How to Fill a Carbide Lamp

The carbide lamp has been used for hundreds of years, and is still used today because of its reliability and easy use. Knowing how to use your carbide lamp is important, but even more important is knowing how to fill it for each reuse. All you need are a few simple materials, and your carbide lamp will be full in no time. As always, follow instructions carefully and be cautious when handling chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• Carbide lamp
• Goggles
• Rubber gloves
• Carbide
• Water
• Matches or electric lighter

Instructions

Fill the Lamp

1. Put on your goggles and rubber gloves. Protecting your eyes and skin from carbide, as well as other chemicals, will prevent you from getting chemical burns, allergic reactions, and other bodily harm.

2. Remove the top chamber of the carbide lamp, and pour the liquid carbide into the bottom half until it is 2/3 full.

3. Fill the top compartment with clean water.

4. Adjust the top lever until the water drips at only one drop per second.

5. Reattach the lamp by screwing the top and bottom parts back together.

Make Sure it Works

1. Check the gas flow by pressing your lips up against the glass. Make sure you feel a warm gas flow -- that's how you know it is working.

2. Light the lamp with a match or electric lighter.

3. Turn the water up or down depending on the height of flame you want. The more water you use, the smaller the flame, and the less water used, the higher the flame.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the theory of the carbide lamp when filling it. Water is added to carbide, and the reaction produces acetylene gas, which is flammable.

• Your skin and eyes should always be protected from chemicals and open flames.

References

• Filling a Carbide Lamp
• Carbide Caution