paraffin heater

no1birdman · Post by **no1birdman** » 13 Oct 2008, 16:28

Hi, is it ok to run a paraffin heater on 28sec heating oil, this is a corona model with a fibreglass wick. Thanks

Post by **adam2** » 13 Oct 2008, 16:48

I would advise against it, the flashpoint is similar so there is no additional fire risk.
Unfortunatly though 28 second heating oil contains more sulphur than the parrafin intended for domestic parafin heaters, it will therefore produce offensive smelling fumes if burned in a portable unflued appliance.

Heating oil can certainly be used in an emergency in a parafin heater or lamp but I advise against so doing regularly.

no1birdman · Post by **no1birdman** » 16 Oct 2008, 15:11

hi, it is the model that is supossed to burn its fumes, tried ordinary paraffin that is ok, what is the worst that can happen besides black smoke and fumes, will it burn the fibreglass wick. thanks Peter

Post by **adam2** » 16 Oct 2008, 15:28

If the heater is correctly adjusted then I doubt that any black smoke will result.
Neither should the wick be damaged.
However 28 second heating oil contains more sulphur than premium parrafin. When such fuel is burnt it produces sulphur dioxide, in a flued appliance this is of little consequence, but in a portable unflued appliance it will certainly smell bad, and might even be a slight health risk.

Premium parafin contains very little sulphur and is formulated for use in lamps and unflued domestic heaters.

Agricultural grade kerosene contains more sulphur, and is intended for use in unflued greenhouse heaters, and outdoor oil lamps, but not for use in a dweling.

Heating oil contains still more sulphur and is intended for flued boilers and cookers etc.

no1birdman · Post by **no1birdman** » 17 Oct 2008, 17:09

Hi, had to try it. Paraffin is 6pound 40 p for 4 litres at b/q and most other places over a fiver. I bought some from my garage at 60p per litre, both looked and smelt the same ie yellow, the garage man told me it is 28 sec oil paraffin. Put it in my corona heater has i had being using rolf oil before, not a bit of difference, same good heat no smell and it is in my kitchen. There is a dog flap near by so plenty of air.So i have to say it is worth trying for the money you save ie 4pounds per4 liters.This paraffin heater uses 4 lites every20hours aprox and is on all day now it is getting colder, Thanks Peter

Post by **adam2** » 21 Oct 2008, 15:54

Glad to hear that you found the heating oil to be ok, if after a pronlonged trial you find no offensive smell is produced, then I would get in a supply of the cheap heating oil.
It would appear that you have found some with less than the usual sulphur content, or perhaps it is in fact bulk parrafin and not heating oil at all?