The batteries used with vaping devices are a different type of battery than what you use for other household items like children’s toys or TV remotes. These batteries are powerful and while these incidents can be avoided, things can happen. Therefore, you to understand how to properly care for and handle the battery to your vaping device to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Vaping device batteries are comprised of the same lithium-ion battery components as batteries used for laptops and cellphones. However, the biggest difference between these two types of batteries is the devices and how they are tested. For example, a laptop or cell phone battery is tested time and again to ensure that no matter how much energy is demanded by the electronic device, it will likely never surpass the overall battery limit. However, unlike cellphones or laptop batteries, vaping batteries are utilized in multiple devices. Each with different amperage requirements and coils. Therefore, the stress and demand on the battery can vary from one device to the next, which in turn can easily exceed the battery limits. When these limits are exceeded is when there are battery explosions.
Unfortunately, there are no exact explanations for each and every vape explosion, the majority of these fires and explosions are linked directly to issues with the battery due to some form of battery damage. This is because when a battery is damaged it begins to undergo a process known as thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway is a process that occurs when some type of reaction inside the battery is triggered. This reaction results in a rise in the battery’s temperature, while the rise in temperature causes the battery to react even more. This in turn creates a cycle of increasing temperatures and reactions. The rising temperature causes the inside of the battery to build up pressure which begins to break down the protective layer in the housing of your battery. The pressure can only build so much before the battery will eventually burst or rupture. The burst will cause liquids and gases to leak out from the battery creating either a fire or an explosion (depending upon the severity of the burst).
It is easy to worry about vaping devices being dangerous with the different stories throughout the media depicting violent, dangerous, and even deadly vaping device battery explosions. However, it is important to remember the media is always looking for ways to sensationalize a story or to showcase the negatives of things. The truth is that although vaping devices can catch fire (or in extreme circumstances even explode) and cause injuries, there is a very low probability that this will occur with your device.
There are two main types of batteries used for vaping devices internal batteries and external batteries. As the name implies, internal batteries are built into the device. These batteries are not removed from the device and should not be handled. If an error occurs with the battery, then your entire vaping device is no longer useful. Internal battery options are the easiest to use, making it a great option for beginners.
External batteries typically come in either a pen or box mod option. While the name implies the box mod vape as a square battery, it can actually come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Devices that require external batteries will require you to buy extras to put into them. The downside to external batteries is there tends to be more accidents and explosions than internal batteries. This is primarily due to the batteries being handled more, and the amount of energy that is pulled from the battery when they are in use. Due to this, wear and tear should be considered and never ignored. Otherwise, you are prone to more safety issues. The most common external batteries are the 18650 and the 26650. The biggest difference between the two is the 26650 has a little more width (or girth) to the battery.
The best way to avoid battery fires and or explosions is with proper battery storage and care. This maintenance and storage are essential to the overall welfare of your batteries. To avoid the potential of a battery explosion within your vaping device, there are a number of things you can do. These tips include:
To help ensure your batteries or wax pens to continue to work to the best capacity and performance, you should avoid a variety of practices. These can include (but are not limited to):