One of the first questions new vapers often ask when they buy their first vape kit and e-liquid is: ‘how safe is my device?’ In this post, we will be giving some tips and advice for vaping safely and to avoid any vape related mishaps.
Vaping Safe History
Firstly, it is important to know that these incidents are very rare and that all regulated devices sold at Evapo have a whole host of safety features to help prevent any such issues; such as Short-Circuit Protection, Over-Heat Protection and more.
These incidents, on the rare occasion that they do occur, are due to the lithium-ion battery inside the device, which is the same type of battery found in mobile phones, laptops, etc.
Meaning that although this is not an issue exclusive to vaping that any gadget that containing a lithium-ion battery runs a small risk of the battery venting. If you are using a regulated device, this means a device that contains circuitry, the risk of the battery venting is much lower.
Additionally, the clear majority of the vape related ‘explosions’ that do happen, are caused by an unregulated ‘mech mod’, which come with little to no safety precautions and are only intended for use by advanced vapers with high levels of the appropriate knowledge.
What Can Cause a Vape Pen to Explode?
If you are using a regulated device with internal batteries, meaning you simply plug the device in to charge it and you cannot remove the batteries, there are only a few things that can cause battery problems;
- The device containing a defective or sub-par battery.
- Overcharging the battery.
- The battery overheating.
- The device has been ‘modified’ which can void some of the built-in safety precautions.
When using a device with external batteries, batteries that can be removed from the device, there are a few more variables that you need to be aware of:
- DO NOT store loose batteries in a pocket or bag that can come into contact with other metal objects.
- DO NOT use if batteries become damaged or start to unwrap.
- DO NOT use if you're using sub-par batteries.
Avoiding Battery Issues and Vaping Safely
The best thing to do to ensure you are vaping safely is to educate yourself. It is important that you not only know how to safely use your chosen device, but you should also have a basic knowledge of battery safety.
Here are some tips for good vaping practices;
Device Related
- To avoid buying a device with a bad battery, or sub-par external batteries, always buy from a reputable retailer that you trust.
- When you buy a device, do not attempt to make ‘modifications’ or changes that could void any of the built-in safety features that come on a regulated device.
Battery Related
- It is important to not overcharge your batteries or leave them unattended whilst charging. Always use the charger cable that came with your device, and if you are using external batteries we advise that you get a battery bay charger which will often come with a feature that will stop batteries from overcharging.
- Do not let your batteries get too hot, whether it be charging them underneath a blanket or leaving the device in direct sunlight for extended periods, when batteries get too hot they can vent.
- If your external batteries become damaged stop using them and appropriately dispose of them appropriately at a battery bank. Once a battery is damaged it is no longer safe to use.
- Never keep your external batteries loose in your pocket or bag. Silicone sleeves or device and e liquid cases are available to protect your batteries when they are not in your device or for storing purposes.
If you would like to educate yourself further on battery safety we recommend reading our other posts ‘Using Lithium Ion Vaping Batteries Safely’ and ‘Vaping Battery Safety!’.
To discuss any concerns you may have pop into one of our 25+ UK vape shops and speak to one of our friendly members of staff!