Excuse me if this is a silly question I’m really paranoid about fire. I made a lantern from a mason jar with citronella oil from the hardware store and I put electrical tape over the lid. I know nothing is 100% safe and I’ll never leave it unattended I just want to know if there is a risk it could explode?

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ArmedHightechRedneck t1_iu3kcuf wrote on October 28, 2022 at 8:35 AM

#279,162

You should perhaps post a picture of what you made or describe it a bit more in detail for us to give proper answers. When you say lantern: Is the flame going to be inside the jar, or outside? Regardless I would not use electrical tape on something where there is going to be a flame - the tape might shrink or even catch fire.

Mindydoll OP t1_iu3kylt wrote on October 28, 2022 at 8:44 AM

#279,231

Replying to ArmedHightechRedneck (#279,162)

Oh I thought electrical tape was flame retardant? I tried posting a pic but it won’t let me. I made a hole in the lid for the wick to go through so the flame is on the outside

Hattix t1_iu3ls1n wrote on October 28, 2022 at 8:56 AM

#279,309

Replying to Mindydoll (#279,231)

Flame retardant just means it won't sustain a flame itself. Doesn't say "fire resistant".

Electrical tape will warp, char, and melt.

ArmedHightechRedneck t1_iu3rcgz wrote on October 28, 2022 at 10:14 AM

#280,035

Replying to Mindydoll (#279,231)

The tape might not burn, but it can melt. Also not all electrical tape is equal - a lot of imported cheap stuff might not fully live up to requirements ;-)

Regarding the rest of the setup it sounds pretty much like a standard oil lamp style of setup. As long as the flame isn’t directly against the glass - and if you hold the wick using the metal lid it isn’t- then you should be good to go :-)

lemonsneeker t1_iu3wzzf wrote on October 28, 2022 at 11:22 AM

#280,879

If your jar is actually sealed it wont stay lit. Fire requires oxygen, even other gases will only make up the wood side of the equation, fuel. If you want proof, google 'explosive range gas'

Other than that, it takes a pretty quick temp change to crack a mason jar in my experience(used to use them for tea), so it should be fine.

Diligent_Nature t1_iu40629 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 11:54 AM

#281,434

DIY do it yourself

DYI do yourself in?

danauns t1_iu42vko wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:20 PM

#281,972

Risk of explosion based on what you describe is incredibly low.

Risk of your lantern ruining itself, causing a fire, and generally just being a frustrating not very useful dirty burning annoying thing? Very high.

BlahMan06 t1_iu448pf wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:32 PM

#282,248

You'll be fine.

[deleted] t1_iu45jdt wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:43 PM

#282,484

Replying to Diligent_Nature (#281,434)

[removed]

Mindydoll OP t1_iu45wdc wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:46 PM

#282,558

Ok everyone thanks for your replies. I think it will b fine but I can’t relax with it going so I’m just going to get rid of it. Thanks for your help though I appreciate it.

5degreenegativerake t1_iu49ai9 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 1:14 PM

#283,274

Replying to Hattix (#279,309)

And it will smell like shit while it’s hot and forever thereafter.

Maplelongjohn t1_iu49nx8 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 1:17 PM

#283,359

Replying to Mindydoll (#282,558)

Citronella oil will burn nicely

Explode, no.

Hattix t1_iu5ev0i wrote on October 28, 2022 at 5:59 PM

#291,721

I saw the photo you posted.

It is not an explosion risk.

It's badly made, but it won't blow anything up.

Techtopics t1_iu6ptp1 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 11:38 PM

#300,197

Replying to Mindydoll (#279,231)

When it comes to electrical tape it will melt and distort. Flame will destroy the neglectful at bonds but once the heat source is removed it will extinguish.