Vape Battery Safety

Vape Battery Safety

If you quit smoking completely, vaping is a safer alternative for many Kiwis, but like any electronic device, it's crucial to know how to handle it safely. Oe of the most important component to understand is the battery. While vape incidents are rare, when they do happen, they almost always involve improper battery handling.

Whether your vape has a built-in battery or removable ones, a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping you safe. Let's break down the essentials for both types.

External Batteries: The Power in Your Hands

Mods that use external, removable batteries (like the common  or types) offer great power and flexibility, but they require the most care. These are powerful lithium-ion batteries and need to be treated with respect.

1. Check Your Wraps!

The colourful plastic coating on your external battery is called a wrap. It's not just for looks; it's a vital safety feature. The entire metal body (or "can") of the battery is the negative terminal, except for the small raised cap at the top, which is the positive. The wrap insulates the negative can, preventing it from touching metal parts of your vape or other objects and causing a dangerous short circuit.

  • What to look for: Before every single use, inspect the wrap. If you see any nicks, tears, or peeling, especially near the top or bottom, the battery is unsafe to use.

  • The fix: Don't throw the battery away! You can easily re-wrap it. New wraps are incredibly cheap, and the process takes just a minute with a hairdryer. If you're not confident, your local vape shop can usually do it for you.

2. Never Carry Loose Batteries

This is the golden rule. NEVER, EVER carry a spare battery in your pocket or bag with keys, coins, or any other metal objects. If a key touches both the positive and negative terminals of the battery at the same time, it will complete a circuit, causing the battery to short, heat up rapidly, and potentially vent or explode.

  • The solution: Always use a and simple plastic battery case. This keeps your batteries secure and protected from accidental contact.

3. Charge Smart with an External Charger

While most mods with removable batteries have a USB port, it's primarily for firmware updates, not regular charging.

  • Use an external charger: A dedicated external charger from a reputable brand (like Nitecore, Golisi or XTAR) is the safest and most effective way to charge your batteries. These devices have advanced safety features and charge each battery individually, which is much better for their long-term health.

  • Marry your batteries: If your mod uses multiple batteries, treat them as a "married" set. This means you should always use them together, charge them together, and discharge them together. Don't mix and match old and new batteries or different brands, as this can cause an imbalance and put stress on the cells.

Internal Batteries: Simple and Secure

Devices with built-in (internal) batteries are generally simpler to handle, as the manufacturer has already put safety measures in place. However, there are still some key rules to follow.

1. Use the Right Charging Gear

  • Use the right cable: Always try to use the charging cable that came with your device, or use the recommended cable found in the user manual.

  • Use the right power source: This is the big one. Most vapes are designed to be charged from a 1-amp source (like a computer's USB port or a small 1A wall plug). Plugging your vape into a high-powered "fast charger" for a modern smartphone can overwhelm the device's charging chip, leading to overheating and potential battery damage. Check your device's manual for the recommended charging amperage.

2. Handle with Care

  • Don't leave it charging unattended: While modern devices have overcharge protection, it's best practice not to leave them charging overnight or while you're out of the house.

  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't leave your vape in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Heat is the enemy of battery health.

  • Watch for damage: If you drop your device, inspect it for damage. If it starts to get unusually hot during use or charging, or if you notice any swelling of the case, stop using it immediately and take it to be disposed of safely.

Disposing of Old Batteries

You can't just chuck old vape batteries in the rubbish bin. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires in landfill or recycling trucks. You need to dispose of them as e-waste. Many councils have e-waste collection points, or you can often drop them off at designated battery recycling locations.

Your safety is paramount. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy vaping with peace of mind. If you ever have any questions or need your batteries checked, don't hesitate to pop into your local vape shop.

Stay safe and happy vaping!