A lantern is a portable lighting device used to illuminate broad areas. Lanterns may also be used for signaling, to guide your path somewhere or as general light sources for camping. In the older days it would have been used like a torch. Dim varieties are often used for decoration. The term "lantern" is also used more generically to mean a 'light source' or the enclosure for a light source, i.e., the housing for the lamp and lens — that is the top section — of a lighthouse. Some lanterns are battery-powered and have a simple lightbulb, but power supply to operate a Fluorescent lamp. They are easy to use and comparatively durable, but less bright than propane or liquid fuel lanterns, require battery replacement, or if rechargeable and not constantly plugged in must be brought to full charge every few months.
Some rechargeable fluorescent lanterns may be plugged in at all times and may be set up to illuminate upon a power failure, a useful feature in some applications. During extensive power failures , supplemental recharging may be provided from an automobile's twelve volt electrical system or from a modest solar powered charger. Solar-powered lanterns have become popular in developing countries where they provide a safer and cheaper alternative to kerosene lamps.
Battery-powered lanterns utilizing LEDs are becoming increasingly popular due to improvements in LED technology and reduced production costs. LEDs have become brighter and more rugged, and typically run longer than incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes of comparable brightness.
Some rechargeable fluorescent lanterns may be plugged in at all times and may be set up to illuminate upon a power failure, a useful feature in some applications. During extensive power failures , supplemental recharging may be provided from an automobile's twelve volt electrical system or from a modest solar powered charger. Solar-powered lanterns have become popular in developing countries where they provide a safer and cheaper alternative to kerosene lamps.
Battery-powered lanterns utilizing LEDs are becoming increasingly popular due to improvements in LED technology and reduced production costs. LEDs have become brighter and more rugged, and typically run longer than incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes of comparable brightness.
