05/31/2021 / By Virgilio Marin
In the event of a power outage, an olive oil lamp is one of the best alternative sources of light for home use. For starters, olive oil burns without spreading toxic hydrocarbons into the air. It’s also inexpensive, widely available and perfect for home gardening.
Plus, olive oil is much safer than kerosene oil. It does not ignite very easily if the flame drops down into the oil. Before igniting, it would have to be heated to its flashpoint (around 600 degrees) — the temperature at which it gives off enough vapor to spark a flame. Oils with a lower flashpoint like kerosene oil (around 100 degrees) are more likely to catch fire.
Many ancient civilizations used olive oil as lamp oil. The Ancient Romans, for example, were fond of burning olive oil to light up their homes. In fact, olive oil is believed to have been the primary source of fuel in the Mediterranean.
You’ll need the following items for this DIY olive oil lamp: (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com)
Instructions:
This olive oil lamp costs only around 15 cents per hour (or less if you manage to find cheaper pure olive oil). By comparison, ordinary votive candles cost around 3 to 5 cents per hour, though they do not quite burn as brightly as olive oil lamps. (Related: How to make survival candles with soy wax.)
Keep in mind that though olive oil is less flammable, it’s still important to take extra care. As with any open burning flame, never leave your oil lamp unattended and always keep it out of reach of children and pets.
An olive oil lamp is one of the best lighting options in the event of a grid failure. Less flammable and smoke-free, it can light up your home without polluting the air indoors. Make your own olive oil lamp now using this DIY guide.
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