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Kerosene Use, Storage, and Safety
Kerosene is a versatile, combustible oil developed in the 19th century, originally used to fuel lamps before the advent of electricity. Today, it remains a valuable fuel for outdoor lamps, indoor heaters with proper ventilation, and other applications like cooking and emergency heating.
A clear, low-viscosity liquid distilled from petroleum, kerosene burns hot and bright but can produce soot and odor, depending on the grade. While several grades are available, 1-K kerosene is the most widely used due to its high refinement and clean-burning properties. The primary advantage of 1-K kerosene is its low sulfur content, which minimizes odor, smoke, and soot production, making it safer and more efficient for various uses.
Indoor Use
1-K kerosene is the only grade recommended for indoor use. Oil lamps designed for long-lasting light use either 1-K kerosene or standard lamp oil.
This fuel is also used with kerosene heaters that serve as supplemental or emergency heat sources. They are commonly used in the U.S. during power outages and remain a primary heating source in many other countries. Modern units are designed with advanced combustion mechanisms to reduce emissions. These safety enhancements make them more practical for limited indoor use with proper ventilation—such as an open window or vent—which is essential to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
There are three types of kerosene heaters and portable units are available in each, namely Forced Air, Convection, and Radiant.
There are three main types, often available as portable units:
How much do I need?
Portable units typically hold 2-5 gallons of fuel. They can run 6 to 14 hours on one tank. Variables include the type of heater used and the heater’s settings. Fuel will run out sooner if the unit is set at higher settings for longer periods of time.
Outdoor Use
Kerosene is a popular choice for outdoor lighting and heating due to its ability to provide long-lasting heat and light. 1-K kerosene is the preferred grade for most applications, including camping lanterns, stoves, and heaters, because it burns the cleanest and produces the least smoke and odor. While other grades can technically be used outdoors with proper ventilation, their higher impurity levels often result in more soot and unpleasant smells, making them less desirable.
For outdoor lanterns specifically, most models are designed to use 1-K kerosene to ensure optimal performance and safety. Using lower-grade kerosene may lead to clogged wicks and increased maintenance needs, so it’s generally best to avoid them.
How much do I need?
A kerosene lamp producing 37 lumens for 4 hours per day, consumes about 6 pints of kerosene per month. Variables include the brightness output and how many hours per day the lantern is used.
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PROS
- is readily available and incredibly cheap
- burns several times brighter than standard lamp oil which makes it a better choice for outdoor use
- great for indoor heating if proper ventilation is used
- can be stored safely in 5-gallon containers or 55-gallon barrels
CONS
- if used in a lamp or any cooking device like a camp stove, it must be used outdoors only
- like most fuels, it can be dangerous if stored improperly
- rotation can be a hassle every 6 months - though some say it lasts longer (do your research)
Use Restrictions & Requirements
- Use only certified 1-K grade kerosene.
- Kerosene lamps cannot be used indoors.
- Kerosene heaters can be used indoors only with proper ventilation. Lack of proper ventilation can be life threatening.
- Adhere to all safety instructions from the manufacture.
- Before purchasing, check the legal limit on the amount you are allowed to store in your location.
- Store only 6 months at a time - unless stabilizers are added.
- Do not store kerosene from season to season, especially left inside the kerosene heater over the summer.
Use of proper fuel containers
- Store kerosene in a certified blue container specifically intended for kerosene use only.
- DO NOT mix kerosene and gasoline or try to store or use them interchangeably as they are not at all the same thing, and combining even small amounts can significantly increase the risk of fire or explosion.
- Store only in containers that have not already been previously used with gasoline as doing so presents a risk of explosion.
- Improper containers, such as metal containers, used drums, plastic jugs, or gasoline containers, will contaminate kerosene. This will degrade your wick and heater and potentially harm you. The best way to increase longevity is to always keep your container sealed.
- Label the container properly. You want to make sure that it doesn’t get mixed with gasoline or another type of fuel.
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area.
- To avoid ignition, avoid heat, sunlight, open flame, hot surfaces, sparks, welding, and excessive temperatures (cold or hot).
- Make sure the container is sealed properly. The quickest way to degrade kerosene is in an open container, which allows for oxidation and water contamination.
- Keep storage cans full. Empty or partially full product containers or vessels may contain explosive vapors.
Shelf Life
Properly stored kerosene may be stored up to 5 years with added stabilizers. Otherwise, rotate at 6 months after which time it has a chance of breaking down.