All of our lights are made from 20 and 32 ounce copper. The copper is of high quality and will withstand time and the elements. Exposure to harsh conditions only increases the patina and beauty of a copper light.
- What material is the light made from?
- Why should I look at the copper ounces?
- Are your lights UL or ETL rated?
- Do you have wrought iron lights?
- What paint can I use to touch-up my black light?
- What other lantern finishes are offered besides copper?
- Will the copper go green over time?
- How will the copper age over time?
- Are your lights suitable for coastal properties?
- What size post is needed for the post lights?
- What type of glass is used?
- What is tempered glass?
- What size bulb do the light fixtures use?
- What wattage are the lights?
- Can I use a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) with your lights?
- How many BTUs does each gas lantern use?
- How much does it cost to run a gas lantern?
- When ordering, should I specify natural gas or propane (LP)?
- Do you offer electronic igniters for gas fixtures?
- What will the gas flame look like?
- Can I turn off my gas lantern?
- Can I install my gas lantern by myself?
- Where can I place a gas lantern?
- Can I install gas lights anywhere?
- What size copper tubing is needed to install the gas lanterns?
- Do I need to purchase a separate mounting plate for the light fixture?
- Do the light fixtures come with everything I need for installation?
- Can I install the gas lights myself?
- Can I install gas lights anywhere?
- Can I place a gas lantern in my home?
- When calling to discuss your lighting needs, it is helpful to have any or all of the following information:
- Do you have a showroom?
- Do you sell parts?
- Do you make custom lights?
- Do you ship?
- How long will it take to receive my light?
- When ordering, should I specify natural gas or propane (LP)?
Quality of Our Lights
back to topMost exterior lights on the market are made from nickel, aluminum, or a composite. These lights will last about 3-4 years before weather corrodes the light. Contrast that to our light fixtures which are made of only solid copper and brass. Copper and brass do not rust in the elements, but rather patina to an aged bronze finish over time. When you purchase one of our lanterns you will more than likely have it for life.
Technical Information
back to topAll of our lights are made from 20 and 32 ounce copper. The copper is of high quality and will withstand time and the elements. Exposure to harsh conditions only increases the patina and beauty of a copper light.
Simply put, a copper light made with more ounces is a sturdier light and will last longer. All of our lights are made with 20 and 32 ounce copper. If you’re curious about the competition, I would inquire with them about their copper ounces used.
Yes! All of our standard lights have gone through the rigorous (and expensive) UL tests. All electric lights are rated UL for damp locations.
No. We currently only manufacture in copper. However, we can powder coat our copper lights in black to give the appearance of wrought iron. Additionally, copper lights will require less maintenance than a wrought iron light because the copper light will not rust in the elements. When installed our powder coated black lights look very similar to wrought iron lights.
ACE Hardware: 17067/A Flat Black Heat Resistant Spray (Barcode: 8290117067)
All of our lantern fixtures are manufactured in solid copper. Lantern finishes include black, bronze, white, and platinum. All of our finishes are powder-coated, except copper; our bronze finish is powder-coated to emulate the natural patina that copper develops.
The answer to this question is: it depends. Copper will verde (the green finish: think Statute of Liberty) under certain circumstances. If there is a lot of acidity in the air where you live, the light will go green more quickly. If you live close to the ocean you may also see the light verde within a few years. However, the majority of locations might never see a copper light verde or might within 30 to 40 years. (Yes, our lights will last that long, and longer!)
When you first receive your copper lantern you will notice it is shiny like a new penny. However, also like a penny, the lantern will darken over time to a deep bronze finish. This process, depending on the exposure to the elements, should take about 3 years for the fixture to entirely patina.
Absolutely! If you made it this far on our site, you probably noticed the origins of most of our lanterns—Charleston, South Carolina. In Charleston there are currently copper lanterns still working that pre-date the Civil War. Our lanterns are solid copper and brass, both of which do not rust in the salty sea air.
Our post lights mount to all standard posts of 3 inches in diameter. Don’t worry this is more than likely the diameter of your current post.
Most of our lights come standard with tempered glass. We were the first in our industry to introduce tempered glass on copper light fixtures. We did this with your safety in mind and the durability of our lights. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Tempering creates imbalanced internal stresses which cause the glass, when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. The granular chunks are less likely to cause injury.
We also use 1/8 double strength glass on some specialty and custom light fixtures.
Tempered glass comes standard on most of our light fixtures. We were the first in our industry to introduce tempered glass on copper light fixtures. We did this with your safety in mind and the durability of our lights. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. Tempering creates imbalanced internal stresses which cause the glass, when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. The granular chunks are less likely to cause injury.
Electric Light Questions
back to topThe size of the bulb will depend upon the internal electrical fittings selected.
A medium base socket is what you would consider a standard looking light bulb. This would also be the light bulb for any light that includes a frosted chimney.
A single candle or any of the light clusters would use a candelabra base bulb. This bulb has the small base and more slender shape.
Each socket in one of our lights can handle up to a 60 watt bulb.
Yes. These bulbs screw in to all regular light bulb sockets and may be used interchangeably. However, there has yet to be manufactured an attractive candelabra base compact fluorescent bulb (CFL), so using the CFL bulb instead of the traditional bulb might look odd. If you desire to use CFL bulbs a light with a frosted chimney is preferred where the CFL bulb will be hidden.
Gas Light Questions
back to top1460 for natural gas / 1280 for propane (LP)
As they say on the internet, YMMV (your mileage may vary). It is hard to give an exact estimate but we have heard about $7-$10 per month for each fixture. To get an accurate estimate contact your gas company.
Yes. Natural gas and propane use different burners and for optimal performance you must specify. Contact your local gas company to determine which gas you use.
The simple answer is no. We equip our lanterns with very efficient burners with the customer’s monthly expense in mind. Electronic igniters do not use the tip effectively and require different tips that burn approximately twice as much gas per hour. Therefore, keeping lights on a timer with an electronic igniter would burn the same amount of gas as the traditional burners do when left on continuously.
In addition, the average life expectancy of electronic igniters is approximately two years and the manufacturer (not us) only warranties the igniter for one year. We are not going to sell you a light that is likely to break within two years. That is not how we run our business.
When lit the gas flame will be a standard linear flame rising above the burner between 1.5-3 inches. The flame height is easily adjustable with an internal valve.
We also offer a bat flame which will spread the flame out more horizontally.
Yes, all natural gas and propane gas lanterns include a shut-off valve located at the base of the burner that can easily be switched to the off position.
Installation of any gas light should be performed by a licensed installer and in accordance with all local codes. In the absence of local codes, installation must conform with National Fuel Gas Code ANSIZZ233.1. http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=54
Gas lanterns are not suitable for all locations. Contact a local gas installer to determine if gas lanterns are suitable for your location.
Never install gas lights onto a combustible surface or onto a non-combustible surface that does not allow a minimum clearance to the nearest combustible surface of 12” above the fixture and 6” to the sides and bottom. Always consult a licensed gas installer for proper placement of your gas fixture.
Our fixtures are supplied with a flare fitting made for use with a 1/4″ copper tubing that has been internally tinned or equivalently treated to resist sulphur corrosion. Any tubing used must comply with gas code NFPA 54 and ANSI Z 21.42.
Manufacturer Information
back to topThey are all handcrafted in our factory in Cayce, South Carolina.
Yes! (well, almost) The body of your light starts out as a long sheet of copper. In our factory in Cayce, South Carolina we cut, bend, solder, rivet, sand, and clean the copper to create the body of your copper light.
All of the brass used in assembling the electrical components and the gas burners are purchased from a factory in Hartsville, South Carolina.
Our tempered glass and specialty glasses are manufactured from a company out of Miami, Florida.
But, the electrical sockets are manufactured in China. I know, I know, not quite 100% USA made. Unfortunately, there is no longer a company in America that manufactures electrical sockets for light fixture production.
Sure, give us a call at 704.333.5088 and we can make arrangements.
Installation Information
back to topWhy would we sell you a light that you couldn’t mount? Rest assured, any time you order one of our light fixtures it comes 100% ready to be installed right out of the box. There are no hidden costs.
Lanterns are supplied with ceiling or wall mounting hardware for attaching to standard electrical junction boxes or gas lines.
Installation of any gas light should be performed by a licensed installer and in accordance with all local codes. In the absence of local codes, installation must conform with National Fuel Gas Code ANSIZZ233.1. http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=54
Never install gas lights onto a combustible surface or onto a non-combustible surface that does not allow a minimum clearance to the nearest combustible surface of 12” above the fixture and 6” to the sides and bottom. Always consult a licensed gas installer for proper placement of your gas fixture.
No, that is a bad idea.
Ordering Information
back to topBlueprints if you have them. This allows the consultants to exactly pinpoint all of your lighting needs.
Any pictures, drawings, or photos of designs you like. This can help the consultant get a feel of your style and expectations.
Exact number of lights that are needed and where they will be placed.
Measurements:
• The height of your door/ceilings/windows.
• How far your current light fixture, or spot for a light fixture, is from the ground.
• If ordering gas, the amount of clearance available around the fixture.
Yes we do! If you are in the Charlotte area or visiting, you can stop by our showroom located at: 2041 South Boulevard, Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28203. And don’t forget, our online shop is always open.
If you have purchased a lantern from us and need to replace a damaged or missing part, we can order it for you.
Yes! Please visit the custom services page of our website for more information on the process, or call or email us directly for a quote.
We ship nationally and worldwide.
Most lights ship in 8 to 10 weeks. Custom lights usually ship in 3 months.
Yes. Natural gas and propane use different burners and for optimal performance you must specify. Contact your local gas company to determine your gas supply.
Returns and Exchanges
back to topReturns are not allowed on custom manufactured lights.
Standard lights can be returned within 2 weeks if the lights were never installed.
A restocking fee of 20% of the retail price will be applied and the customer is responsible for return shipping fees.