Paraffin light

[TiggerToo]

Hi,

I have just bought a nice-looking Westfalia paraffin light. When I got down to unpacking the lamp and reading the instructions it says clearly and in bold lettering: not to be used in an enclosed space: this seems to rule out use in the saloon to light up and warm those dark winterr nights at anchor /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. Has anyone ever used these kinds of lamps (e.g. Tilley, Westfalia etc) in the cabin? Are there any inherent dangers/discomforts to look forward to? Am I only likely to be able to use it outside to attract mozzies when supping in the cockpit?

 

[Malcb]

Any naked flame needs oxygen to burn, so just make sure that the cabin is well ventilated. After all you use your cooker in the cabin!

 

[tobble]

I live aboard, and whilst I have been out of the water I use small paraffin hurricane lamps for lighting, to save the battery (long story, broken wind turbine...)
I have had no problems whatsoever, and actually quite like the 'friendly' light rather than the harsh flurecent tubes.
Paraffin that I have seen come in three grades, one intended for thinners, an outdoor grade, and an indoor grade. I started using indoor, which is ideal, but actually th out door is fine, and is in someways better... The indoor stuff will barely soot at all, but the outdoor stuff will if you let the flame burn too tall. This is important because if the flame is tall, you generate also carbon monoxide, no matter what grade, so it's a good indicator. If the glass does become sooty, it is easily washed along with the wine glasses! The advice re ventilation is to be heeded. The postulations that the outdoor stuff is smelly do not appear to hold up. I haven't actually tried the low grade thinning stuff.

by the way, my lamps came from Towsure, for the princely sum of two quid a piece, last season.

 

[damo]

Echo what the others say about ventilation - if your cooker doesn't kill you there must be enough air /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also bear in mind that a lot of heat leaves the top of a lamp, esp a Tilley, so make sure there is plenty of space above and preferably a reflector as well.