A climatic disaster, a malfunction of the electrical network, an instability of the current or a peak of electrical consumption, these are the possible causes of a disruption of the electrical supply in the homes. Given our strong dependence on electricity, its deprivation seems unbearable, especially at nightfall. Indeed, the dark stirs up fear.
So how do you light up when the power goes out or without electricity? Here are the top 8 best light sources that are independent of electricity.
1- The wax candle
Beeswax and kerosene are the main raw materials for the manufacture of wax candles. The kerosene is the result of a complex formula. It comes from oil. The fossil material is subjected to a series of treatments (filtration, de-oiling and hydro-refining) to end up with kerosenes. Despite the questionable manufacturing processes, kerosene remains biodegradable.
Beeswax, on the other hand, is derived from honeybees. The workers secrete the liquid which is also used in the manufacture of honeycombs. However, beeswax contains impurities and requires purification steps.
The wax candle provides a soft light. It consists of a wick implanted in a combustible mass. This one ignites naked without risk. The candle consumes only a small amount of oxygen.
2- The liquid candle
The liquid emergency candle lasts between 100 and 115 hours. It produces 13 lumens of light (unit of measurement of light intensity).
The liquid candle is self-sufficient and long-lasting and does not produce smoke or odor. Although the light generated may appear dim, its intensity is sufficient for lighting in the event of a power outage.
To compensate for its low luminosity, some users are tempted to spread several of them throughout the house. Beware of excess, as candles are a high fire hazard. Without constant supervision, spilling liquid on the floor can cause a fire.
In any case, always remember to have a large supply of matches.
3- The candle
The luminous accessory encompasses a series of advantages. The candle benefits from a slow burning time of several tens of hours. This ensures optimum performance.
In the past, the candle was reserved for exclusive use in worship, specifically during religious ceremonies. The users fixed it on a candlestick or a candlestick. Nevertheless, the passage of years has popularized its use. The candle is now used to illuminate homes in case of power failure.
The candle is of imposing size. It is long or tapered depending on its purpose. The candle comes in several colors, like the white candle and the orange candle.
4- The oil lamp
The oil lamp consists of a traditional lamp involving the use of a fuel: animal fat, mineral oil or vegetable oil. The accessory has a glass that covers the flame and acts as a means of protection. The instrument has been designed to be stabilized on a table or to be hung on a wall in order to guarantee an optimal distribution of the light.
Besides its practical function, the oil lamp has an aesthetic role. It is a decorative element. It adds a rustic touch to the room.
However, there is a potential danger in its use. The accessory spreads carbon monoxide (the by-product of combustion). Its location must therefore be ventilated.
5- The kerosene lamp
Appeared in 1853, the kerosene lamp is an invention of the Polish pharmacist Ignacy Lukasiewicz. The lamp is composed of a tank which contains kerosene, a distillate of oil. This one goes towards the nozzle thanks to the wick. The whole is covered with a glass chimney.
The combustion generates soot, but in small quantities. Its use calls for great caution. Its place of conservation is at room temperature. The storage in a cold place freezes the oil. It will explode if it thaws too quickly.
Depending on the quality of the equipment, the approximate burning time of a kerosene lamp is 75 hours.
The illuminating flame lamp is a modernized version of the lamp. It has a minimalist design and will please you if you want a slightly retro atmosphere and a lighting that lasts.
Moreover, you can use it outside (garden, vegetable garden, path…)
6- The flashlight
Fast, durable and efficient, the flashlight is either battery powered, USB rechargeable or LED (I recommend the latter for obvious reasons of ecology, practicality and duration).
Or even better: rechargeable with a crank, ideal for survival. It gathers all the criteria of a light source. It is sold in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. The device uses batteries as a power source. The intensity of the light obtained depends on their performance.
7- The lantern and the propane lamp
Its operation is not complex. Its activation pours propane to the wick. This one lights and the fire then connects the propane to the mesh. The phenomenon generates light that burns until the lantern is deactivated.
The propane lamp is similar to the kerosene lamp. It is the best preferred light source for campers, but it will light your home just as well. However, the accessory consumes a good amount of oxygen and gives off heat. So place it in a well-ventilated area.
The propane lantern has a pound cylinder of propane that is the power source. The accessory creates 967 lumens. The light duration varies depending on the mode of use. While the high mode lasts 7 hours, the low mode lasts 14 hours.
8- The Liquid kerosene to light up in case of power failure or without electricity
Liquid kerosene to light up in case of power failure or without electricity.
Liquid kerosene is used on liquid lamps, but it is also suitable for wick oil candles. The product does not generate smoke or odor. It is cleaner than kerosene.
Be careful when using it, as the flame generated should not exceed half an inch at the risk of creating a fire.
Kerosene oil also acts as a fast-acting laxative. Its oral consumption relieves colic.