Every vapouriser is an electronic device with a battery; some replaceable, some built-in. Like batteries inside mobile phones or laptops, batteries inside an e-cigarette are predominantly lithium-ion. If they're not looked after correctly, they could negatively affect the device's performance and longevity or more importantly, your and your family's safety.
The main concern for lithium-ion batteries or any lithium-battery device, including a wireless vacuum or mobile phone, is an explosion but you minimise this risk by ensuring you do your best to look after your device.
Here are some tips on looking after the battery inside your vaping device. These tips are not exhaustive and we recommend doing some research on battery safety.
Contents
| Built-in battery vaping devices | Replaceable battery vaping devices |
Built-in battery vaping devices
Built-in battery vaping devices are those where you can't access the lithium-ion battery inside, as opposed to mod vapes where you can swap out the batteries. Here are some tips on battery safety of your built-in battery e-cigarette.
1. Don't buy imitations
Buy vaping devices or accessories from reputable brands and Australian suppliers for best quality and regulation.
2. Store in a cool place
Do not leave your vaping device in the car, on the beach, near the stove or anywhere they could be exposed to excessive heat.
3. Keep away from children
All vaping devices should be kept out of reach of children to avoid them ingesting vaping substances or pressing the fire button of your device repeatedly and activating the battery.
4. Replace when needed
Read our 'Know when to replace vaping products' blog post for signs that your built-in battery vaping device needs replacing.
5. Keep dry
Batteries are not meant to be exposed to liquid so unless your vaping device says it's water proof, keep it away from liquids.
6. Charge before empty
There's some school of thought that says using lithium-ion batteries until they're completely empty decreases their life so it might be better to charge your vaping device before the battery is empty.
7. Use the correct charger
Connect your vaping device charging cable to a power adapter with the amps that suit the device. Your user manual will tell you if your device charging speed is 1A, 2A etc. Do not use higher amps than your device is designed for.
8. Carry safely
If you e-cigarette has a fire button, switch it off when carrying in your pocket or bag to avoid accidental button presses. Most devices now have a safety cut-off for over 10-second button presses but best to be safe and turn it off.
9. Don't overcharge
Don't leave vaping devices on charge for days. While most devices now have a built-in safety protection that stops the e-cigarette from charging when full, once again, it's better to be safe. You never know when any electronic device malfunctions.
Do not dispose of batteries in household rubbish. Contact your local council for advise on safe disposal of batteries or built-in battery vaping devices.
Replaceable battery vaping devices
The component of vaping devices that use replaceable batteries are referred to as 'mods'. They have battery doors where you load a specific size (e.g. 18650, 21700) lithium-ion replaceable battery that you can swap out when depleted.
All the above built-in battery device safety tips apply to replaceable batteries along with these additional tips.
1. Not made for vapes
Replaceable batteries are actually not designed for use in vapes. You use them at your own risk.
2. Charge externally
Some battery experts recommend only charging replaceable, lithium-ion battery with an external charger as they have built-in safety protections. Just be careful when loading and removing batteries from devices and chargers, not to cause damage to their wrapping/coating.
3. Replace battery wraps
Any nicks in the battery's original wrap exposes your battery a 'short', overheating and possible explosion. If you notice a tear in the wrap (not dent in the battery) simply purchase replacement battery wraps.
4. Damage is dangerous
Stop using the battery immediately if you notice any dents, damage or rust on the battery structure. Any damage that compromises the battery structure can lead to battery leakage or explosion.
5. Use in pairs
If you vaping device uses two replaceable batteries, some battery gurus recommend using the same brand, age and output batteries together for the most even dispensing of power. Uneven discharge can decrease the life of both batteries.
Hint: use a marker to write on battery wraps so you know which batteries you're using in pairs and the date you purchased them (so you know when to replace them).
6. Carry safety
Never carry loose batteries in your bag or pocket to avoid contact with other metal objects that can cause damage to the battery wrap or even cause a short (explosion). You can purchase battery cases to safely carry batteries.
