A little preparation can make an unexpected power cut less stressful. If government emergency-preparedness advice has prompted you to think about backup lighting, start with what the guidance actually recommends, then consider the extra lighting that would suit your household.
At Scarlett Lighting, our USB rechargeable lamps offer cordless lighting for everyday life. Kept charged and used according to their instructions, they can also provide additional light if mains lighting is unavailable. They are an addition to your preparations, not a replacement for the torch recommended in official guidance.
What does the UK government recommend?
The government's Prepare emergency-preparedness guidance includes a battery or wind-up torch, spare batteries where needed, and a portable power bank for charging a mobile phone. Its power-cut advice says torches are safer than candles and notes that using your phone as a torch drains its battery more quickly.
That is not a specific government recommendation to buy decorative rechargeable lamps, nor an endorsement of our products. It is a useful reason to review what you already have, check that it works and make sure everyone at home knows where to find it. You do not need to replace working equipment simply to get prepared.
Where a USB rechargeable lamp can help
A torch provides portable, directed light. A cordless table lamp can offer an additional pool of light on a stable table or bedside surface, leaving your hands free while you sit nearby. It is also something you can enjoy in normal daily use, rather than keeping it solely for an interruption to the power supply.
The important limitation is charge. A rechargeable lamp needs energy stored in its battery before the power goes off. It cannot recharge from a mains socket during an outage. Do not assume compatibility with a power bank, operation while charging or automatic switch-on unless the individual product instructions confirm it.
Meet our USB rechargeable lamp range
Bonnet Clear: adjustable everyday ambience
The Bonnet Clear USB Rechargeable Lamp combines a brass finish with touch control, dimmable LED lighting and warm, neutral and cool light settings. It is an option for a bedside table or living-room side table where you want adjustable everyday light without a trailing power lead during cordless use.
Mono: a folding lantern design
The Mono Foldable USB Rechargeable Lamp has a collapsible design, a natural wood handle and multicolour lighting modes. Its portable, cordless format makes it worth considering if you prefer a lantern-style lamp that can move between suitable indoor surfaces.
Sunset Cube: a stylish waterproof option
The Sunset Cube offers IP65 waterproof rating, with stylish colour options. It brings a different look to desks, side tables and bedside spaces while offering rechargeable, cordless convenience.
Choose for your everyday needs first. Check each product's current specifications, instructions and availability before ordering. These are rechargeable lifestyle lamps; this article does not present them as certified emergency or escape-route lighting.
Check these details before relying on any rechargeable light
- Confirm the runtime at the brightness setting you expect to use. Do not assume one lamp's runtime applies to another.
- Check the charging connection, required power input and whether a cable or power adaptor is included.
- Understand the controls, including any timer or automatic shut-off.
- Follow the manufacturer's charging, storage and operating instructions, using compatible charging equipment.
- Keep your recommended torch accessible and test your lighting periodically rather than discovering an empty battery in the dark.
If runtime or charging details are not shown, ask us before buying for backup use. We have not quoted battery-life or charging-time figures here because those details need confirmation for the individual model.
Frequently asked questions
Has the government told households to buy these lamps?
No. The official advice linked above recommends battery or wind-up torches. Our rechargeable lamps are optional additional lighting, not government-endorsed emergency equipment.
Will a USB rechargeable lamp work in a power cut?
A model designed for cordless battery operation can provide light while it has sufficient charge. The available runtime depends on the model, settings and battery condition. Do not assume it will last through an entire outage or turn on automatically.
Can I recharge it from a power bank?
Only where the lamp's charging requirements and the power bank's output are compatible. Check the product instructions first; a USB connection alone does not establish every charging feature.
Should I use my phone torch instead?
The government's guidance notes that this drains your phone battery more quickly. Keep a separate torch ready so your phone's charge is not your only source of light.
Practical preparation, everyday style
Start with the official checklist and a working torch. Then, if a cordless lamp would also suit your everyday home, explore Bonnet Clear, Mono and Flare. A considered choice is more useful than a hurried purchase.