How to Avoid E-Cigarette Explosions

Whether you’re a smoker thinking about trying a vaping device, or an experienced vaper who simply enjoys inhaling those thick plumes of flavorful vapor, one thing is for certain: it’s almost impossible to completely block out all of the negative rumors and hype surrounding the industry, even if you buy the best electronic cigarette you can afford, these rumors are at the back of your mind. Thanks to the combined efforts of both government and the media, there is quite a bit of misinformation about vaping and vaping devices out there – with hyped concerns about the alleged anonymity of e-juice chemicals to allegation that the devices attract children to tobacco.

While most of these nonsensical claims are easy to disprove with scientific studies, some concerns actually take on a life of their own over time. For example, there is a widespread belief in some quarters that vaping devices almost routinely explode in their users’ faces, causing horrible injuries. WE have now concluded an investigation about exploding vaping products and the news is not surprising! Though there is no evidence that this phenomenon is widespread, it is important to note that all batteries can explode under the right conditions – and electronic cigarettes are indeed powered by batteries. With that in mind, it is important to know how to avoid e-cigarette explosions.

The Batteries in Question

Any examination of this issue must start with an understanding of the type of equipment involved. Electronic cigarettes are routinely powered by lithium ion batteries, most commonly the 18650 battery, because they are considered to be safer than lead acid power sources, do a better job preserving their power, and have a tremendous power density. These are similar to the batteries you’ll find in your phones, cameras, tablets, and laptops. In other words, they are everywhere.

With that in mind, we should note that it is rare indeed to hear about someone’s cell phone exploding. Chances are that you’ve never heard tales about laptops or cameras simply blowing up in someone’s hand. It is reasonable to assume that your electronic cigarette batteries should be just as safe, provided that you utilize them as they were meant to be used. To do that, however, you need to know how batteries of this kind should be treated, and the essential safety tips needed to protect your devices and your person from harm. After all, the fact that these incidents are rare doesn’t mean that there is no risk.

1. The single most important thing that you can do to protect yourself from explosions is to know your manufacturer. Make sure that the products you are buying are coming from manufacturers in jurisdictions that maintain some level of control over product safety standards. Some of these devices are made in countries where there are few safety checks or regulations in place to protect consumers. Always check out the source of any product you intend to buy.
2. Choose trusted brands over cheaper imitations. With the best-known brands, you have greater assurance that safety testing has been conducted, and that there is consistency in the manufacturing process. You’ll also have an easier time verifying that the materials used in the construction of your device are appropriate for its intended use.
3. Do not overcharge any battery-powered device. This commonly occurs as a result of leaving a battery plugged in overnight, or throughout the entire day – and well beyond the point when it is fully charged. The real problem here is twofold. First, the longer your battery is being charged, the more chance there is that it will overheat. That can lead to a fire that could result in an explosion. Second, if you are leaving it plugged in for extended periods of time, that usually means that it is unattended for hours at a time. An unattended battery is never a good idea.
4. Make sure that you are using the right charging equipment. As anyone with a cellphone or laptop understands, charging equipment is anything but interchangeable. While some chargers might appear to fit your device well enough to serve as a replacement for equipment that you’ve misplaced or lost, don’t make the mistake of trusting them. The fact is that the only charger that you can rely upon to be completely compatible with your vaping device is the one that your manufacturer provided when you bought the unit. If yours is lost or damaged, buy a new one from that manufacturer.
5. Water and electricity do not mix. Sure, you already know that principle. Most of us learn it pretty early on in life. Despite that fact, however, many people still insist on putting their vaping devices into situations where they could possibly come into contact with water. Some people vape in the bathtub; others use their devices while they are lounging in the swimming pool. Of course, that’s just asking for trouble. Water can not only destroy your vaping device by completely shorting it out, but it could create a malfunction that leads to a fire. And when batteries are exposed to fire of any type, there is always the possibility of an explosion.
6. Maintain a clutter-free charging space. If your outlet is located in an area with a high level of clutter like file folders, magazines, or other objects, either move the device or move the clutter. Charging devices do get hotter as they draw energy, and that means that if something goes wrong you could end up with a heated situation that creates ideal conditions for a possible explosion.
7. Manufacturers create instruction manuals for a reason. Read them. Even if you think that you know everything there is to know about vaping devices, batteries, charging stations, and so on, recognize that there are always things we do not know. If there are instructions, take the time to go through them and make sure that you understand all the nuances of your device. You’d be surprised by just how often accidents could have been avoided by someone reading a few lines in an instruction manual.

The Question of Heat

We’ve already looked at a few instances where your battery could overheat and cause a fire, malfunction, or outright explosion. This heat can be so deadly, however, that it is well worth looking at one of the other factors that could cause this problem: inappropriate use of the device. If there is one mistake that many vaping newcomers continually make, it is the mistake of pressing down on their atomizer firing button for extended periods of time.

Here’s the thing: there is no need for any button depression that lasts longer than just a few seconds at most. If you find yourself continually pressing on the button, then you are either confused about its operation or are engaged in something called “chain vaping.” The latter can be dangerous, since it is among the leading causes for atomizer overheating.

If your atomizer is overheating, it is important to let it cool down before you use it again. Set it somewhere with a moderate temperature and just give it a few minutes to return to normal temps. If possible, replace your clearomizer or cartomizer unit with a fresh one while you’re waiting. While it is true that there is only a tiny chance that overheated atomizers will actually create fires, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Oh, and don’t leave your devices out in direct sunlight or extremely warm temperatures. That includes the inside of your car on a summer’s day, or on the park bench next to you while you’re sitting there feeding the pigeons. No electronic devices ever really appreciate those conditions.

Keep it Clean

Your device can also be at risk when condensation builds up over time. It is always a good idea to clean all of your components on a regular basis, to ensure that everything is as close to the original manufactured state as possible. That can help to reduce the odds that a malfunction will occur, and will help to ensure that you are not reducing your device’s life span through neglect.

A Note for Those Who Customize

There are also many vapers who mix and match components to tinker with their devices and create their ideal vaping experience. While we would never discourage experimentation or customization – that is one of the great things about vaping, after all – we would urge caution, use our guide to find the best electronic cigarette for you. If you are building your own modified vaping device, always make sure that the components you choose are compatible with everything else you are using.

Nowhere is this more important than in the selection of your batteries. Any battery that you decide to use must be rated for use with your atomizer’s coils. Any time you build coils that are outside the safe resistance levels of your device’s batteries, you run the risk of experiencing a malfunction that could put you in danger or simply ruin your device.

Battery and device safety should always be among your paramount concerns as you enjoy the vaping lifestyle. Fortunately, most safety measures can be implemented without any serious effort, and they all rely on common sense more than any attention to complex technical details. Just follow these simple guidelines, and you can rest assured that you will dramatically reduce the risk of any type of preventable e-cigarette explosion.