It can be used as a light source, or a simple source of heat for a hypothermic or injured caver.
All for just pennies! for less than the cost of 2 trips worth of batteries you can cave for a year on Carbide.
Carbide Lamps, parts, and the actual Carbide itself are becoming harder and harder to find, so now is the the time to find one!
Be aware though, that there are a few dangers. Not to make anyone gun shy per se, but you can expect a small fire about once a year depending on your lamp. If this happens however you simply shut it off, and cover it up fast.
NEVER TRY TO PUT THE FLAMES OUT WITH A LIQUID!!!!
Carbide Lamps have 3 main parts, the water tank, Dripper, and Fuel tank.
they work when filled, water travels down the dripper into the fuel tank, reacts with the carbide and creates Acetelyne Gas. The gas then travels through the nozzle where you would light it. The flame is reflected off the reflector, which creates a great light.
These lamps can range from $20 to $2000 dollars in working order, with the most common types being Justrite, Guy's, Autolight, and Premier.
For more info on Carbide Lamps and/or Repair, please feel free to email me.