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Retro-Fitting Gas lights

BOBABEUI | Posted in General Discussion on August 28, 2009 11:14am

Front of our home has two electric lanterns flanking the front entry.. To make a long story short, the scale of the lanterns is way way too small for the size of the home. I found some copper lanterns from Charleston Gas and light that would look great on our home, now the lanterns come in either electric or gas lights. From a lighting point of view, we really don’t need much output from the lanterns as we have three recessed lights in the ceiling of the front porch that supply all the light necessary.

My question is has anyone retrofitted gas lights where electric lights once existed? Is it doable (the house already has other natural gas appliances)? Any clearance fire code issues (the house is brick veneered)? Any idea what it may cost to have a plumber install gas lanterns?

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Replies

  1. Shacko | Aug 28, 2009 11:25pm | #1

    Without getting into codes, I think it would cost a small fortune; the safety regulations would be much harder to adhere to then electric.

     

    "If all else fails, read the directions"
  2. JAlden | Aug 28, 2009 11:45pm | #2

    The glow from a gas light can't be matched with electric.

    I quickly glanced at their website and they make nice looking stuff. I would opt for ones with CSA certification though.

    They won't put out enough heat to be a fire code issue.

    How close is the gas supply? There's going to be some drywall coming down in your foyer.

    1. BOBABEUI | Aug 29, 2009 12:02am | #3

      Drywall patching ugh..The existing gas supply is about 35-40 feet away. We have a basement and the existing gas drops are all the stainless steel flex pipe (kind of like Pex for gas).Charleston's lights are killer looking, they would look great on our house.

  3. wookie | Aug 29, 2009 12:28am | #4

    Installed natural gas lanterns @ 5 years ago for a customer. No copper allowed out here in calif. for natural gas. ordered 1/4" internally tinned copper tubing installed with flare fittings. Turned out great and there really is difference with real flame, very nice.

     

    wookie

  4. inD47 | Aug 29, 2009 12:39am | #5

    Once upon a time, a lifetime ago it seems, I worked for a company that specialized in gas appliance repair and service. We worked on water heaters, furnaces, kilns, dryers, ovens, boilers, refirgerators, and gas lights.

    I cannot quote the local codes but I agree with another poster that doesn't think heat will be an issue especially on brick, I also agree that the hard part is going to be getting the gas to the lights, but...

    The thought I wanted to add was that all of the gas lights I worked on were free standing, usually on some sort of decorative pole so as to give the appearance of an antique street light.

    The purchasing of and installing poles to mount your lights on top of may be more expensive than drywall repairs, but I just wanted you to give it some thought since I can't see your application, lights just off the front porch may look better?

  5. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Aug 29, 2009 03:12pm | #6

    There is a house nearby that has them - they are on 24/7, not very green to say the least.   Personally, I can't see it being worth it, but as noted you're going to have a fair amount of demo unless you can snake WardFlex (flexible gas piping) up the wall.

    Speaking of NJ ;o) have you seen Genie House?  They make really nice lanterns ... I use the 914 wall mount all the time ... they are at the White House, Gov's mansion etc.:

    Genie House - http://www.geniehouse.com/fixtures.php

     

    Jeff

    1. BOBABEUI | Aug 29, 2009 06:39pm | #7

      Hey who was speaking of Jersey? I was born, raised and schooled in the Great Garden State, lived there 45 years before being relocated to the south.Thanks for the link, interestingly, Genie House isn't too far from where I used to live in NJ..

      1. User avater
        Jeff_Clarke | Aug 30, 2009 04:05am | #8

        They make a great product ... have 6 or so on my own house ... many on clients ... custom work from them too ...

        Jeff

  6. barmil | Aug 31, 2009 05:48am | #9

    I'm sorry, but my midwestern ethic makes me wonder why you're into gas lights at your door. Weren't the granite counter tops and six outlet shower enough to satisfy your decorating desires?

  7. FlorianR | Feb 12, 2021 07:11pm | #10

    Hi,

    I would check out the Knowledge base center at https://frenchmarketlanterns.com/. They have experience with all kinds of gas and electric lanterns, I'm sure they'd be able to help you find the solution you're looking for.

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