Vape batteries are not the same as your regular AAs and require a bit more attention. These external batteries are subject to different temperature conditions and should be kept in battery cases when not in use.
While it is rare, chargers can fail and overcharge batteries, which can cause thermal runaway that leads to fire or explosion.
- Overcharging
A common cause of vape battery fires and explosions is overcharging. This occurs when a battery is charged beyond the recommended capacity or when it is left charging unattended, which can be dangerous for both your device and the batteries themselves.
Overcharging is especially hazardous for lithium-based batteries, which can begin to swell and build internal pressure when they heat up past the point of safe operation. This can then cause the batteries to break down, releasing gases and liquids that can result in a fire or an explosion.
Vapers can avoid overcharging by following the device and battery manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage. It’s also a good idea to turn off your device and the battery when they are not in use. Many devices have a power button that requires five presses to activate, but it’s best to check the user manual for your battery for specific instructions on turning it on or off.
It’s also important to keep your battery in a case when not in use to prevent it from making contact with metal objects that can cause a short circuit. Keeping it in a case will also prevent it from being accidentally activated when in your pocket, which can happen when they are left on and make contact with keys or coins.
Finally, regularly inspecting your batteries for any signs of damage, such as bulging, leaks, or rust, is a good idea. If you see any of these symptoms, throw the batteries away and replace them immediately to avoid potential risks. This is the number one way to avoid overheating and potentially causing an explosion or fire. A fire in your pocket is not only dangerous to yourself but can also damage your device and personal belongings.
- Unattended Charging
Although it’s very rare, battery chargers can sometimes malfunction. This is why it’s always better to charge batteries in a separate charging case and not in your mod, especially overnight. You should also never leave your batteries unattended when they’re charging. This is a common cause of batteries overheating and, in some extreme cases, even exploding.
Most vape batteries are lithium-ion and, like the ones used in most modern cellphones, they’re very safe when handled properly. However, it’s important to understand that they can be dangerous if they are stressed out beyond their maximum capacity.
It’s very easy to overcharge your vape batteries, and this is often caused by a lack of understanding of how batteries work. For example, you need to know that lithium-ion batteries can only output a certain amount of power, and if you use them for too long, they’ll lose their capacity and eventually explode.
This is why most batteries come with an indicator light and a cut-off feature to prevent overcharging and help you keep track of the life of your battery. However, you’ll still want to regularly check your batteries to make sure they don’t look damaged or bloated, and throw them out right away if you notice any of these signs.
If you have a mechanical mod, it’s particularly important to check your batteries frequently for damage and nicks. In some very rare cases, a nick in the wrapping can cause an internal short, which could result in the battery bursting and releasing flammable gases or liquids. This can be avoided by inspecting your batteries frequently and keeping them safely wrapped in a case. Also, don’t store your batteries in hot places like your car or your garage, and don’t place them near metal objects that could heat them up.
- Loose Batteries
All batteries have a limit to how much stress they can take before they are overstressed and start causing issues like venting or thermal runaway. These issues can be dangerous to the user as well as anyone near them. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of reports of vape battery explosions and fires in recent years. However, these incidents can be avoided with proper use and storage of the batteries.
When a person is carrying loose batteries, they should put them in a case. This is important because if the batteries are left out of the case and touch each other or metal objects (like keys in a pocket), this can cause a short circuit. When a short circuit occurs, it can heat up the batteries, and this can lead to the venting or explosion that we all hear about in the news.
Loose batteries should also be kept away from extreme temperatures. This includes hot and cold temperatures. Extreme temperatures can cause a battery to exceed its safety limits, and this will reduce the battery life expectancy.
It is also recommended that a battery should never be left charging unattended. While chargers have built-in safeguards that prevent overcharging, this can still happen. This is why it is best to only charge batteries when you know you can keep an eye on them.
Lastly, reporting any incidents of vape battery explosions or fires is important. While these events are rare, they can be very dangerous to the users and others around them. While it is not known what causes these explosions, many believe that improper handling and care of the batteries is the most likely reason.
- Unwrapped Batteries
In most cases, vaping batteries are not that different from the kind you might have in your TV remote or cell phone. They are, however, a little more powerful and should be treated with some care. This is why most regulated devices and kits will include protective cases and accessories for the batteries to help keep them safe.
The main reason for wrapping a battery is to prevent it from exposing its metal casing. This might seem like a trivial thing, but it can be very dangerous. When a battery is exposed, it can start to experience a process called venting, in which gases slowly build up inside the battery until they reach a critical point and explode. Fortunately, this is very rare.
To avoid this, all you need to do is make sure that your batteries are always fully wrapped and secure. Most people can do This very simple task at home with products available in the local vape shop. Simply check the wrap on your battery regularly, ensuring no cracks or gaps could expose the metal case. If a battery wrap is damaged, do not use it, instead, take it to the local vape shop and get it re-wrapped.
There are a few other things to keep in mind as well. For instance, never use a battery that has been charged for too long or past its amp limit, as this could cause it to overheat and short circuit. You should also be aware that some e-cigarettes have features that can further safeguard your batteries, such as fire button locks and overheating protection, so read the product description carefully.
- Damaged Batteries
The internal batteries used in mods and e-cigarette devices are very different from the AA or AAA batteries commonly found in household electronics. These are larger and far more powerful, meaning they are subject to different safety measures and handling requirements.
As a result, they require special care and attention to avoid dangerous situations like fires or explosions. This requires staff to be fully aware of correct storage, usage, charging, and battery handling procedures. This includes having comprehensive training on handling lithium-ion batteries safely and establishing clear operating procedures for them to follow.
Vape batteries should never be left on charge overnight or for extended periods of time, and they should be stored in a cool and dry place. Leaving them in hot or cold temperatures can also damage them over time and cause them to deteriorate prematurely, increasing the risk of thermal runaway and possible explosions.
External batteries should be protected from metal objects and stored in a battery case when not in use. They should not be carried in pockets, as they can come into contact with keys or coins and short circuit. Investing in some cheap plastic battery cases is a good way to keep batteries safe when not in use, as they are designed to provide protection and can be easily secured.
Batteries should also be checked regularly to ensure their wrap is intact and not damaged. If a battery’s wrap has cracked or the wrapping is missing, the positive pin can come into contact with the negative end of the battery. This is a serious safety hazard, and the battery should be immediately removed from service and disposed of in accordance with your state’s waste management laws. Many vape mods and e-cigarette manufacturers have designed their batteries with extra safety features that can help prevent them from overheating or exploding. These include fire button locks, vent holes, and overcharge protection.