Posted: December 16, 2024

The Different Types of Kerosene

Understanding the distinction is important

Just as there are different types of gases (your traditional gasoline and propane) the same goes for kerosene. Saying that you need kerosene to fuel something simply isn’t enough seeing as the different kinds fulfill different purposes. Understanding the differences when it comes to the oil is important – this will help keep you safe and help you properly power your appliances.

Comparing the kinds of kerosene

Type 1-K kerosene is typically reserved and used for heaters. It has a .04% of sulfur by weight and is deemed safe to use inside thanks to the fact that it is clean-burning.

Type 2-K kerosene has a higher sulfur content than type 1-K kerosene, coming in at .30% sulfur by weight. This higher sulfur content not only gives this type of kerosene a strong scent, but also an accumulation of its buildup can potentially be dangerous. Therefore, this type of kerosene should only be used in appliances and heaters that have a flue.

How kerosene can be used

Back in the day, people depended on lamplight for both light and heat. These lamplights ran on kerosene. This type of kerosene can still be used for this purpose, however, as we probably don’t need to tell you, relying on a lantern for heat and light is not nearly as common these days as it was years ago.

But kerosene is still out there and still has its uses. While not too many people are using kerosene-powered lamplights, the oil can be used:

• To heat RVs, mobile homes and homes that have exterior oil tanks
• To fuel and power certain cooking equipment
• As a solvent and lubricant within specific commercial industries
• fuel rockets and jets in certain commercial industries

Staying safe while using kerosene

No matter what kind of kerosene you are using, staying safe is of the utmost importance. In addition to not using type 2-K without a flue, kerosene users should also:

• Regularly clean their wicks (we recommend doing this at least every two weeks).
• Keep an air purifier running when their kerosene appliances are being used. This helps cut down on how much exposure there is to carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
• Keep propane appliances away from any potentially flammable items at all times.
• Use kerosene heaters and appliances in well-ventilated areas.
• Opt for high quality kerosene over a less expensive option whenever possible.
• Clean any oil spills up as soon as possible.
• Store any extra kerosene that you have on hand in a basement, garage or shed. Have it labeled so that it doesn’t get mistaken for something else.
• Keep oil out of the reach of any kids and pets.
• Turn kerosene heaters off completely before leaving your house and going to sleep.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand at all times.

You can get kerosene from Fraticelli Oil & Propane

If you are a homeowner or business in Central Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire who needs kerosene, know that you can count on Fraticelli Oil & Propane. We can deliver the oil directly to you.

Contact Fraticelli Oil & Propane today to become one of our many kerosene customers.