If your using gas, just make sure the flame is not burning yellow, as this is a sign that the fuel is not burning rich, thus giving off carbon monoxide. When the flame burns blue, the carbon monoxide is being burnt off, so shouldn't pose too much of a risk.
However you should always take care and make sure there is plenty on ventilation.
My dad always told me to make sure that the flame is blue, not yellow. He mentioned to trim the wick or what ever its called.
Camping expeditions since the year dot, have used gas or somesort fo fuel.
heath63
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
I grew up camping as a family of 5 in what would be considered a pretty small tent these days. We had a gas cooker and gas lights in the tent. We were even known to play in the tent whilst my mum cooked and have gas lanterns on the table whilst us kids were about! Yet we are all still here and have no scary fire tales to tell.
Yes when using any appliance with a flame in a tent you have to be careful but it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.
I am having a little giggle to myself at the moment. Alot of people say you cannot use gas lighting or anything to do with an naked flame, because of carbon monoxide or the risk of fire.
So consequently people use EHU for safety reasons, Then you have the other half saying it is'nt eco friendly to use fan heater ect,ect as it is a waste because being in a tent.
In theory you cannot win hehehe.
heath63
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
EHU is probably just as dangerious in a tent, what with the condensation build up it could blow the fuse or create a spark and give the user an electric shock. Either way, some would say its not safe.
Just be careful, take care, and if in doubt, don't use it!
Gas is easier to see if there's a problem, you can smell a gas leak, and can see if the flame is burning yellow and take action to fix it, eg. more ventilation or turn it off.
Electric is convenient for things like chargers and small fridges.
Although I will ask at the local camping shop their opinion as we're off after work to look at some new tents.
Campshops sell the units for camping, People use EHU without problems Most people keep them off the floor, the lead fully uncoiled. As long as the electrics doesn't exceed the ampage which the campsite has, I find campsites are either 10a or 16a,
Did you find any tents you liked. I just enjoy looking at tents, even though my OH and DS finds it boring, and complain that i have bought a new one hehehehe.
heath63
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
I know its not a tent but remember how many caravans used to have a gas light in them ? exactly the same situation and no more ventilation than a tent, maybe less even? As mentioned just make sure its burning correctly.
------------- Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...
Thanks all. We used the gas lantern for the first time this weekend, my word it's bright. It's almost like standing in my kitchen with the spots on. DH likes it as he can see what he's doing, I don't think it's very atmospheric. I'm pretty sure he's just trying to make my fairy lights redundant!
I did open a window vent just in case there were any fumes but all seemed ok.
Quote: Originally posted by Thekilpins on 31/8/2012If your using gas, just make sure the flame is not burning yellow, as this is a sign that the fuel is not burning rich, thus giving off carbon monoxide. When the flame burns blue, the carbon monoxide is being burnt off, so shouldn't pose too much of a risk.
Which is absolutely true when using a gas cooker. But using a blue flame as a tent light?
The Coleman gas pressure lamp is safe to use like you proposed. On the centre pole under the air vents. Adjust the lamp so that there is no sooth or smoke coming off of the flame as that indicates a bad combustion and will soot the canvas. Also, don't hang it any higher than your head or the build up of heat above the lamp might -in time- dehydrate the canvas fabric of the bell into brittleness. Make sure you (slightly) open the air vents in the lower walls as well to provide even the smallest of circulation.
As your bell tent is (probably) canvas it has a breathable flysheet so doesn't give as much danger of toxic fumes build up as a polyester tent as it provides a natural circulation.
Just keep a sensible circulation and use your brains about using "open" flamed appliances in a tent. Don't be lead too much by the panic.
Do not go to bed with the lamp burning but even though a viable safety advice it would be pointless to keep it burning, wouldn't it...