Gas Lantern Installation Steps:
Gas lanterns carry a rich architectural heritage. As Mitch, a gas lantern manufacturer featured on This Old House, explained: “Time was gas was the predominant source of lighting. Electricity came along. Gas fell out of favor. Now we’re all using electricity and gas is making a comeback as a luxury item.” He noted that copper gas lanterns are built to last: “It’s all built out of 100% copper. It doesn’t frost to rot and so it lasts forever.” These lanterns can burn either natural gas or propane and feature a standard manual valve — the same method that’s been used for over 150 years.
- Start by determining the location for the lantern. A few things to consider for placement include how to get access to the space behind the wall, the proximity of the gas line/gas meter, and how close it can be to the entry door.
- Shut the gas off.
- Drill a hole in the wall to accept the gas line.
- Fish the copper gas line down through the hole and into the location where it can be tied into the gas line.
- Fish the copper line through the lantern bracket and mount it to the wall. Do this before making any gas connections to ensure there is enough slack in the line.
- Mount the lantern to the bracket and make the gas connections there.
- Head towards the main gas line and the other end of the copper line.
- Cut into the gas line and add the appropriate fittings and connections until the line is secure.
- Turn the gas back on and test for leaks.
- Purge the line near the lantern by opening it up until a steady stream of gas comes through.
- To light it, open the gas valve and light a match. The lantern will stay lit as long as the gas line remains open.
Important: For a homeowner looking to install a gas fixture, the first and final thing to know is the name of a licensed plumber who can do the job. As This Old House Magazine has noted, in historic neighborhoods, period gaslights that were later wired for electricity have been converted back by snaking a stainless steel or epoxy-coated brass pipe from the main gas supply to the point of installation, typically from the gas meter to the front porch. New models are custom-fitted with a special lantern to accept the conduit, and holes predrilled by manufacturers into the top and bottom of the lamp allow for proper ventilation.
Resources:
Only licensed professionals should work on gas lines. Since Richard is licensed in Massachusetts, not Missouri, he partnered up with Spire Energy, a local gas utility in St. Louis.
The lantern Richard installed is a French Quarter copper gas lantern with a gooseneck mount, which is manufactured by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights.
All the other materials required for the installation, including the ¼-inch copper gas line and the corresponding fittings can all be found at home centers and plumbing supply houses.
Expert assistance with this segment was also provided by Bach Construction, Inc. in Cedar Hill, Missouri.
The lantern is built entirely out of copper and was custom built in New Orleans. It features a visible flame inside and includes a shut-off valve where the gas line connects, allowing the homeowner to safely control the flow of gas to the unit.
