The most common cause of e-cigarette explosions is mishandling of the device or Lithium-Ion battery. Using faulty or damaged batteries should be avoided at all cost. Damage can happen to the wrapping, exposing the metal of the battery with regular use.
Please read and inform yourself of the care and use these types of batteries require.
Always be used in "Married" pairs of the exact same type, AKA do not mix and match different makes/kinds/new/old/mAh/etc.
Always stay dry.
Be kept away from extreme heat and cold
Never come into contact with any metallic objects like loose change in a purse or the button studs on a pocket.
Always be stored in a protective case when not being used.
Always be monitored when being charged.
Never be used beyond the Max Discharge Amp Rating.
Never be used/drained beyond 2.5 volts.
Never be crushed or punctured.
Never be used if wrapper is torn or damaged.
Never be used if dented or damaged.
Always recycle batteries when finished with them, do not throw batteries into the garbage.
Wet Batteries
While it’s not recommended, batteries can theoretically get wet because they are sealed but they should NEVER be used when wet. If a battery gets wet, liquid will likely get under the protective wrapper. The batteries should be immediately unwrapped, very carefully without using metal tools. Then the batteries should be carefully dried, ends wrapped in electrical tape, and placed in a protective case until they can be rewrapped. If the liquid is not cleaned up, the battery shell will oxidize and corrode becoming unsafe to use.
Extreme Temperatures
Batteries should always be kept away from extreme heat, direct sunlight, and cold temperatures for extended periods of time. The batteries in Vape Devices are the same as batteries in Laptops, Tablets and Cell phones. Not only with they will discharge much quicker in cold temperatures compared to use in room-temperature, it could cause damage to your batteries and cause them to become unsafe. Batteries used in extreme heat will also cause them to discharge quicker, but batteries also become hot when used. So the more a battery is used when already hot, the more unsafe it becomes as it reaches its temperature limit. If a battery reaches its limit, it will likely vent and possibly explode. Never leave any lithium-ion batteries in a vehicle, especially in extreme conditions like summer and winter. Keep a Vape Device warm when being used outside in the cold. Keep a Vape Device cool and in the shade when being used outside in the heat.
Metal Objects and Batteries
Metal and Batteries are not a dangerous combination when handled properly, batteries wouldn't actually work without metal. When the protective wrap on the battery is damaged, especially towards the upper edge, it becomes potentially very dangerous and should not be used until it is re-wrapped. The protected (wrapped) metal a battery is encased in, is the negative (-) part of the battery. The exposed round metal in the middle at the top of the battery is the positive (+) part of the battery. If a rip or tear occurs on the top edge of the battery and a piece of metal touches the tear in the negative (-) at the same time as touching the exposed positive (+), a dead short will occur and the battery will likely vent. This can happen with loose change, keys, tools and even the battery contacts in Vaping Devices. always check batteries for any damage before loading them into a Vaping Device or Battery Charger.
Protective Cases
It has been mentioned to keep damaged batteries in a case until getting them re-wrapped or replaced. While this is good practice, it is not the only need for a protective case for Lithium Ion Batteries. Even brand new, perfect condition, batteries should be treated with the upmost respect. A rip or tear can occur at anytime, accidents can always happen even with extra care. At the very least, loose batteries should be stored in the small cardboard box they came in when purchased. Heavier-duty plastic cases should be used for travelling with batteries.
Charging Batteries
Batteries should always be close by when being charged to be able to keep an eye on them. Like cellphones, tablets and laptops, vape batteries can overheat and vent from normal use and while being charged. It is not being suggested to watch batteries charge for 4 hours, only that they are near by in case something were to happen. It is recommended to unplug any charging Lithium Ion batteries before leaving the house.
Amp Ratings
All batteries have amp ratings that can be found online. Most reputable high-drain Lithium Ion batteries used for vaping are capable of handling 20 amps safety, but that should always be verified before use. Batteries that have been re-wrapped and re-branded for the vaping industry will have an amp rating printed on them, and this SHOULD be the MAX CDR (Continuous Discharge Rating). Some batteries may suggest they are capable of handling a 35amp continuous discharge, but this is likely a "Pulse" rating and any non-OEM battery claiming over a 20 amp CDR should be treated with certain skepticism. However, there are some OEM batteries from LG, Samsung and Sony/Murata capable of handling a 25-30 amp continuous discharge. Although a 20 amp CDR battery can "theoretically" handle30-40 amps in short pluses, it is not recommended. To reduce risk, increase performance, and extend the life of a battery, it is recommended NOT to exceed the MAX CDR rating. Remember, a hot battery is an UNSAFE battery.
Battery Voltage
Most Lithium Ion batteries used for vaping have a nominal voltage of 3.6-3.7 volts. A fully charged battery will have a voltage of 4.2 volts, and will stop working in most devices when it reaches 3.2 volts. Some devices will allow the battery to go lower under load, while some can have a set voltage cutoff programmed in. If using a programmable device like a DNA, it is recommended NOT to set the voltage cutoff below 2.5 volts. To reduce risk, increase performance, and extend the life of a battery, it is recommended to never use a battery below 3.2 volts. Batteries used at high amp loads and low voltage drain much quicker than when being used at nominal voltage. Batteries that drain beyond 2.5 volts will most likely have internal damage and will not have the same Amp Rating or MAH Capacity as before. It is NOT recommended to use batteries that have been drained beyond 2.5 volts.
Damaged Batteries
Damaged batteries should never be used. A damaged wrap can be replaced very easily, but should be inspected for any damage that may have occurred under the wrap before being re-wrapped. If there are any signs of rust, corrosion, or dents, the battery should not be used. If the battery is free of any rust, corrosion, or dents and is still within its lifespan (3-12 months depending on stress of use) it can be re-wrapped and used.
Always Recycle Batteries
Batteries should always be recycled and never thrown in the garbage. To prepare a battery for recycling, wrap the battery with electrical tape from end to end covering the exposed metal. The batteries can then be recycled at a recycling depot, big electronic stores, or even a local vape shop. If a battery gets thrown into general garbage, it will likely be crushed or punctured in a compactor. Lithium Ion batteries contain a lot of energy and will vent, causing a fire, and possibly explode if crushed or punctured. This is quite dangerous as it could be the local garbage collection truck driving down the road on fire causing an accident or create a large fire at the local garbage dump. Please be responsible and recycle batteries properly.
Due to the wide variety of types and sizes available, it may be difficult for some vapers to determine which options are best suited for their devices. Knowing which size to use is often only half the battle; the rest comes down to the best form, function, fit, and finish to best suit personal preferences.
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