not be safe to attempt a conversion. Gas lanterns must have proper venting for the high heat and constructed of materials capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures. In any open flame application, safety must be the primary consideration.

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Are gas lanterns safe?

Yes when used properly. Be sure to purchase a lantern made by a reputable manufacturer and maintain recommended distances from combustible surfaces. Contact your local plumbing inspection agency for code requirements in your area. Know the code before you purchase your gas lantern. Lanterns get very hot and should not be placed where they can be touched by children or animals.

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Can I use a gas lantern inside?

This is an accepted application in some areas. Consider carefully the features of an open flame gas lantern. An open gas flame producing extremely hot temperatures and possible carbon monoxide in unattended areas. We recommend that you restrict the use of these fixtures to well vented, semi-enclosed or open areas such as outdoor porches, verandas, courtyards, outdoor kitchens and other outdoor living spaces. If you decide to use a gas lantern inside, it must be equiped with an electronic igniton in most areas to conform to local codes. Safety must always be the prime consideration. Check with your local building code office before purchasing a gas lantern for indoor use. Some manufacturer's offer a thermo coupler tht may be acceptable to your local codes. We offer an electric option for all of our lanterns. With the proper low wattage or silicone coated bulbs you can achieve a similar look for inside. A new product is the flicker module from The CopperSmith that is offered in options with their electric lanterns. This uses an electronic chip and an amber bulb with a frosted chimney to produce a nice flickering glow.

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What if I need other fixtures to co-ordinate with my gas lanterns?

Every gas lantern that we sell is also available in electric. Simply choose the correct size and mounting option to coordinate all of your fixtures.

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How long does it take to get my lantern once I order it?

Most lanterns offered on this web site can be fitted with your mounting selection, tested and shipped in 14-21 days. Custom fixtures and some finishes will of course take longer and average 6 weeks. If you require expedited shipping, please contact us to make that arrangement and for a shipping cost quote. Contact Us. Remember that in most cases you are purchasing a "made to order" light fixture.

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What do I need to know about electronic igniters?

Some igniters operate on 24 volts.  This involves a transformer stepping down the 120 volt current from your supply line to the fixture. The design and location varies with each manufacturer.   Some are located entirely inside the fixture below the burner and some are located behind the fixture in an oversized backplate. Transformers are sometimes located in a remote location with only the 24 volt wire running to the fixture or in many cases it is located directly behind the backplate. Some manufactrers use a 120 volt igniter located inside the fixture under the burner and do not require a transformer but will connect directly to your 120 volt supply line. All of these types are operated from a wall switch installed in a location of your choice.  Always check with us or read the fixture description carefully to determine the installation of your fixture.

An electronic igniter allows you to turn your lantern off and on as needed.  They also offer the advantage of relighting a flame automatically that might blow out. In our opinion, they are essential for any gas fixture being installed indoors and great for those lanterns that will be hard to reach for relighting the flame.

Coordination with your plumber and electrician are essential for a dependable installation.    We recommend that you order your lantern early in the construction process so both the plumber and electrician are familiar with your lantern and its requirements at rough in.   Installation diagrams can be provided in most cases before shipment but nothing beats the "hands on approach".

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What are the BTU ratings on gas lanterns?

BTU ratings vary with each manufacturer. Lanterns are rated between 1050 and 1700 BTU's on the average for natural gas and up to 2800 for propane. Give us a call if you need a specific rating for a specific lantern.

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Are all Gas Lanterns made of Copper?

Copper has long been considered the material of choice for gas lanterns. It ages beautifully and holds up to extreme temperatures. It can be left in the natural state and allowed to age gracefully or treated in a variety of ways to create an aged patina or a dark oxidized finish that resembles bronze. Copper will age differently in different areas of the country. Humidity, salt and chemicals in the air affect it's aging process. Copper does not paint well. High quality solid brass is used by some manufacturers to product long lasting finishes and also will accomodate the heat from the gas flame when produced and finished properly. See US Lanterns, It is a good choice for painted finishes. Stainless steel is also being used to produce lanterns that can be painted successfully, generally in a single color, such as black. Remember that all painted finishes are subject to changes when used outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures. All the manufactures represented on this web site take every precaution to produce long lasting finishes but understand they will change over time and some fading may occur. This is not to be considered a defect, simply part of the natural aging process of painted fnishes. For those of you looking for black fixtures, you might want to consider a copper that has been chemically treated to achieve a very dark, nearly black finish. Flambeaux offers this treatment.

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How much does a Copper Range Hood cost?

We represent The CopperSmith of Alabama. They create copper architectural products for both resdential and commercial projects. We show several of their styles on this web site. Each of the hoods is a custom project and made to your specifications. Price is determind by the designers and fabricators for each job. An average small to medium hood can range from $7,000 to $10,000 with some hoods exceeding $20,000. The CopperSmith works through Trade members to market their hoods and we will be happy to put you in touch with them to create a quote for you. 800-910-3275 or ginger@coppergaslanternsplus.com.

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