How to Wire Metal Kerosene Lanterns for Electricity

Turn the lamp collar counterclockwise to unscrew it from the base. Lift the collar, with the wick in it, off the lamp.

Lift the globe straight up and off the lantern and set aside.

Dispose of any kerosene that remains in the lamp. Rinse the lamp base out and turn it upside down on a towel to dry completely for 24 hours.

Measure the inside diameter of the lamp collar opening. This is the circular area inside the threads on top of the lamp.

Purchase an electrified lamp burner in the same size as your measurement. A large variety of styles is available. There are antique filigree styles that accept a hurricane lantern chimney over the light bulb for bright lighting or styles that have harps attached to put a fabric lamp shade over for a more dim lighting effect. Lamp adapters may also be plain and hold a light bulb only to retain the simplistic style of a kerosene lantern. In addition, combination adapters are available that use a glass chimney and a lamp shade surrounding it.

Align the electrified lamp burner onto the lamp collar and turn it clockwise to tighten it. Screw a light bulb into the socket. Plug the power cord from the lamp burner into an electrical socket. Turn the rotary switch to turn on the light.