Paper lamps can be an attractive home accent, but they also pose some fire risks.
Homeowners often use or lanterns to provide dim lighting for outdoor get-togethers. Indoors, these lamps can create a festive, Asian-influenced ambiance. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of accidental fire when using paper lamps.
Bulb Wattage
A bulb that is too powerful for a paper lamp can start a fire or melt the socket casing. Most paper lamps take 60-watt bulbs, but some support up to 100 watts. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before inserting a bulb, and check the bulb wattage carefully.
Bulb Types
You can use either incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFC) bulbs with paper lamps, although CFCs generate less heat than incandescents. Avoid halogens, since the high level of heat they produce can pose a fire risk.
Bulb Placement
To avoid the risk of fire, bulbs should never come in direct contact with the paper shell. If using an incandescent bulb, place it at least three to four inches from the inside of the shell. CFCs should be placed at least one inch from the inside of the shell.
Free-Standing Lamps
When using paper lamps that rest on tables, the floor or the ground, place them where they will not be knocked over, and make sure the electrical cord is tucked away or secured so that no one will trip over it. If not properly placed, a black cord may pose a tripping hazard at outdoor nighttime functions.
Cords
When hanging an indoor lamp, make sure the ceiling hooks that suspend the cord are securely installed to prevent the lamp from falling. Place the hooks no more than 12 inches apart to ensure that the cord does not hang low enough to be struck by passersby.
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