You’ve probably heard the news stories about e-cigarettes ‘blowing up’ or exploding in the pockets or hands of e-cig users. A lot of the time it has been the result of poor quality counterfeit products and mistreated batteries. E-cigarette batteries don’t contain the same batteries as your television remote; they use lithium batteries which can be very dangerous if treated incorrectly.
Whilst faulty batteries do exist, the danger usually comes from batteries being mishandled. In e-cigs this can happen when a vape mod has been improperly put together, the wrong batteries gave been used, the batteries haven’t been regularly replaced, or if the batteries have been carried around in a pocket or bag.
Every e-cig user should know some battery safety tips to stop any potential damage or danger from occurring. Read on below to find out more.
What are the possible outcomes of mishandling batteries?
Poorly handled batteries have been known to explode in the pockets of the people carrying them. This isn’t a little bit of smoke and a battery that no longer works, but can actually involve flames and serious burns to the person carrying them. Some people who have carried batteries loose in their pocket have found that they suddenly explode without warning in their pocket, or in their bag. This is a significant hazard and can cause serious injury. That’s why proper battery handling is essential.
Tips for proper handling
Most e-cigarettes come with rechargeable batteries, which are removable and more often than not lithium ion batteries. There are a few key important things to remember with e-cig batteries and that is that they should always basically be kept either in your device, in the charger or in a plastic protective case. They should never be carried loose or left sitting out of a protecting casing.
Another important thing to remember is that you should never buy poor quality knock-off batteries, especially when you don’t know much about the seller, or they are overseas and don’t provide the same consumer protections. Cheap batteries could be faulty and dangerous.
Another important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t store batteries in hot environments. High temperatures, even when your batteries are in a protective casing, could cause them to explode, so never leave your batteries in a hot car.
You should also make sure to check out the condition of your batteries on a regular basis, if there are any signs of damage it might be time to replace them. When replacing batteries or putting them back into your e-cig, take your time and make sure you are not to forceful as this could damage your batteries.
Don’t forget about your charger
It’s not just your batteries that you need to look out for, but the charger as well. Faulty chargers can be the cause of a battery malfunction. A faulty charger can overcharge your battery which could cause them to overheat, leak acid or explode. Poor quality chargers or charger cords could end up costing a lot more than you might expect.
So there you have it. Proper e-cig battery care is essential, and new e-cig users should try to get into new habits right away and purchase a protective battery case. Not following safety guidelines with e-cig batteries can have dire consequences and cause serious injuries. People may be unaware of the risks, so it’s important to do your research. Lithium batteries are used more and more regularly, proper maintenance and care needs to be communicated, as battery explosions certainly aren’t a risk of just e-cig devices. Practice good safety and enjoy vaping safely.
Dan Jones was born and raised in Australia. Dan covers stories related to vaping at Kev’s Vape.
