E-cigarettes, adopted by millions as a transition from conventional tobacco cigarettes to quitting smoking, present some risks not present with conventional cigarettes. Because e-cigarettes rely on batteries to heat an electrical coil which generates the device’s vapor, improper use can lead to hazards including leaking of dangerous battery contents, burns, explosions, and fires. If you vape, take the time to know how to avoid these hazards. Even if you don't vape e-juice, you still need to be careful when using dab pen batteries.
Since introduction of e-cigarettes to the U.S. market in 2007, vaping’s popularity has grown exponentially. Vaping devices don’t only include e-cigarettes, but also vape pens and advanced personal vaporizers called mods.
Playing fast and loose with your vaping device can increase your risk of battery failure and personal injury. Although the occurrence of battery failure is relatively low, it is worth considering vaping battery safety tips to minimize those risks.
Ohm’s Law
The first rule in battery safety is never to push your battery beyond its limits. Its maximum amp rating determines your battery's ability to release stored energy. If your coil exceeds this amp rating, your battery is in danger of failing.
To calculate the amps that your coil is pulling from your battery, you have to use Ohm’s Law, an equation stating that Amps (A) = Voltage (V) / Resistance/Ohms (Ω).
The first step is to measure your battery’s voltage and your coil’s resistance with a multimeter. Then, divide the voltage by the resistance in ohms to calculate the amps. If the result is higher than the amp rating, replace the coil with one that has a higher resistance.
There should always be sufficient resistance between the positive and the negative pole of the battery. Your vape’s coil is the resistor. Bypassing the coil can cause the battery to vent and even explode.
The Entire Battery Body is Negative
The only positive part of the battery is the little pole on top. The rest of the battery’s body is negative. If the positive pole is connected to the negative body with a conductive material that has no resistance, it will result in a short circuit.
With this in mind, let’s look at some more safety tips.
Don’t Put Your Batteries in Backwards
Putting your batteries in backward will charge the body of the mod positively. If there is a tear in the battery’s wrapping and the negative battery body comes in contact with the positively charged mod, the circuit will bypass the coil and short.
Protect Batteries in Your Pocket or Purse
When you carry extra batteries in your purse or pocket, keys, loose change, and something as small as a paperclip can complete the circuit between the battery’s positive and negative. Always put your batteries in a battery case or wrap them inside protective plastic.
Charging Your Batteries
A significant part of battery maintenance has to do with charging and discharging. To ensure maximum battery performance and lifespan, always charge your batteries on the lowest setting to reduce the strain on them.
Also, don’t leave a charging battery unattended, and when the battery is fully charged, take it off the charger immediately to prevent battery failure.
Use the Correct Charger
When you purchase your device, you will receive a charger from the manufacturer that is compatible with your internal or external battery. When you use another charger that has the same port, you run the risk of overcharging your battery, which can cause it to burst or start an electrical fire.
A less severe, but far more common result of using the wrong charger is that your battery will simply stop working. If you lose your original charger, visit your nearest vape shop or contact the manufacturer to order a new one. If you have the original charger’s specifications, you can also purchase a compatible generic charger.
Use the Correct Batteries
The most important consideration when it comes to purchasing batteries for a vaping pen or mod is quality. There are thousands of cheap products available online, but if you don’t stick to products from authorized dealers or trusted brands, you run the risk of battery damage, explosions, and personal injury.
It may also be worth your while to do some research to determine what are the best batteries for your mod. The most common battery types include:
- ICR
- IMP, and
- Lithium Polymer (LiPo)
The best type for you depends on your vape, but make sure that you never use two different types in the same device.
Storage
When it’s time for bed, a shower, or a meeting and you have to put your mod away for a while, make sure that you store your device safely. Never leave your mod lying on flammable material like your bed linen or furniture with, say, cotton covers. Leaving your mod in the sun can damage your device.
Take Care of Your Vape
Dropping your vape can cause your battery to start venting, even if it received only a light blow. LiPo batteries are especially fragile since their aluminum casing doesn’t offer the best protection.
Life happens, however, and if you drop your vape, replace your battery promptly.
Vape Quality
A low-quality vape has a higher risk of developing battery problems. If you are still shopping for a vape, make sure that you purchase from a reputable dealer, and never buy a second-hand product, unless you are completely sure about its history and quality.
It may be tempting to opt for a cheap product, but lower-end units tend to perform poorly, and your vaping costs will be higher at the end of the day.
Keep an Eye on the Air Holes
Vaping devices have air holes around the battery casing that allow battery gasses to escape. If these holes are blocked, the built-up gasses can expand and damage your device. Simply blow into the vape to see if the holes allow for air flow.
Conclusion
Safely caring for you mod battery comes down to a few basic habits. Since vape battery failure can result in severe consequences, make sure that you use the correct coil, that you charge your unit correctly, and that only use high-quality products.