Flameless candles are an electronic alternative to traditional wick
candle
A candle is an ignitable candle wick, wick embedded in wax, or another flammable solid substance such as tallow, that provides light, and in some cases, a Aroma compound, fragrance. A candle can also provide heat or a method of keeping time. ...
s. They are generally utilized as aesthetic lighting devices and come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. A flame-effect lightbulb contains multiple small
light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corre ...
s and a control circuit to flash them in a semi-regular, flickering pattern.
The bulb may be sold separately with a standard
Edison screw
Edison screw (ES) is a standard lightbulb socket for electric light bulbs. It was developed by Thomas Edison (1847–1931), patented in 1881, and was licensed in 1909 under General Electric's Mazda (light bulb), Mazda trademark. The bulbs have S ...
for use in ordinary fixtures, or in a self-contained housing with battery.
Flameless candles are designed to eliminate the need for an open flame, thus, reducing their potential as fire hazards.
Appearance
As a decorative element, the design of a flameless candle is relatively versatile. The body or "housing" of the device is commonly cylindrical, containing a battery pack and an often flame-shaped
LED lamp atop the candle. Many manufactures use LED lights with a sporadic twinkling or flickering effect to simulate the calming glow of an actual flame.
The body of a flameless candle can likewise be made of wax to enhance its resemblance to traditional candles. Since LED light does not emit as much heat as a live flame, wax-based flameless candles do not melt, but rather maintain their original shapes and sizes for future use.
Functionality
Some flameless candles are scented, serving as
air fresheners as well as lighting devices. Others, designed specifically for outdoor use, incorporate features including integrated
insect repellent
An insect repellent (also commonly called "bug spray" or "bug deterrent") is a substance applied to the skin, clothing, or other surfaces to discourage insects (and arthropods in general) from landing or climbing on that surface. Insect repellent ...
. As the sun sets, an ambient light sensor, housed in the body of the candle, triggers a small fan near a fragrance compartment.
Geranial or other repellents are then released.
Additional features may include remote control light switches, integrated timers and air treatment apparatus.
Safety
Because flameless candles are illuminated by a small light bulb, rather than an open
flame
A flame () is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It is caused by a highly exothermic chemical reaction made in a thin zone. When flames are hot enough to have ionized gaseous components of sufficient density, they are then considered plasm ...
, they pose less threat as
fire hazards and do not melt or lose their form over time.
Nonetheless, the bulbs inside some flameless candles may heat up significantly. In a pediatric study conducted in 2013, it is suggested that flameless candles are a minor cause of
battery related injuries in children. Close to 8 percent of batteries ingested by children were identified as having come from flameless candles.
See also
*
Neon lamp#Flicker flame
References
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Types of lamp
Candles