Tyler Brooks
Oil-filled candles, also known as liquid candles or fuel candles, are a popular choice for churches. They are economical, drip-less, and easy to refill. When filling an oil-topped candle, it is important to first adjust the wick height to approximately 1/8 inches to produce a normal flame height. Then, with the wick assembly removed, fill the candle with oil to the base of the internal thread, ensuring it is only about 3/4 full as the oil expands when warm and can leak if overfilled. Once filled, replace the wick assembly and allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick before lighting. It is also important to note that only genuine liquid paraffin should be used, as lamp oil or kerosene can be dangerous. Additionally, if using oil candles, it is recommended to ban wax tapers from the church premises to avoid any issues with wax falling into the breathing hole of the candle.
Characteristics and Values Table for Filling Church Oil-Topped Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filling the candle | Fill the candle with oil to the base of the internal thread, approximately 3/4 full. |
| Oil type | Use liquid paraffin oil. Do not use lamp oil, kerosene, or barbecue fluid. |
| Oil level | Oil level should be approximately 1/2 inch from the top for refillable nylon candles or refillable cartridges. |
| Cork method | Use a small piece of cork to assess the oil depth as the cork rises. |
| Wick replacement | Wicks rarely need replacing. When replacing, allow the new wick to saturate for about 10 minutes before lighting. |
| Attaching to candlesticks | Oil candles can be dropped into the candlestick socket like a wax candle or screwed directly into the candlestick via a threaded hole. |
| Burn times | Burn times vary depending on the candle's diameter, ranging from 4.5 hours to 40 hours per fill. |
| Clean-up | Oil candles are preferred over wax candles as they do not create a mess with muttering wax. |
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What You'll Learn
- Filling the candle: Fill to the base of the internal thread, around 3/4 full
- Wick adjustment: Set wick height to 1/8 for a normal flame
- Lighting the candle: Allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick
- Burn time: Burn time is a function of candle diameter, not height
- Oil type: Only use genuine liquid paraffin, not lamp oil or kerosene
Filling the candle: Fill to the base of the internal thread, around 3/4 full
When filling the candle, it is important to avoid overfilling. Oil expands when it is warm, so if you fill it too much, it will leak through the air holes at the top. The candle should be filled to the base of the internal thread, which is approximately three-quarters full. To judge the height, some people put a small piece of cork in the reservoir and then fill it with oil to the desired level. The cork will rise as the oil level rises, allowing you to see how much oil is in the candle.
If you are using a Lux Mundi candle, you should only use liquid paraffin. The brand advises against using lamp oil or kerosene, as these can cause respiratory issues for those in the congregation. The paraffin has been designed to burn cleanly and without irritation.
The burn time of the candle will depend on its diameter, not its height. This is because the reservoir at the top of the candle is always the same depth. A 7/8" diameter candle will burn for 4.5 hours, a 1" diameter candle will also burn for 4.5 hours, a 1-1/8" diameter candle will burn for 5.5 hours, and a 1-1/4" diameter candle will burn for 7.5 hours.
When filling a new nylon candle, fill it with Altar Pure Paraffin to about half an inch from the top. Then, replace the brass burner and wait for about ten minutes before lighting the candle for the first time.
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Wick adjustment: Set wick height to 1/8 for a normal flame
When filling church oil-topped candles, it is important to ensure that the wick height is set correctly for optimal burning. Firstly, remove the wick assembly by unscrewing it. Manually adjust the wick height to approximately 1/8 inches, which will produce a normal flame height. Be careful not to pull the wick down below the metal tube, as it may be difficult to retrieve. After adjusting the wick height, fill the candle with oil to the base of the internal thread, which is typically around three-quarters full. It is important not to overfill the candle, as the oil expands when warm and can leak through the air holes.
To judge the oil level, a small piece of cork can be placed in the reservoir, and the oil depth can be assessed as the cork rises. Once the candle is filled, replace the wick assembly and allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick. The wick is typically made of fibreglass, and the oil is transmitted by capillary action, so the oil vapour burns rather than the wick itself. This means that once the flame height is set, the wick will not require trimming.
It is important to note that the type of oil used is also crucial. Using specialised candle oils, such as those from Charles Farris or DM Hay, ensures a safe and clean burn. Other oils, such as barbecue fluid, can result in black deposits on the candle and may ignite at a lower temperature, increasing the fire risk. Additionally, care must be taken to avoid using wax tapers with oil-filled candles, as wax can block the wick and cause issues with lighting and burning.
The process of filling and adjusting the wick height for church oil-topped candles is straightforward but requires attention to detail. By following these steps and using the appropriate oil, the candles will provide good service for an extended period.
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Lighting the candle: Allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick
Once you have filled your church oil-topped candle, you can light it. First, ensure that the reservoir is filled and that the wick assembly has been replaced. Allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick—this is a crucial step. The wick is fibreglass, and the oil is transmitted by capillary action, so the oil vapour, not the wick, burns. This means that once the flame height is set, the wick will not need trimming.
When you first use a new refillable nylon candle or refillable cartridge, you should fill it with Altar Pure Paraffin to approximately half an inch from the top. Replace the brass burner and allow the Lux Wick to saturate for about ten minutes before lighting it. The flame height can be adjusted by the amount of wick pulled out of the candle.
The tops of the candle shells are finished off with a nylon ring or doughnut that rests on the canister to give the shell a finished appearance. The follower serves as a top and unscrews so that oil can be added directly to the candle. The long-lasting fibreglass wick is easily replaced and can last for up to a year.
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Burn time: Burn time is a function of candle diameter, not height
When filling church oil-topped candles, it is important to note that the type of oil used is crucial for a safe burn. Using oils such as barbecue fluid will result in black deposits on the candle and may ignite at a lower temperature, increasing the fire risk. Instead, opt for specially developed oils that provide a safe and clean burn, such as those offered by Charles Farris.
To fill the candle, remove the wick assembly and fill the candle with oil to the base of the internal thread, which is typically about three-quarters full. Allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick before lighting. It is important not to overfill the candle, as the oil expands when warm and can leak through the air holes. To gauge the appropriate oil level, some people use a small piece of cork, as it will rise with the oil level, making it easier to assess the depth.
Now, let's discuss the burn time of these candles. Interestingly, burn time is influenced by the diameter of the candle rather than its height. This is because the reservoir at the top of the candle remains the same depth, regardless of the candle's height. As a result, taller candles with larger diameters will have longer burn times compared to shorter candles with smaller diameters, assuming they have the same reservoir capacity.
For example, a 7/8" diameter candle will burn for approximately 4.5 hours, while a 2-1/2" diameter candle will burn for approximately 22 hours. Therefore, when choosing church oil-topped candles, consider the desired burn time and select a candle diameter that aligns with that duration.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the wicks in these candles can last for months or even years, depending on usage. The wicks are typically made of fibreglass, and the oil is transmitted by capillary action, so the oil vapour burns instead of the wick. This means that once the flame height is set, you won't need to trim the wick regularly.
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Oil type: Only use genuine liquid paraffin, not lamp oil or kerosene
When filling church oil-topped candles, it is important to use the correct type of oil. Only use genuine liquid paraffin, not lamp oil or kerosene. These candles are designed to be used with liquid paraffin, which is a specific type of oil that is made for this purpose. Lamp oil and kerosene are not suitable for use in church oil-topped candles and can cause respiratory issues for those nearby.
Liquid paraffin is a highly refined form of mineral oil that is clear, odourless, and non-toxic. It is designed to burn cleanly and safely, without producing smoke or harmful fumes. This makes it ideal for use in churches and other indoor spaces where people will be gathered. The use of other oils, such as lamp oil or kerosene, can result in the release of harmful chemicals and fumes, which can be dangerous and cause health issues for those in the vicinity.
Genuine liquid paraffin can be purchased from reputable suppliers and is specifically designed for use in church oil-topped candles. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and only use the recommended type of oil. This will ensure the safe and proper functioning of the candles and help to avoid any potential hazards.
In addition to using the correct type of oil, it is also important to fill the candles properly. The candle should be filled to approximately three-quarters full, as the oil expands when warmed and can leak if overfilled. A small piece of cork can be used to gauge the oil depth as it will rise with the oil level.
By following these guidelines and using only genuine liquid paraffin, you can ensure the safe and proper functioning of your church oil-topped candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere without risking the health and safety of your congregation.
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Frequently asked questions
You should only use genuine, made in the USA, liquid paraffin with your church oil-topped candles. Liquid paraffin is not the same as lamp oil, so never use lamp oil or kerosene with church oil candles.
First, unscrew the wick assembly and adjust the wick height manually to approximately 1/8" high. Then, fill the candle with oil to the base of the internal thread—approximately 3/4 full. The oil expands when warm, so be careful not to overfill, or it will leak through the air holes.
All church oil-topped candles burn at a rate of 6 hours per ounce of oil. Therefore, the burn time depends on the diameter of the candle. For example, a 7/8" diameter candle will burn for 4.5 hours, while a 3" diameter candle will burn for 30 hours.
Yes, shells can be easily refilled while they are on the candlesticks. There is no need to remove the candles and take them back to the sacristy to fill them with oil.
After filling the reservoir and replacing the wick assembly, allow a few minutes for the oil to reach the wick. The wick is fibreglass, so the oil is transmitted by capillary action, and the oil vapour burns, not the wick.
