Essential Vape Battery Safety Tips: How to Handle, Store, and Maintain Your Lithium-Ion Batteries Safely
If used and stored correctly lithium vape batteries are generally safe, but there have been rare reported instances where vape batteries, both internal ‘built-in’ batteries and removable ‘external’ batteries have exploded or caused fires which can pose serious injuries if misused.
We are here to reassure you that many of the issues linked to the dangers of lithium-ion batteries can easily be avoided with correct battery handling, battery maintenance, using the correct charging equipment, correct storage when not in use, and regular checks to make sure there is no visible signs of damage to the battery or charger.
If you’re a new or experienced vaper its essential that you practice proper battery safety processes, and if you are using high powered vape mods its vitally important to be competent in Ohm’s Law and the risks involved.
When you start vaping it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the kit you are using, and how to use and care for it properly to get the best from your vaping equipment. Please contact us if you need any help or guidance with your vape batteries or devices.
Vape Batteries
Vape batteries are one of the most crucial components of your vape. The role of the vape battery is to send power to the coil which turns e-liquid into a vapour to be inhaled. Lithium ion vape batteries used in vape kits with proper care and maintenance can provide up to 12 months of use before they need to be replaced and recycled.
Never Use a Vape Battery that is Damaged
It is essential to regularly check your vape batteries for signs of damage including; manufacturing defects, punctures, damaged wraps, peeling wraps, battery acid leaks and dents. Never take risks when it comes to battery safety.
- If your battery becomes really hot, this is a signal that your battery needs replacing
- Damaged batteries may release flammable electrolytes, increasing the risk of fire
Always Purchase Your Vape Batteries From Reputable Vape Stores
It is essential to always purchase your batteries from trusted sources like Vapeliquids.co.uk to ensure that you are purchasing official regulated products. There are many counterfeit products are available in the UK which are substandard and can pose a serious risk.
High-quality vape batteries and vape devices are designed to ‘vent’ (thermal runway), meaning if there is an issue, valves within the battery allow gasses and pressure to be released to help prevent the battery from exploding.
Always buy your vape products including batteries, vape kits, e-liquids and coils from companies you can trust to ensure they are properly regulated and safe to use.
Avoid buying second-hand batteries and chargers, although they may be a cheaper option, they are more likely to cause you problems and can be dangerous as you have no idea how many times the batteries have been recharged and depleted.
Always Follow Instructions Provided by the Manufacturer
For safe use, always adhere to the instructions set by the manufacturer found in the device instruction manual supplied with the device or battery.
Always Use the Charger That Came Supplied With Your Vape Device
Always use compatible chargers provided by the manufacturer with your vape device. In rare instances where injury has occurred, this is often due to using the wrong charging equipment or faulty products. Even if chargers intended for other products fit the attachment on your battery, never use them.
The charger supplied with your e-cigarette is regulated in accordance with that specific device, if the voltage output charging current is too high it can cause it to overheat.
Modern vape devices have built in safety protections, which should limit any risks, but it’s important to use an appropriate charger for your device.
- Never charge your vape battery with a phone, tablet or other device charger
- If purchasing a replacement charger, only buy from trusted and reputable retailers, check its suitable for your vape and look for the CE safety mark
- Check that the output voltage and ratings marked on the charger and your e-cigarette are the same
- Remember, not all batteries are suitable for all vapes, only use batteries recommended for your particular device
- Always use the correct charging equipment
Never Leave Your Vape Batteries Charging Unattended
It is important to be close to your batteries when they are charging so you can unplug the charger when they are fully charged. Never leave a battery charging unattended and never leave them charging overnight as this can damage them. In most cases you shouldn’t run into any problems, but always adopt safe practices when dealing with batteries. If an unexpected issue arises, you will be close by to deal with it.
If you notice something isn’t right when charging your e-cig batteries like; a hissing sound, gasses being released or a bad smell. This could be an indication that your battery is overheating and has started to vent hot gas. In this scenario unplug the batteries from the power source immediately and safely dispose of them by contacting your local authority for advice on safe disposal.
- Regularly check your vape while its charging
- Don’t leave it charging for longer than recommended
- Stop using a battery that takes longer than usual to charge, or never fully charges
- If the USB connection or wire of your charger are damaged stop using them immediately
Always Charge Your Batteries on a Fireproof Surface
Charge your batteries on a clean, flat, hard non-flammable surface away from flammable materials that could catch fire like carpets, pillows, sofas, beds and newspapers. If a fire was to occur while charging, this will help it from spreading.
Turn Off Your Vape Battery When You’re Not Using It
Turning off your vape battery while not in use is good practice and can help prevent accidental firing in your pocket or bag which can cause your battery to overheat.
Five presses of the power button on your vape device in quick succession in most cases will your device on and off. You don’t have to worry about inhale-activated pod devices as they are only powered up when you inhale on the mouthpiece.
Always Store Your Batteries Out of the Reach From Children and Pets
This applies to all batteries, with smaller batteries posing great danger due to the possible risk of choking, and life-threatening chemical reactions if swallowed. Always store batteries securely out of children’s and pets reach.
Never Expose Your Vape Batteries to Extreme Heat or Cold Temperatures
It is essential to never let your loose vape batteries and vape kit batteries become exposed to extreme temperatures. The most common risk is leaving your spare batteries in a car when it’s cold during the winter, or hot during the summer exposing the battery to direct sunlight. Hot and cold temperatures can speed up battery ageing and can increase the chance of battery failure.
Avoid your batteries being exposed to temperatures above 75°C to prevent the risk of your battery overheating and potentially exploding. If in doubt, don’t risk it and take your damaged batteries safely to your local designated recycling point.
Never Expose Your Vape Batteries to Water
Never use an electronic cigarette battery that has come in contact with water or moisture as water exposure can cause the battery to corrode and rust which can be extremely dangerous.
The most common occurrence of getting your battery wet is when using your vape on holiday and getting splashed near the swimming pool. If you are travelling abroad we always recommend taking a spare battery with you. If you notice signs of water damage safely dispose of your battery at a recycling centre.
If you notice any signs of damage to vape batteries it is important to stop using them immediately and replace them by shopping at your trusted vape store retailer.
Removable Vape Batteries
Removable vape mod batteries are often used with high powered sub-ohm devices including advanced vape mods, DTL vape kits and sub-ohm vape kits. These devices use batteries with replaceable battery cells inside, which give the freedom to just replace the battery once worn out, and provide more power than regular integrated batteries.
External (loose) batteries require slightly more care and maintenance than regular built-in e-cigarette batteries. They must only be used if they’re in excellent condition.
Always Store Lithium-Ion Batteries In a Protective Case When Not In Use
It is essential to store replaceable vape batteries including 18650 and 21700 external vape batteries in a non-conductive protective case when not being used. Never store batteries loose in your pocket or bag. Purpose built plastic or silicone cases are available to keep battery terminals from accidentally coming into contact with metal objects including coins, keys, other batteries and other metal objects, as conductive connections can cause the batteries to short circuit which is highly dangerous.
Clean Your Batteries Regularly
Inspect your e-cigarette batteries regularly for any signs of dirt or debris that has accumulated on your battery connection point. An alcohol wipe, cottonwool bud or tissue will help clean any gunk from your battery connections.
Always Charge Your Vape Batteries in Pairs if you are Using a Dual Battery Device
It is important to marry your batteries in pairs if your device uses more than one removeable battery. Both batteries should be new cells of the same type. Always keep the two batteries together, they should never be separated. Always use them in a vape device together and they should be charged together so they remain balanced.
Never Mix Different Brands of Batteries Together
Always use batteries of the same type, brand, cell and capacity for safe use and never mix them together. Batteries have different charge levels which can result in reduced performance in best case scenarios, and can be dangerous in worst case scenarios.
For more information about battery safety read an article by the UK Government here: “Take Charge Of Battery Safety When Using E-Cigarettes”.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/take-charge-of-battery-safety-when-using-e-cigarettes
Vapeliquids.co.uk will not be responsible for any damage or injury caused through improper handling, use and modification of batteries, chargers and vape devices they are used in.
