How to look after your E-cigarette Batteries

If you're a vaper, then you know that the battery is the beating heart of your e-cigarette. It provides the electrical current that heats the coil in your tank or pod, which turns your e-liquid into delicious, satisfying vapour that’s rich in flavour and that nullifies those pesky nicotine cravings.

Whatever your preferred vape device – be it pod kit, starter kit, advanced vape kit or box mod - without a working battery, you won't be able to enjoy your vaping experience to its fullest. Therefore, it's crucial to take good care of your e-cigarette batteries to ensure that they function well and last as long as possible, as well as to protect yourself should a battery become damaged.

There are two types of battery found in vape devices: internal and external batteries.

Internal Batteries

Internal batteries, also commonly referred to as ‘built-in’ batteries, or ‘integrated’ batteries, are built into the e-cigarette device and cannot be removed. They are typically charged via a USB charging cable and a USB port on the kit. While most USB charging systems are universal these days, meaning one USB cable will do the same job as another of the same connection, it’s best practice to only use the cable that was provided with your kit. If you need new cable, only purchase one from a reputable vape supplier like Vapestore.  

Internal damage to these batteries may be difficult to detect, but dropping the device can cause damage that may lead to malfunctioning and create a dangerous situation. It's advisable to have a professional check the device for any damage. If you suspect your kit may have a faulty battery, pop into any one of our Vapestores and our friendly expert teams will be happy to take a look and advise you.

Here are some tips on how to take care of Internal Batteries:

Store your e-cigarette properly

When you're not using your e-cigarette or vape kit, it's essential to store it in a safe place away from children and pets. Make sure to keep it away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture. Also, avoid storing it near metal objects, as this can cause a short circuit.

Don't let the battery run down completely

It's best to recharge your internal battery when it reaches around 20% to 30% charge. Don't let it run down completely, as this can stress the battery over time.

Don't overcharge your battery

Overcharging your internal battery can cause damage to it, reducing its lifespan. When your battery is fully charged, remove it from the charger. We do not recommend charging your battery overnight.

Charge your e-cigarette in a safe, visible place

It is not safe to leave your e-cigarette charging unattended or on a combustible surface. The device can overheat and pose a fire risk on flammable surfaces. Ensure that you charge your device on a dry, clean flat surface that is easily visible.

Can you use a vape device while it’s charging?

Not long ago, many vape manufacturers touted a feature called ‘Pass-Through’ which allowed vapers to use their device while it was connected to a charger. This feature is still available on many devices, though not all, and it is now generally not recommended to use your vape device while it's charging. While some vape devices may allow you to vape while charging, doing so can be dangerous and may damage the device or the battery.

When a battery is charging, it generates heat. Using the device while it's charging can cause it to overheat, which can lead to battery failure, leaks, or even explosions. Additionally, vaping while charging may cause the battery to charge more slowly or not fully charge, which can lead to decreased battery life.

As such, we recommend you avoid using your vape device while it's charging. Instead, wait for it to fully charge before using it again. This will ensure that the battery is charged properly and safely and will help prolong the lifespan of your device.

Vape kits with internal batteries offer users the convenience of avoiding swapping out external batteries, but that benefit comes with the disadvantage of having to replace the whole device if the battery seriously malfunctions. If you’d rather avoid this, consider a device that uses external batteries.

External Batteries

Advanced vape kits and box mods often require external batteries which can be removed and replaced at will. Common external battery types include Round-cell external lithium ion batteries like the 18650 and 21700, which both provide the high power output required by these powerful devices that typically offer vapers a suite of customizable settings to help them get the most out of their kit.

External batteries can present a severe risk if mishandled, including catching fire, leaking flammable liquid, and – in very rare instances - exploding. Check the batteries regularly for wear and tear and dispose of them safely if the PVC wrapper is cracked, torn or broken or if the battery is punctured.

Keep batteries in a cool, dry place and preferably in a battery case. Do not leave batteries loose in your bag or pocket, as they may react with loose items and short-circuit. Lithium-ion batteries, which most e-cigarette devices take, carry an exceptional amount of power but also contain chemicals that can be a risk.

Purchase batteries from a dedicated vape supplier         

There are many types of battery available but only a limited few are used with vape kits. To be sure you’re buying the correct type of battery, only purchase from a reputable vape supplier like Vapestore.

Store your batteries properly

When you're not using your external batteries, it's essential to store them in a safe place. Make sure to keep them away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture. Also, avoid storing them near metal objects, as this can cause a short circuit.

Use a quality battery charger

Most external vape batteries can be charged directly in the vape kit via a USB cable. However, many vapers prefer to have a separate battery charger that they can use to charge supplementary batteries. This can be useful if you’re travelling and require spare batteries to swap out when your current ones run low on juice.

Always use a quality charger that is designed specifically for your batteries. Don't use chargers that are designed for other devices, as they may have different voltage and amperage requirements.

Don't overcharge or undercharge your batteries

Overcharging or undercharging your external batteries can cause damage to them, reducing their lifespan. When your batteries are fully charged, remove them from the charger. Similarly, don't let your batteries completely run out of charge before recharging them. Instead, recharge them when they reach around 20% to 30% charge.

Keep your batteries paired

If you're using multiple batteries in your e-cigarette, make sure to keep them paired. This means using the same batteries in the same e-cigarette every time. Don't mix and match batteries, as this can cause imbalances in the battery voltages, leading to performance issues.

How long do external vape batteries last?

The expected lifespan of a vape battery is between 6 and 12 months, depending on usage frequency and vaping habits. When it's time for a battery replacement, you may notice signs like a reduced charging capacity and longer recharge times.

All batteries have a charge cycle limit, which is the number of times they can be recharged throughout their lifespan. Typically, this is around 300 times. If you recharge your vape batteries more often, the battery's overall lifespan will be reduced.

How to dispose of an E-cigarette Battery

When your vape battery reaches the end of its lifespan, it's crucial to dispose of it properly to avoid harm to you, your property and the environment. Here are some safe ways to dispose of your vape battery:

·         Recycle it at designated battery recycling points or bins. As vape batteries contain electrical components, they require proper disposal by professionals.

·         Check with your local recycling centre as they may accept batteries for recycling.

·         By taking these steps, you can safely dispose of your vape battery and help protect the environment.  

E-Cigarette Safety Features

Fortunately, many advanced vape kits, and even low-powered pod kits and starter kits with internal batteries, now feature multiple safety protections that can help prevent battery damage and stress.

When looking for your next e-cigarette device, keep an eye out for the following safety protections:

Short Circuit Protection - This feature is designed to prevent the device from firing if there is a short circuit in the atomizer. It automatically shuts down the device to prevent damage or injury.

Overheat Protection - Overheat protection is designed to prevent the device from overheating, which can cause damage or injury. If the device detects that it is getting too hot, it will shut down automatically to prevent further heating.

Low Voltage Protection - Low voltage protection is designed to prevent the device from firing if the battery voltage is too low. This feature prevents damage to the battery and ensures that the device operates safely.

Over-Discharge Protection - Over-discharge protection prevents the battery from discharging below a safe level. If the battery voltage drops below a certain level, the device will shut down to prevent damage to the battery and ensure that the device operates safely.

Overcharge Protection - Overcharge protection prevents the battery from being charged beyond a safe level. If the battery voltage exceeds a certain level, the device will stop charging to prevent damage to the battery and ensure that the device operates safely.

Automatic Cut-Off - The automatic cut-off feature is designed to prevent the device from firing continuously for more than a certain period of time. This feature prevents overheating and ensures that the device operates safely.

Whether you use a vape kit with an internal battery or one that uses external batteries, by following the tips above, you can ensure that your e-cigarette/vape batteries last a long time and perform well. Remember to always use quality batteries from reputable brands, and if you're unsure about any aspect of your e-cigarette's maintenance, consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team.

PLEASE READ Improper handling of the batteries or the chargers may present a personal safety risk or possible fire hazard. Users of these products agree to accept responsibility for all such risks and not to hold Vapestore, distributors or retailers (including owners and employees) responsible for any accident or injury to persons, or damage to property caused by improper use.