Otis Singleton
Converting a Coleman lantern from oil or gas to an electric lantern requires a special skill set. While the benefits may vary, it reduces the risk of a liquid fire. It is important to hire a qualified electrician to complete the task to avoid the risk of an electrical fire. You can purchase a lantern conversion kit from your local sporting goods store for an oil or gas lamp burner. Ensure that you buy the same-sized kit as your burner. You can also ask the electrician to fix the lantern so that if you ever want to re-convert the lantern back to oil or gas, it can be done so easily.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Requires special skill |
| Benefits | Reduced risk of liquid fire |
| Who should do it | Qualified electrician |
| What to buy | Lantern conversion kit |
| Where to buy | Local sporting goods store or lamp repair and supply shop |
| What to do before conversion | Rinse the tank with soapy water |
| First step | Unscrew the original lantern burner |
| Second step | Place the burner in a safe place |
| Third step | Screw in the electrified lantern burner |
| Fourth step | Use a knife to cut out the portion of the lantern where the wick is |
| Fifth step | Drill a hole for the electrical cord |
| Sixth step | Insert the light socket and wire it through the holes |
| Seventh step | Secure the cord with cable ties |
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What You'll Learn
Purchase a lantern conversion kit
Converting a Coleman lantern from oil or gas to electric can be a tricky process and should be done by a qualified electrician. To convert your lantern, you will need to purchase a lantern conversion kit. These kits are available in various sizes and can be bought from your local sporting goods store or lamp repair and supply shops. Make sure to buy a kit that matches the size of your lantern's burner.
You can also purchase a replacement burner for your lamp and have that converted instead. This will allow you to keep your original lantern burner intact and easily convert back to oil or gas if needed.
Some lantern conversion kits may also be available online, such as the $7 lamp kit purchased by a user from Amazon. This kit was used to convert a Coleman lantern into a table lamp, using a low-watt night light bulb.
Another user has described a process of converting a Coleman lantern to electric by discarding the generator and drilling two holes, one on the edge of the tank and another on the top. The electrical cord is then fed through these holes and the lamp base is held in place with a twist tie. It is important to thoroughly clean the tank with soapy water before drilling.
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Unscrew the original burner
To begin converting your Coleman lantern to electric, you must first remove the original burner. This is a crucial step, as it ensures you have an undamaged original part to convert back to if you ever decide to revert your lantern to its original oil or gas-powered state.
Before you start, ensure you have the necessary tools to safely unscrew the burner. You may need a screwdriver or wrench to carefully loosen and remove the burner from the lantern. It is important to handle the burner with care and avoid any damage during this process. Place the burner in a safe location where it will not be misplaced or damaged.
The process of unscrewing the original burner may vary slightly depending on the model and design of your Coleman lantern. Some burners may have specific mechanisms or attachments that require unique tools or techniques to remove. It is important to refer to your lantern's instructions or seek guidance from online resources or experts if you encounter any challenges during this step.
Once the original burner is successfully unscrewed and set aside, you can move on to the next step of installing the electrified burner or making the necessary modifications to accommodate the electrical components. It is important to approach this process with caution and ensure that all tools and procedures are appropriately utilised to avoid any damage to the lantern or its components.
Converting a Coleman lantern from its original fuel source to electric power can be a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. While the benefits of reduced fire risk and modern convenience are appealing, it is always recommended to consult with a qualified electrician or lantern specialist to ensure the conversion is done safely and effectively. They can guide you through the entire process, including unscrewing the original burner and making the necessary electrical connections.
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Drill a hole for the cord
Before you begin the process of converting your Coleman lantern to electric, it is important to hire a qualified electrician to complete the task. You do not want to risk an electrical fire.
Once you have sought professional advice, you can begin the process of drilling a hole for the cord. First, rinse out the tank with soapy water. Then, remove the original lantern burner from the inside and place it somewhere safe. This means that, should you decide to convert the lantern back to its original state, you will have an undamaged part to convert back with.
Next, you need to cut out the portion of the lantern where the wick is placed. You can do this with a knife or a Dremmel. The hole should be roughly the size of your light socket, so 1 to 2 inches around. Once you have removed the wick holder, you will notice a smaller tank inside that holds the paraffin. This will have to be cut away or ground back before the light socket will fit. You can use a Dremmel or pliers to do this.
Now you can drill a hole in the lantern that is large enough to pass the electrical cord through. The placement of the hole will depend on where you want the cord to come out. If you want to hang your lantern, the cord will need to come out from the top. If your lantern is going to be on a table, you can drill the hole in the base.
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Insert the light socket
Before inserting the light socket, you will need to have purchased a lantern conversion kit from your local hardware store or sports goods store. Make sure you buy the same-sized kit as the burner on your lantern. You will also need to have the right tools, such as a Dremel, pliers, a drill, a knife, and a hot glue gun.
Now, to insert the light socket:
- Make a hole in the bottom of the lantern that is roughly the size of your light socket. This can be done using a knife or a Dremel cutting wheel. The hole should be big enough for the socket to fit snugly.
- Drill a hole in the lantern for the electrical cord. This hole should be about 3/8-inch in size and located in the base of the lantern.
- Feed the electrical wire through the cord hole and up into the center hole of the lantern.
- Strip off about an inch of insulation from the end of the electrical wire that will connect to the light bulb.
- Insert the light socket into the center hole of the lantern, making sure it is sitting straight. You may need to twist and cut away some of the existing components to make room for the socket.
- Secure the light socket in place with hot glue.
Once the light socket is inserted and secured, you can move on to wiring the socket and completing the circuit. It is important to note that working with electricity always carries some risk, so be sure to take the necessary precautions and consult a professional electrician if you have any doubts.
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Secure the cord with cable ties
To convert a Coleman lantern to electric, you will need to secure the cord with cable ties. This is an important step to ensure the safety and functionality of your converted lantern. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Before you begin, ensure you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials. These include a Coleman lantern, a replacement electric burner, a drill, a knife, a screwdriver, and cable ties. You will also need protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, to ensure a safe working environment.
Firstly, carefully drill a hole in the lantern that is large enough for the electrical cord to pass through. This hole should be strategically placed to allow for a neat and secure cord installation. Take your time with this step to avoid any damage to the lantern or injury to yourself.
Once the hole is drilled, feed the electrical cord through it. The cord should be long enough to reach the power source comfortably. If needed, strip the insulation from the ends of the cord to expose the wires. You can use a knife or wire strippers for this task.
Now, it's time to secure the cord with cable ties. Use cable ties to fasten the cord along the handle of the lantern or any other designated path you prefer. Make sure the cable ties are tight and secure, preventing any unnecessary movement of the cord. This step ensures that the cord is firmly held in place and reduces the risk of the cord being pulled out or damaged.
After securing the cord with cable ties, carefully connect the wires to the light socket. Twist the exposed wires together or use electrical connectors for a secure connection. Ensure that the polarity of the wires matches the socket's requirements. This step will complete the circuit, allowing electricity to flow to the light source.
Finally, test the lantern to ensure it works properly. Plug it into a power source and switch it on. If you've added a switch to the cord, make sure it functions correctly. Check for any loose connections or exposed wires, and ensure that the light illuminates as expected. If everything functions properly, your converted electric Coleman lantern is now ready for use!
Remember, when performing this conversion, always prioritize safety. If you are uncomfortable with any electrical work, consult a qualified electrician to assist you. With these steps, you can securely attach the cord using cable ties and enjoy your newly converted electric Coleman lantern.
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Frequently asked questions
Converting a Coleman lantern from oil or gas to electric reduces the risk of a liquid fire.
You will need a Dremel, needle-nose pliers, a drill, a Stanley knife, and a hot glue gun.
You will need a light socket and power cord from an electric lamp. You can purchase a lantern conversion kit from your local sporting goods store for an oil or gas lamp burner.
First, remove the original lantern burner and place it somewhere safe. Then, screw in the electrified lantern burner. Cut out the portion of the lantern where the wick is with a knife and drill a hole large enough for the electrical cord. Insert the light socket and wire it through the holes. Secure the cord with cable ties.
