Frequently Asked Questions

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

Why do you consider your lanterns "green"?
We are proud that we are a leader in the copper lantern industry. We implemented our conservation and recycling practices years ago to keep costs down and to be responsible manufacturers. Not all lantern companies follow the same "green" principles. Our lanterns are handcrafted here in the USA where we can closely maintain our high standard of craftsmanship and materials, and all our 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.

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.

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 can 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 UL or CSA approved?
We let our clients decide if they want their lanterns with or without the certification. For many clients, the certification (and extra cost) is not a priority, so to keep lantern costs low, we let you decide. You are welcome to call one of our friendly sales associates for more information about the certification for gas or electric lanterns.

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.

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 is a bat wing flame?
A bat wing flame is one that gives the appearance of a split flame being omitted from the gas light. To achieve this look turn the valve so that it is fully open when burning.

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.

How does an electronic igniter work?
The electronic igniters work just like a light switch for your gas lantern. The igniters work off of a standard 120V (house) current line. You, however, must supply a 24V transformer (such as a standard doorbell transformer) in order to reduce the house current before it is sent into the lantern. One properly installed the electronic igniter will work like a regular light switch. While off, the igniter regulates and stops the flow of gas at the base of the lantern unit. While on, the gas supply will flow through the lantern unit, two electrodes in the lantern will arc, ignite the gas and then you will have flame. If the gas does not ignite on the initial attempt the igniter will attempt to reignite four times. The igniter will continue to cycle until the gas ignites.

Where can I find instructions on how to install my lantern with the electronic igniter?
Download our PDF file for Electronic Igniter Instructions.