A source of light is essential for campers, especially at night. The pressure lamp is 1 main source of light in the NPCC campsite. Therefore, it is neccessary for cadets and instructors to familiarize themselves with the basic knowledge of lighting pressure lamps.

1. Safety Precautions
   • Ensure that no spirit or kerosene is placed near to the pressure lamp when lighting.
   • No kerosene should be stored in the kerosene container when the pressure lamp is under storage for a long time.
   • Do not leave the pressure lamp in the open when they are still hot.
   • Do not store pressure lamps when they are still hot.
   • Do not touch the mixer flame assembly directly after distinguishing the pressure lamp as it is extremely hot.
   • Discontinue pumping air into the pressure lamp once the needle in the pressure gauge is near the red line on the pressure meter.
   • No lighted pressure lamp is allowed in the tents.
   • Do not use methylated spirit to clean the glass chimney even though it is easier to remove the soot with it. Use newspaper to clean the glass chimney instead.
   • Do not touch the mantle once it is burning.
   • Never pour kerosene into the kerosene container through the pump opening.

    

2. Pre-lighting Checks
   • Check whether the pressure lamp is in good working condition. Do this by first tightening the air screw and then by pumping in air. Release the air screw to check whether pressure has build up in the kerosene container.
   • If the pressure gauge shows no change or a decrease in the air pressure, unscrew the pressure gauge to check whether the rubber seal is in good working condition. If the rubber seal is worn out or missing, replace a new one.
   • Remove the mixer flame assembly to check that the cleansing needle is not worn out. This can be achieved by turning the regulator upwards so that you can feel the presence of the cleansing needle with your fingers.

    

3. Lighting Procedure
   Stage 1
   • Free the ventilator cap by loosening the 2 side nuts attached to the handle of the pressure lamp.

   Stage 2

   • Remove the ventilator cap and lift out the mixer flame assembly.

   Stage 3

   • Unscrew and remove the pressure gauge, then till the kerosene container with kerosene using a funnel. (Do not loosen the rubber seal in the pressure gauge.)

   Stage 4

   • Pour in the kerosene until the kerosene container is between half to three-quarters full.
   • Screw back the pressure gauge tightly.
   • Remember to tighten the air screw as well.

   Stage 5

   • Tie the mantle to the burner socket. (Ensure that the burner socket is firmly fixed to the mixer flame assembly.)
   • Excess string from the mantle may be cut away.

   Stage 6

   • Replace the mixer flame assembly

   Stage 7

   • Fill the spirit dish with methylated spirit through a small opening beside the regulator.

   Stage 8

   • Light the methylated spirit with the regulator pointing upwards.
   • Wait for the mantle to be heated up.
   • When there is sufficient heat, you will see a red glow in the mantle.

   Stage 9

   • Start pumping in between 50-60 strokes.
   • Turn the regulator until the mantle brightens.
   • At intervals of 3 to 4 hours, increase the pressure to substain the glow of the lamp.

    

   Distinguishing Procedure
   Loosen the air screw slightly to release pressure in the kerosene container. The pressure lamp will distinguish after there is no more pressure in the kerosene container to supply the mixer flame assembly with kerosene.

4. Care and Maintenance
   • Never place the base of the mixer flame assembly directly on the ground to avoid damaging the burner socket.
   • Turn the regulator downwards when replacing the mixer flame assembly to avoid damaging the cleansing needle.
   • Ensure that the glass chimney does not come in contact with water when it is still hot to prevent the glass chimney from cracking.
   • Use the proper tool of the right size when dismantling or assembling the pressure lamp. A spanner with a larger gauge when required will damage the hexagonal shape of the joints.
   • Filter all kerosene before pouring them into the kerosene container. Dirty kerosene will choke the channels of the pressure lamp.
   • Check the washers periodically to ensure that they are firmly embedded in their positions.
   • Replace the leather washer in the air pump if it has been worn off.

Simple Repairs to the Pressure Lamp
Blockage of kerosene passage - Dismantle the passage tube and use an air jet to blow off the dirt or to a slight extent. Light the lamp and turn the regulator quickly to the left and right. The cleansing needle will force the dirt out of the nipple.

Needle too short - unable to block the nipple - Dismantle the kerosene passage and remove the cleansing rod. Adjust the nut at the base of the cleansing rod respectively.

Leakage - Determine the leaking part. Dismantle the lamp except for the kerosene passage. Turn the regulator upwards to block out the nipple and tighten all remaining parts. Start pumping until the sign of kerosene shows. If the leakage comes from a joint, tighten it. You may need some soldering plaster if the screw threads are worn off.

Parts of the Pressure Lamp

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