The Carbide Lamp
Carbide lamps are a very useful piece of cave gear. They are dependable,
durable, easy to operate and repair, and a good source of light and heat.
The body of the lamp is constructed of brass and the reflector is made
of stainless steel. Some come equipped with a rubber grip around the base,
as the Premier pictured here.
The diagram below shows a cut-away view of the carbide lamp. The terms
that are defined can be matched with the diagram. The order represents
the reaction occurring inside the lamp when it is used.
 Carbide
Lamp Parts:
Water Door - has small hinge, lifts up
Water Chamber - holds water
Water Control Lever - moves along grooves (control slots), sets rate
of water flow
Valve Stem* - tube that water flows down
Water Valve* - hole where water drips onto carbide rocks
Carbide Chamber - holds carbide rocks, when mixed with water produces
acetylene gas
Felt Holder* - holds felt in place
Felt* - allows gas to pass up from carbide chamber, keeps used (spent)
carbide in chamber
Felt Plate* - directs acetylene gas to...
Gas Tube - tube that gas blows out of
Flame Tip - where flame comes out when lamp is in use
Striker Assembly - has flint rock inside, creates a spark, is attached
to...
Reflector - magnifies amount of light, is held on by...
Wing Nut - also holds burner tip
Gasket - rubber seal, prevents gas from leaking when lamp is assembled
Mounting Bracket - holds lamp on helmet
* parts not visible when the lamp is properly assembled
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