Rechargeable lanterns an alternative for power
Jun 02, 2006
With the increasing load-shedding in the country, one has to look for other ways of coping. There are rechargeable lanterns commonly known as rechargeable lights on the market that can be used in the absence of electricity.
By Aidah Nanyonjo
With the increasing load-shedding in the country, one has to look for other ways of coping. There are rechargeable lanterns commonly known as rechargeable lights on the market that can be used in the absence of electricity.
Frank Mubiru, a sales executive with Transa and Bbosa electricals at Nakasero, says the rechargeable lanterns use electricity for recharging, although dry cells can
also work in them.
For the first time, a lantern should be charged for a period between 16-24 hours before using it.
It has an automatic switch that sets it on and off. When you connect it to the power socket for recharging, and power goes off, it is switched on automatically to provide lighting and when power comes back, it switches itself off automatically. It is like a standby generator.
The lanterns come in different types like Sanyo, National, Panasonic and King.
It can also be used for outdoor purposes.
Some are handy while others can be installed in a place as long as they can be connected to the socket.
They only come brand new and cost sh70,000 to sh20,000, depending on the size and brand.
“Some have two bulbs, which gives you an opportunity to use one bulb to preserve the power long enough. Normally when one bulb is used, it can last for over five hours but when both bulbs are used, it last for three hours or less,†Mubiru says.
These rechargeable lanterns are sold in shops on Luwum street and the Old Taxi Park. However, caution should be taken when buying one. Mubiru says there are many fake rechargeable lanterns on the market and it would be better to buy them from reliable electrical centres where one can get a guarantee on the product.
The lamps come with a detailed manual which is easy to follow.
With the increasing load-shedding in the country, one has to look for other ways of coping. There are rechargeable lanterns commonly known as rechargeable lights on the market that can be used in the absence of electricity.
Frank Mubiru, a sales executive with Transa and Bbosa electricals at Nakasero, says the rechargeable lanterns use electricity for recharging, although dry cells can
also work in them.
For the first time, a lantern should be charged for a period between 16-24 hours before using it.
It has an automatic switch that sets it on and off. When you connect it to the power socket for recharging, and power goes off, it is switched on automatically to provide lighting and when power comes back, it switches itself off automatically. It is like a standby generator.
The lanterns come in different types like Sanyo, National, Panasonic and King.
It can also be used for outdoor purposes.
Some are handy while others can be installed in a place as long as they can be connected to the socket.
They only come brand new and cost sh70,000 to sh20,000, depending on the size and brand.
“Some have two bulbs, which gives you an opportunity to use one bulb to preserve the power long enough. Normally when one bulb is used, it can last for over five hours but when both bulbs are used, it last for three hours or less,†Mubiru says.
These rechargeable lanterns are sold in shops on Luwum street and the Old Taxi Park. However, caution should be taken when buying one. Mubiru says there are many fake rechargeable lanterns on the market and it would be better to buy them from reliable electrical centres where one can get a guarantee on the product.
The lamps come with a detailed manual which is easy to follow.