1. Introduktion
The Petromax HK500 is a high-pressure lantern designed to provide significant illumination. It operates using kerosene or paraffin oil, generating a light output equivalent to 500 candlepower (approximately 400 watts). This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective setup, operation, and maintenance of your Petromax HK500 lantern.

Image 1.1: The Petromax HK500 Pressurized Lantern, showcasing its polished brass finish and classic design.
2. Sikkerhedsretningslinjer
ADVARSEL: Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in fire, serious injury, or death.
- Kun udendørs brug: This lantern is designed for outdoor use in well-ventilated areas. Do not operate indoors or in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
- Brændstof: Use only kerosene or paraffin oil. Never use gasoline, alcohol, or other volatile fuels, as this can cause an explosion.
- Fyldning: Always fill the fuel tank in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames or ignition sources. Do not overfill the tank.
- Varme overflader: The lantern becomes extremely hot during operation. Allow it to cool completely before handling, refueling, or performing maintenance.
- Tryk: The lantern operates under pressure. Ensure all components are securely tightened before pressurizing. Do not exceed recommended pressure levels.
- Brandfarlige materialer: Keep the lantern away from tents, clothing, dry leaves, and other flammable materials.
- Børn og kæledyr: Keep the lantern out of reach of children and pets at all times.
- Opbevaring: Store the lantern and fuel in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
3. Komponenter overview
The Petromax HK500 lantern is comprised of over 200 individual parts, meticulously assembled to ensure its unique bright light technology. The package typically includes the following items:
- Petromax HK500 Lantern
- Tragt
- Spare Parts Set (5 pieces)
- Spirit Bottle
- 2 x Mantle HK500
- Brugervejledning (engelsk)
Key components of the lantern include the fuel tank, pump, manometer, rapid preheater, carburetor, vaporiser, mantle, and borosilicate glass cylinder.

Billede 3.1: En eksploderet view illustrating the numerous components that make up the Petromax HK500 lantern, highlighting its unique bright light technology.
4. Opsætning og første brug
4.1. Udpakning og inspektion
- Fjern forsigtigt alle komponenter fra emballagen.
- Inspect the lantern for any visible damage. Ensure the glass cylinder is intact.
- Familiarize yourself with the various parts as shown in the components overview.
4.2. Attaching Mantles
- Remove the top hood and inner casing to access the burner.
- Carefully attach a new mantle to the burner nozzle, ensuring it is securely tied.
- Before first use, burn off the mantle by lighting it with a match. It will glow brightly and then turn into a fragile white ash. Allow it to cool completely.
4.3. Filling the Fuel Tank
- Ensure the lantern is cool and the pressure release screw is open.
- Skru påfyldningsdækslet af.
- Using the provided funnel, carefully fill the tank with kerosene or paraffin oil. Do not fill beyond the maximum fill line (approximately 1 quart).
- Securely replace the filler cap.
4.4. Initial Pressurization
- Close the pressure release screw.
- Pump the lantern approximately 30-50 times using the pump handle until the manometer indicates sufficient pressure (typically in the green zone).
5. Betjeningsvejledning
5.1. Forvarmning
The lantern requires preheating to vaporize the fuel before ignition.
- Using Spirit: Fill the spirit cup below the vaporiser with denatured alcohol (spirit). Light the spirit and allow it to burn completely. This typically takes 60-90 seconds.
- Using Rapid Preheater: If your model is equipped with a rapid preheater, open the preheater valve briefly to allow a small amount of fuel to ignite and preheat the vaporiser. Close the valve once preheating is complete.
5.2. Tænding
- Once preheating is complete and the spirit flame has extinguished, slowly open the main valve (control wheel).
- The mantle should ignite and begin to glow brightly. If it does not ignite, close the valve, repressurize, and repeat the preheating process.
- Continue to pump occasionally to maintain optimal pressure for consistent brightness.

Image 5.1: The Petromax HK500 lantern providing bright illumination in an outdoor setting.
5.3. Nedlukning
- Close the main valve (control wheel). The light will dim and extinguish.
- Open the pressure release screw on the filler cap to release any remaining pressure from the tank.
- Allow the lantern to cool completely before moving or storing.
6. Vedligeholdelse
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Petromax HK500 lantern.
- Rensning: Periodically clean the exterior of the lantern with a soft cloth. Ensure the glass cylinder is clean for maximum light output.
- Mantle Replacement: Mantles are fragile and will need replacement if damaged or if light output diminishes. Always handle new mantles carefully.
- Pump Leather Care: The pump cup is made of leather. To maintain its sealing ability, occasionally apply a small amount of leather grease or oil. If the pump becomes ineffective, the leather cup may need replacement.
- Vaporiser and Jet: If the lantern flickers or produces a weak flame, the vaporiser or jet may be clogged. Refer to the spare parts set for cleaning needles and replacement parts.
- Vedligeholdelse af ventiler: If the ventilation valve leaks air pressure, tightening and opening it a few times with pliers can help smooth the brass nipple and restore the seal.
7. Fejlfinding
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Petromax HK500 lantern.
| Problem | Mulig årsag | Løsning |
|---|---|---|
| Lantern does not light or flickers | Insufficient preheating; clogged vaporiser/jet; low fuel pressure; damaged mantle. | Ensure adequate preheating time. Clean or replace vaporiser/jet. Pump to increase pressure. Replace mantle. |
| Low brightness or weak flame | Insufficient pressure; clogged vaporiser/jet; old or damaged mantle. | Pump to increase pressure. Clean or replace vaporiser/jet. Replace mantle. |
| Fuel leakage or flare-ups | Loose connections; damaged seals; generator cap threads loose. | Tighten all connections. Inspect and replace damaged seals. Check and tighten generator cap threads. |
| Pump does not build pressure | Dry or worn pump leather; faulty check valve. | Lubricate or replace pump leather. Inspect and clean check valve. |
| Ceramic burner nozzle breaks | Heat stress; material fatigue. | Replace with a new ceramic or stainless steel burner nozzle. |
8. Specifikationer
The following table details the technical specifications of the Petromax HK500 Pressurized Lantern:
| Feature | Specifikation |
|---|---|
| Model | HK500 |
| Lysudgang | 500 CP (Candlepower) / 400 Watts |
| Brændstoftype | Kerosene or Paraffin Oil |
| Tank kapacitet | 1 Quart (approx. 1 Liter) |
| Brændetid | Cirka 8 timer |
| Dimensioner (H x B x D) | 15.7 x 6.7 x 6.7 tommer (40 x 17 x 17 cm) |
| Varens vægt | 5.29 pund (2400 gram) |
| Materiale | Messing |
9. Garanti og support
For warranty information, spare parts, or technical support, please refer to the official Petromax website or contact your authorized dealer. Ensure you have your model number (HK500) and purchase details available when seeking support.
You can also visit the official Petromax store for additional information and accessories: Petromax Store





