FAQs

A product as culturally pervasive as LAVA® brand lamps is bound to generate a great deal of conversation. LAVA® products are also somewhat mysterious, evoking questions about their origin, history, and of course, "how do these things work?"

• The Colossus LAVA brand lamp is 14.6" in diameter at its largest point, and 4' tall. It weighs 110 lbs when fully assembled and about 100 lbs of this is the globe.
• When you add the table to the Colossus LAVA brand lamp it becomes 26" in diameter and 115 lbs (10 lbs base, 5 lbs table and 100 lbs globe)

Below are replies to a few of the more common questions that we've heard (and we've heard quite a few!).

Q. Why is my globe cloudy?

A. First, we'll assume that you're referring to the globe of your LAVA brand lamp. If that is in fact correct, the only reason the globe will become cloudy is if the motion lamp has been shaken, stirred, moved, dropped, or caught in an earthquake while the LAVA blobs are warm. We're sorry to inform you that this is probably a permanent problem. If this unfortunate event should ever happen to you again, you may be able to save your lamp if you immediately turn it off, let the wax settle to the bottom of the globe, and allow it to completely cool down. Then, turn the lamp on until the wax breaks up. As soon as it begins to ooze, shut the lamp off again until it cools. Running the lamp in these short "bursts" may result in a clear lamp.

Q. Why do the LAVA blobs stay as a glob at the bottom of the globe?

A. The base of your unit may not be getting hot enough, or, conversely, may be getting too hot. If it isn't moving there are two things to check:

1) Check your bulb to be sure it isn't burnt out. (Order a replacement bulb)
2) Be sure not to use the lamp beyond recommended time which results in overheating.

Q. Why do my LAVA blobs break up into a multitude of little balls?

A. Each LAVA brand motion lamp has its own personality and these formations are often a normal occurrence. This can also be a symptom of the lamp overheating because it has been operating for too long. There is a rheostat dial on the back of your lamp near the cord, you can turn your lamp down slightly and it may slow the movement inside down to something more desirable for your mood.

Q. Why are there speckles of light on my globe?

A. Each globe is made of glass and is likely to have manufacturer's marks and bubbles, both of which are normal.

Q. Why did the liquid color fade in my motion lamp?

A. Ultraviolet rays, my friend. If you allow your lamp to sit in direct sunlight, the sun's rays can cause the color to fade. Unfortunately, it's also permanent.

Q. Why is there airspace at the top of the globe?

A. The reason for the airspace is to allow for the expansion of the liquid as it heats up. To allow for this space, there may be as much as a 5" gap from the top.

Q. How do I remove the light bulb?

A. You will have to lift the globe off of the lamp, setting it on a solid surface so it will not fall over. DO NOT LIFT THE GLOBE UNTIL IT IS 100% COMPLETELY COOLED OFF or your lamp may become cloudy (which will be VERY difficult to clean up...actually nearly impossible).