Turning on an oil lamp involves preparing the wick and then lighting it carefully.
Preparing Your Oil Lamp
Before you can light an oil lamp, proper preparation is essential for safe and effective operation.
Fueling and Soaking the Wick
First, ensure your lamp reservoir is filled with the appropriate lamp oil. Do not overfill. The most crucial preparation step, as highlighted in usage instructions, is allowing the wick sufficient time to absorb the fuel.
Reference insight: You should let your wick soak up the fuel for about an hour before you light the lantern. This allows the fuel to fully absorb into the wick material. A lamp that has had fuel in it for approximately an hour will have given the fuel ample time to absorb into the wick.
This soaking prevents the wick from burning itself (known as charring) instead of burning the fuel, leading to a better flame and longer wick life.
The Lighting Process
Once the wick is properly saturated with fuel, you are ready to light the lamp.
- Adjust the Wick Height: Using the wick adjuster knob (usually on the side of the burner), raise the wick just high enough to be visible above the wick tube. A common starting point is about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.
- Open the Globe/Chimney (if applicable): Some lamps require you to lift or remove the glass globe or chimney to access the wick.
- Ignite the Wick: Carefully bring a lit match or lighter flame to the very tip of the soaked wick. It should catch fire quickly.
- Replace the Globe/Chimney: Once the wick is lit, carefully lower or replace the glass globe/chimney. This stabilizes the flame and protects it from drafts.
- Adjust the Flame: Use the wick adjuster knob again to fine-tune the flame height.
- Too low: The flame may be weak or go out.
- Too high: The flame can produce soot (black smoke) and burn the wick too quickly.
Adjust until you have a steady, bright flame that is not producing smoke.
Your oil lamp is now lit and providing light. Remember to monitor the flame periodically and adjust the wick as needed.
