Editing Lantern (section)

==Modern lanterns==

===Fueled lanterns===

All fueled lanterns are somewhat hazardous owing to the danger of handling flammable and toxic fuel, danger of fire or burns from the high temperatures involved, and potential dangers from [[carbon monoxide poisoning]] if used in an enclosed environment.

Simple wick lanterns remain available. They are cheap and durable and usually can provide enough light for reading. They require periodic trimming of the wick and regular cleaning of soot from the inside of the glass chimney.

Mantle lanterns use a woven ceramic impregnated [[gas mantle]] to accept and re-radiate heat as visible light from a flame. The mantle does not burn (but the cloth matrix carrying the ceramic must be "burned out" with a match prior to its first use). When heated by the operating flame the mantle becomes [[Incandescence|incandescent]] and glows brightly. The heat may be provided by a gas, by kerosene, or by a pressurized liquid such as "white gas", which is essentially [[naphtha]]. For protection from the high temperatures produced and to stabilize the airflow, a cylindrical glass shield called the globe or chimney is placed around the mantle.

Manually pressurized lanterns using [[white gas]] (also marketed as [[Coleman fuel]] or "Camp Fuel") are manufactured by the [[Coleman Company]] in one and two-mantle models. Some models are dual fuel and can also use [[gasoline]]. These are being supplanted by a [[Battery (electricity)|battery]]-powered [[fluorescent lamp]] and [[LED]] models, which are safer in the hands of young people and inside tents. Liquid fuel lanterns remain popular where the fuel is easily obtained and in common use.

Many portable mantle-type fuel lanterns now use fuel gases that become liquid when compressed, such as [[propane]], either alone or combined with [[butane]]. Such lamps usually use a small disposable steel container to provide the fuel. The ability to refuel without liquid fuel handling increases safety. Additional fuel supplies for such lamps have an indefinite shelf life if the containers are protected from moisture (which can cause corrosion of the container) and excess heat.

===Electric lanterns===
[[File:Fuenteplazaalta.JPG|thumb|upright|Street lanterns in [[Algeciras]], [[Andalusia]], [[Spain]]]]

Lanterns designed as permanently mounted [[light fixture|electric lighting fixture]]s are used in interior, [[landscape lighting|landscape]], and civic lighting applications. Styles can evoke former eras, unify [[street furniture]] themes, or enhance aesthetic considerations. They are manufactured for use with various wired voltage supplies.

Various [[battery types]] are used in portable light sources.  They are more convenient, safer, and produce less heat than combustion lights. Solar-powered lanterns have become popular in developing countries, where they provide a safer and cheaper alternative to [[kerosene lamps]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners/nest | title = Affordable solar lanterns to replace kerosene lamps | first = Anne | last = Wheldon | date = March 2006 | work = Ashden Awards for sustainable energy | publisher = The Ashden Awards | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060715053557/http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners/nest | archive-date = 15 July 2006}}</ref>

Lanterns utilizing [[LED]]s are popular as they are more energy-efficient and rugged than other types, and prices of LEDs suitable for lighting have dropped.

Some rechargeable fluorescent lanterns may be plugged in at all times and may be set up to illuminate upon a power failure, a useful feature in some applications. During extensive power failures (or for remote use), supplemental recharging may be provided from an automobile's 12-volt electrical system or from a modest [[Solar cell|solar-powered]] charger.