Oil lamps can often be converted to electric, though the approach depends on your lamp's collar diameter and your tolerance for permanent modification.

• Electric converters and burners designed to fit standard collar sizes offer a reversible solution, preserving the lamp's original function and collectible integrity. These options simply require replacing the oil burner with an electric replacement.
• The other option is a lasting transformation. It requires cutting away part of the existing burner and inserting a lamp-socket into the cutout.  The lamp cord will need to exit from the side of the burner or the oil font will need to be drilled so that the cord can go down thru the lamp and exit at the base. By doing this the lamp will be permanently altered and cannot be returned to oil. Before starting this, it is best to consider whether preserving authenticity matters for your lamp's value and versatility.

A wick that produces excessive smoke, fails to ignite reliably, or displays a diminished flame typically needs to be replaced. Installing a fresh wick often restores proper operation. Should the wick mechanism resist movement in either direction, it may have accumulated residue; attempt loosening with penetrating oil or an overnight soak may help.

A glass chimney serves critical functions in the operation of an oil lamp: it protects the flame from air currents, establishes the draft necessary for complete combustion, channels smoke away from the user, and reduces fire risk. Omitting the chimney compromises performance—expect excessive smoking, flame instability, and unreliable ignition. The flame requires proper air circulation and containment to burn efficiently and safely.