An electrical question

[polkanut]

This last Sunday I purchased a Victorian parlor lamp that is still set up to burn kerosene.  I would like to convert it to electricity, but do it in such a way that it could easily be converted back in the future.  The parts are available online but I'm unsure of my electrical skills.  Has anyone here ever tackled this type of project before?  The lamp I have is a center draft type. 

http://www.bplampsupply.com/category/135_antique-style-electrified-burners

 

[maytagbear]

If a person

doesn't overtighten when they thread on the converter, the converter can be threaded off in case of extended blackout. If the person does overtighten, there's a slight risk of damage to the threads. However, these converters generally work quite well.

One word on lighting.....Kerosene, while a big step ahead over former fuels for lighting was still comparatively dim, so the accurate thing would be no higher than 60 or so watts equivalent.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[wayupnorth]

That kit in your link looks to be completely wired. It would just be a matter of simply taking off the kerosene part and attaching the electric conversion, adding a bulb and plugging in. I converted an old railroad kerosene lantern by easily wiring in a regular lamp socket and adding an in line on/off switch.

 

[d-jones]

I've always gone the other way with old lamps.

Converting them from electricity back to kerosene is my thing. But the link you provided makes it look as though you'll have no problem. You'll just need to identify the maker of the lamp, the burner type(flat wick or center draft) and then purchase the appropriate burner from the web site you found. I can't imagine that it wouldn't come with detailed instructions to complete the mod. Do you know what type of burner your lamp has? A center draft lamp will be the easiest to conceal the cord in, as the center tube should allow you to pass the cord all the way through the lamp and out the bottom without having to damage the lamp by drilling holes in the tank. Just be sure of what you're ordering as there were a lot of different manufacturers out there whose burners were unique to their lamps.

Here's a photo of a center draft lamp with the burner and flam spreader removed so that you can see the center tube. This open ended tube passes clear through the lamp.

 

[d-jones]

Oh great! What the heck is a flam spreader? Sorry, I meant flame spreader.

 

[polkanut]

The burner is a Royal, and the wick is circular.

 

[polkanut]

Lawrence,

Thanks for the reminder.  My great-aunt Alvera had a converted parlor lamp and I think she only used 40watt bulbs.  I will most likely use a 60watt CFL.

 

[polkanut]

Well I bit the bullet and ordered the parts to convert the lamp to electricity.  I just hope I can find a competent electrician who is willing to do it for me.  I want it done in such a way as to be able to convert it back to kerosene in the future if it so desired.

 

[henry200]

No electrical skills required!

The converter kit is prewired and ready to operate!  Literally, all you need to do is remove the burner assembly and screw the electric one on in its place.  Add a lightbulb, plug it in and let there be light!