Frequently Asked Questions

What are your lanterns made from?
Each lantern is custom-made with the finest copper available.

Why do you consider your lanterns "green"?
We implemented our conservation and recycling practices years ago to keep costs down and to be responsible manufacturers. Not all lantern companies follow these "green" principles. All scrap copper is collected and recycled. We encourage the use of gas safety igniters and photo cell technology to conserve fuel in our gas lanterns, and the use of CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) in our electric lanterns to conserve electricity. Our lanterns are shipped using recyclable corrugated packaging. See our Green Ideas page for more information. We are proud that we are a "green" leader in the copper lantern industry.

What fuels do your lanterns use?
All of our lanterns can be equipped to use electric, natural gas or liquid propane (LP).

How long will it take to custom build my lantern?
Most lanterns can be produced in 6-8 weeks.

Are there different finishes available for your copper lanterns?
Yes, you can learn more about the finishes and options available for our lanterns by visiting those pages.

What is your policy on returns or exchanges?
We want you to be happy with your purchase, but understand there may be instances when a return or exchange is desired. Our Terms and Conditions describe important policies regarding ordering, returns and exchanges, and what to do if any damage occurrs during shipment. We actually require that our customers read these policies before ordering to avoid any confusion.

What mounting options do you offer?
Our lanterns can be mounted on a wall, post or hung. We can also offer mountings such as a wall arm bracket, yoke, etc. Please call our sales staff for a complete list of options available with our lanterns or see our catalog for mounting options.

Why do I need a yoke with a hanging gas lantern?
Hanging a gas lantern within a yoke keeps the lantern from swinging freely, which could weaken the gas line and possibly cause a rupture. We offer a variety of yoke styles that you may choose from.

Will you ship your lanterns to me?
We will ship your lanterns anywhere in the world right to your front door or business.

Why is a solid copper top recommended for lanterns that use liquid propane (LP)?
We recommend solid copper top panels for all lanterns equipped with liquid propane as fuel. Because liquid propane emits a high carbon residue when burned (in lighting applications), it will likely soot the inside top of the lantern, which would darken and reduce the translucency of glass top panels.

Are your lanterns safety certified?
Yes, our lanterns are certified by CSA-International for Canada and the United States.

What are the BTUs that the lanterns burn when operating?
The lanterns burn at an average rate of 2,375 BTUs. Some of our lanterns will burn as high as 3,500 BTUs.

What is the gas pressure required in the gas line in order to run a gas light?
The gas line pressure needs to be, at an absolute minimum, 7 inches of water column pressure. We recommend that you use between 10-12 inches of water column pressure.

What kind of clearance is required for installing a gas lantern?
The minimum top clearance, from the chimney, should be no less than twelve (12) inches from any combustible surface. The clearance for any side should be no less than six (6) inches from any combustible surface.

What size gas line fitting is needed for the actual installation of a gas lantern?
You will need to use a standard 1⁄4 inch copper flared line and flared fitting.

Do you offer installation instructions for the Gas Igniter?
Yes, you can go to the Gas Igniter page or download a PDF that will explain how to install. Please be aware that the Automatic Ignition feature is intended for nighttime use only and that we strongly recommend that you use a properly licensed and insured electrician or plumber, gas fitter, or other licensed installer as appropriate in your region in the installation of our fixtures.

PLEASE NOTE: On automatic gas ignition system installations, each fixture pulls about 1.3 amps. You can only have 3-5 lights per circuit, no more than 5 per circuit. Although you are connecting 110 AC, it is being converted to DC at the power supply (silver box). These igniters are power driven and require a steady flow of power in order for the DC current to heat the igniter tip to 1800°. When you have more than 5 units on one circuit, it splits the power and amperage in the line causing sporadic ignition. Even though the tip may light up it is not allowing the element to heat to the 1800° that is needed for ignition.

How do I install a post for a post mount lantern?
Dig a hole in the ground that is approximately eight (8) inches wide and twenty-four (24) inches deep. Set the bottom of the post in the center of the hole. Pour concrete around the post to just below the level of the gas line access hole. Proper fittings for the underground gas line will be a 1⁄4 inch gas line in through the post.

What is the most efficient burner valve position?
Position the valve arm half way between fully open and fully closed. This positioning will result in your lantern burning at an average rate of 1,250 and 1,700 BTUs.

What gauge of copper do you use when making the lanterns?
We use 24-ounce copper on most lanterns. We will, although, use thicknesses that vary from 16 ounce to 32 ounce for some lanterns and accessories, as required.