How to look after your E-cigarette Batteries

If you're a vaper, you're well aware that the battery is a core component of your e-cigarette, responsible for providing the electrical current that heats the coil in your tank or pod. This process transforms your e-liquid into a deliciously flavoursome vapour, effectively satisfying your nicotine cravings in the process.

Regardless of your preferred vaping device, be it a starter kit, pod kit, advanced vape kit, or box mod, a malfunctioning battery will significantly hinder your vaping experience. Therefore, it's vital to maintain your e-cigarette batteries to ensure that they function optimally and have a prolonged lifespan, as well as to protect yourself in the event of a battery failure.

There are two kinds of batteries used in vape devices: internal and external batteries.

Internal Batteries

Internal batteries, also known as "built-in" or "integrated" batteries, are an essential component of an e-cigarette that cannot be removed as they are engineered into the device itself. These batteries are typically charged using a USB charging cable that connects to a USB port on the kit. Although most USB charging systems are now universal, it's still recommended to use the cable provided with your kit. If you require a new cable, it's best to purchase one from a reputable vape supplier like Vapouriz.

Identifying internal damage to these batteries can be challenging, but dropping the device can cause damage that may result in malfunctioning and create a safety hazard. Therefore, we recommend to have a professional examine the device for any damage. If you suspect that your kit may have a faulty battery, visit any a reputable vape reseller for advice.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your internal batteries, here are some tips to consider:

Store your e-cigarette properly

To ensure that your e-cigarette or vape kit lasts a long time, it's vital to store it in a secure location that is out of reach of children and pets when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture, and keep it away from metal objects to prevent short circuits.

Don't let the battery run down completely

It's recommended not to let your internal battery run down completely, as this can stress the battery over time. Instead, recharge it when it reaches around 20% to 30% charge to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Don't overcharge your battery

Overcharging your internal battery can cause significant damage, reducing its lifespan. Therefore, it's crucial to remove the battery from the charger when it's fully charged. It's not advisable to charge your battery overnight.

Charge your e-cigarette in a safe, visible place

When charging your e-cigarette, it's essential to do so in a safe and visible location. It's not safe to leave the device charging unattended or on a flammable surface, as it can overheat and pose a fire hazard. Therefore, ensure that you charge your device on a clean, dry, and flat surface that is easily visible.

Is it safe to use your vape device while charging? 

In the past, vape manufacturers promoted a feature called "Pass-Through" that enabled vapers to use their devices while connected to a charger. While this feature is still present on some devices, it is generally not recommended to use your vape device while it's charging.

Using the device while it's charging can be hazardous and may cause damage to the device or battery. When a battery is charging, it generates heat, which can cause overheating, battery failure, leaks, or even explosions. Moreover, vaping while charging may result in the battery charging more slowly or not charging completely, ultimately reducing its lifespan.

We suggest that you avoid using your vape device while it's charging and instead wait for it to fully charge before using it. This approach ensures that the battery is charged safely and correctly, prolonging the lifespan of your device.

While vape kits with internal batteries offer the convenience of avoiding swapping out external batteries, the disadvantage is that you must replace the entire device if the battery malfunctions. If you want to avoid this issue, consider a device that uses external batteries.

External Batteries

External batteries are often required for advanced vape kits and box mods, allowing users to remove and replace them at their discretion. Popular external battery types include round-cell external lithium-ion batteries like the 18650 and 21700, both of which provide the high power output required by these devices. These powerful devices offer vapers a suite of customizable settings to help them get the most out of their kit.

However, external batteries can be dangerous if mishandled. They can catch fire, leak flammable liquid, or even explode, although this is very rare. It's essential to inspect the batteries regularly for wear and tear and dispose of them safely if the PVC wrapper is cracked, torn, broken, or if the battery is punctured.

To ensure safety, it's recommended to store batteries in a cool, dry place and preferably in a battery case. Do not leave batteries loose in your bag or pocket, as they may come into contact with other items and short-circuit. While lithium-ion batteries, which most e-cigarette devices use, provide a significant amount of power, they also contain chemicals that can pose a safety risk if punctured.

Store your batteries properly

When not in use, it's crucial to store your external batteries in a safe location. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture, and keep them away from metal objects that may cause a short circuit.

Use a quality battery charger

Most external vape batteries can be charged directly in the vape kit using a USB cable. However, many vapers prefer to have a separate battery charger that they can use to charge spare batteries while traveling. It's crucial to use a quality charger specifically designed for your batteries and not one meant for other devices, as they may have varying voltage and amperage requirements.

Avoid overcharging or undercharging your batteries

Overcharging or undercharging your external batteries can be harmful and reduce their lifespan. Once fully charged, it's recommended to remove them from the charger. Similarly, it's advisable to recharge them when they reach around 20% to 30% charge rather than letting them completely run out of charge.

Keep your batteries paired

If you're using multiple batteries in your e-cigarette, it's best to keep them paired by using the same batteries in the same device each time. Mixing and matching batteries can result in voltage imbalances, affecting their performance.

What is the average lifespan of external vape batteries?

External vape batteries can be expected to last between 6 to 12 months, depending on your usage frequency and vaping habits. You may notice signs that it's time for a battery replacement, such as reduced charging capacity and longer recharge times.

All batteries have a charge cycle limit, which refers to the number of times they can be recharged over their lifespan. Generally, this limit is approximately 300 times. If you recharge your vape batteries more frequently than this, it may shorten their overall lifespan.

How to dispose of an E-cigarette Battery

When your e-cigarette battery has reached the end of its lifespan, it's essential to dispose of it correctly to prevent harm to yourself, your property, and the environment. Here are some safe methods for disposing of your vape battery:

• Recycle it at designated battery recycling points or bins. As vape batteries contain electrical components, they need professional disposal.

• Check with your local recycling centre as they may accept batteries for recycling.

E-Cigarette Safety Features

Thankfully, many modern e-cigarette devices now feature multiple safety protections, including low-powered pod kits and starter kits with internal batteries, that help prevent battery damage and stress.

When searching for your next e-cigarette device, be sure to look for the following safety protections:

Short Circuit Protection - This safety feature prevents the device from firing if there is a short circuit in the atomizer. It automatically shuts down the device to prevent damage or injury.

Overheat Protection - The overheat protection feature is designed to prevent the device from overheating, which can cause damage or injury. If the device detects that it is getting too hot, it will automatically shut down to prevent further heating.

Low Voltage Protection - The low voltage protection feature is designed to prevent the device from firing if the battery voltage is too low. This feature prevents damage to the battery and ensures that the device operates safely.

Over-Discharge Protection - The over-discharge protection feature prevents the battery from discharging below a safe level. If the battery voltage drops below a certain level, the device will shut down to prevent damage to the battery and ensure that the device operates safely.

Overcharge Protection - The overcharge protection feature prevents the battery from being charged beyond a safe level. If the battery voltage exceeds a certain level, the device will stop charging to prevent damage to the battery and ensure that the device operates safely.

Automatic Cut-Off - The automatic cut-off feature is designed to prevent the device from firing continuously for more than a certain period of time. This safety feature prevents overheating and ensures that the device operates safely.

 

By following the tips mentioned above, whether you're using a vape kit with an internal battery or one that uses external batteries, you can ensure that your e-cigarette/vape batteries perform well and last for an extended period. It's essential to use high-quality batteries from reputable brands and seek advice from the manufacturer's instructions or our knowledgeable customer service team if you're unsure about any aspect of your e-cigarette's maintenance.

 

Please Note: Improper handling of e-cigarette batteries or chargers can pose safety risks and fire hazards. Users of these products accept responsibility for all such risks and agree not to hold Vapouriz, distributors, or retailers (including owners and employees) accountable for any accidents or injuries to persons or property damage caused by improper use.