Electronic Catholic Church Votive Stand | 132 candles

Votive stands for churches

• 4th-generation electronic votive stand.
• Manufactured in black-finished brass.
• 116 cm. (45.67 in) total height.
• Stand, candle area:
  • 110 cm. (43.31 in) front.
  • 50 cm. (19.69 in) depth.
  • 9 cm. (3.54 in) height.
• 132 oscillating-flame LED small candles.
• Candles placed in six lines of twenty-two candles each.
• Security box for the deposit of coins.
• Configurable price and duration of candle lighting.
• Transparent methacrylate to protect the candles.
• Candles with individual connection, easily replaceable.
• Anti-lever security system.
• The indicated sale price includes shipping and taxes for the Iberian Peninsula.

Definition and concept

An electronic votive stand is a piece of Catholic furnishing designed to integrate lamps or LED candles that light up when a person makes an offering. The electronic votive stand represents the technological evolution of the traditional votive altar candlestick, combining the spiritual symbolism of light with the advantages of modern LED technology.

This piece of Catholic furnishing has become an element widely used in parishes, chapels, and churches all over the world.

The great acceptance by priests and parish administrators is due to the fact that electronic votive stands are a safe, efficient, and respectful alternative for the artistic heritage of churches. Unlike traditional candelabra that use wax or paraffin candles, electronic votive stands operate using LED technology, eliminating the risks associated with real fire while maintaining the symbolic and spiritual value of the lit light as an expression of faith.

Elements of electronic votive stands

Modern electronic votive stands consist of four fundamental elements:

• Structure or frame

The structure or frame constitutes the physical support of the votive stand. Generally, it is manufactured in brass with resistant enamel finishes. This structure includes the base, the stem, and the support for the candles.

The frame is the part that supports the candle panel.

• Panel or candle area

The LED candle panel represents the heart of the system.

Each light point, each candle of the votive stand, is composed of high-luminance LED diodes that imitate the effect of the traditional flame. They are candles with oscillating movement that reproduce the natural movement of a wax flame.

• Microprocessor

The control microprocessor manages all the functions of the votive stand, allowing the lighting time and the price of the offering to be programmed.

This latest-generation electronic component represents the essential difference between simple electric systems and truly intelligent votive stands.

• Security box for coins

The security box for offerings completes the set, incorporating security locks and anti-theft systems with an anti-lever design. This box allows the safe collection of the donations made by the faithful.

The collection and deposit area for offerings is specially designed to reduce the possibilities of theft.

Operation of the system

The operating process of this electronic votive stand model is very intuitive. The lighting method has been designed to reduce friction of use to the maximum. What is intended is that people who so wish can use it without any complication.

When a person inserts a coin into the coin acceptor, the system detects the amount and automatically activates the corresponding candles according to the established programming. For example, if the configuration is set at 50 cents per candle and one euro is inserted, the votive stand lights two candles consecutively.

The lights remain on for a programmable time, depending on the needs of the parish. Once the established time has elapsed, the candles switch off automatically, remaining available for new offerings.

Latest-generation LED technology candles

An LED candle (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current flows through it. Its operation is based on electroluminescence: when electrons in the semiconductor recombine with holes, they release energy in the form of photons, that is, light.

One of the most notable characteristics of LED technology is its extraordinary service life, which usually reaches 30,000 hours.

In practical terms, this means that the votive stand can operate for several decades continuously without having to receive any kind of repair or maintenance. The light points of each candle are diodes that practically do not burn out and whose service life is very prolonged if we compare it with traditional candles.

The energy consumption of LED votive stands is 30% lower than that of a conventional light bulb, which represents a significant saving on the electricity bill of parishes.

Advantages compared to wax candles

The replacement of wax candles or candles with a paraffin deposit with electronic votive stands offers multiple benefits that justify their growing adoption in Catholic spaces. Although there are numerous parishes that continue using candles and large candles with a natural flame, more and more churches decide to use this type of votive stand.

Among the advantages of electronic votive stands compared to votive stands for wax candles or with paraffin deposits, we can highlight:

• Preservation of artistic heritage

The smoke generated by the combustion of wax or paraffin candles can be harmful to the artistic pieces present in churches.

Catholic images, altarpieces, and mural paintings can sometimes suffer progressive deterioration as a consequence of soot deposited over decades.

In addition, candles with a paraffin deposit can emit a characteristic smell that for some people is not pleasant.

Electronic votive stands, by not producing combustion, smoke, or smell, protect the historical-artistic heritage of churches.

• Absence of residues and stains

Related to the previous point, it should also be noted that wax candles generate residues when they melt, staining votive stands, floors, and carpets. Cleaning these residues represents a significant workload for parish staff.

Electronic votive stands do not produce residues of any kind, completely eliminating this problem and reducing maintenance needs.

• Reduction of fire risk

Elements that generate a flame represent a potential risk. Wax or paraffin candles are no exception. Lighting candles, large candles, or candles, if done with caution, has a very reduced risk; despite this, the risk always exists. Under certain circumstances, a flame can be the beginning of a potentially dangerous situation: fires, accidental burns, or damage to nearby elements.

LED votive stands emit light but no heat or flame, being totally safe for children, the elderly, and any person who approaches them. The only thing we must have is caution with the electrical installation of the church.

• Configuration and personalisation

Modern electronic votive stands offer broad configuration possibilities adaptable to the specific needs of each parish.

The time each candle remains lit can be programmed. This flexibility allows the system to be adapted to different uses: from brief lighting for moments of prayer to prolonged lighting for novenas or special festivities.

The microprocessor also allows the amount required to activate each candle to be set. The electronic coin acceptor recognises the coins, adapting to any type of offering that the faithful wish to make.

• Anti-theft security systems

The protection of the offerings collected constitutes a logical precaution for parishes. Electronic votive stands incorporate a metal security box that protects the money deposited by the faithful. These boxes include security locks with a key.

The light of candles, symbol of the presence of Jesus

Light has a deep spiritual meaning that transcends its practical function of illumination. Jesus Christ proclaimed himself as "the light of the world" (John 8:12), establishing a fundamental theological connection between light and the divine presence.

The candles lit in churches symbolise this Light of Christ that illuminates the faithful and guides their spiritual paths. The flame that rises represents the elevation of the soul towards God, the search for spiritual truth, and the drawing near to the message of Christ.

The lamp of the Blessed Sacrament, which burns perpetually next to the Tabernacle, constitutes the most significant example of this symbolism. According to canon 940 of the Code of Canon Law, this lamp must burn continuously "to indicate and honour the presence of Christ".

Its origin goes back to the divine prescription in the Old Testament: "You shall command the Israelites that they bring you pure oil of beaten olives for the lampstand, to keep the lamps always burning" (Exodus 27:20).

Buy votive stand for church | Example: California

Acquiring an electronic votive stand for church is an important decision that requires planning. Therefore, it is fundamental to follow a structured purchasing process that guarantees an appropriate and lasting choice for the church.

The first aspect to consider is the volume of faithful that the parish receives. We will take as an example a church in California, where the number of visitors can vary according to its location.

If the church is located in a rural area, such as a small church in Ventura County, a votive stand of 66 small candles will probably be sufficient. On the other hand, if it is located in an urban area or in a Basilica or Cathedral of Los Angeles, a votive stand of 132 small candles or even several may be more appropriate, depending on the influx of the faithful.

Another relevant factor is the location of the votive stand within the church. We must ensure that the intended space is sufficiently large for the dimensions of the chosen model. In addition, it is essential that the area has a nearby power socket to connect the votive stand safely and practically.

Once the appropriate model has been selected, the purchasing process is very simple. You only have to access the Brabander Catholic articles website, choose the desired product, enter the shipping details of the parish in California, select the payment method, and, if you wish, add in the comments the configuration of price and lighting duration. Finally, confirm the purchase to complete the order.

Within an approximate period of one week, you will receive the votive stand fully configured and ready for use. You will only have to plug it into the mains and it will start working immediately. It is very important to check the keys of the collection box upon receiving it. After verifying its correct operation, close the box again and keep the keys in a safe place.

With these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy a functional, safe, and aesthetic electronic votive stand, perfect for accompanying prayer and recollection within your church.

Maintenance and care

The maintenance of electronic votive stands is considerably simpler than that of traditional candle systems. Despite this, it is advisable to take a series of measures that guarantee that the votive stand has a long life.

It is advisable to carry out periodic cleaning of accumulated dust, avoiding abrasive products that can damage the surfaces.

In case of breakdown or jam, you must disconnect the votive stand from the mains before any cleaning or maintenance intervention, for electrical safety.

Occasional review of the operation of the microprocessor and the coin acceptor to detect possible anomalies.

Regular collection of the offerings accumulated in the security box.