Whilst vaping has been deemed far less dangerous than tobacco usage on a person's general health, there are a wide range of queries concerning the use of electronic circuits in vape devices. For such small contraptions, vape devices are incredibly powerful and can generate a lot of heat energy. In recent years, more and more vape accidents have been reported. Most of these are due to overcharged vape devices which overheat and eventually explode. In some instances, these accidents have caused security alerts in major stations such as London’s commuter heavy Euston, whilst other, more serious cases have led to serious harm to the individual using the device.
There’s no need to be too alarmed, these cases only happen occasionally, and have led to even safer vape devices. Nevertheless, it is vital that you know the risks and take the necessary precautions to prevent them. Below are some important points about vape device explosions and how to prevent them.
Why do vape devices explode?
The reality is that even the best vape mods could explode, as it is not the device itself, but the overcharged battery inside it which causes the problems. This can only happen in open circuits which use external batteries, and often with devices that have unregulated and custom built decks. The standard vape explosion will therefore only happen with an unregulated mechanical mod, the purpose of which is for the user to build their own circuits. These devices are reserved for seasoned vapers due to the complexity of the vape system.
Vape batteries explained
Vape batteries are usually lithium ion made batteries and are used due to the chemical mixes ability to store a lot of energy and heat up at a fast rate. The way this works is through the electrons and ions, when switched on, mixing together and forming other chemicals such as lithium. This movement creates electricity which heats up the coil and leads to the vaporising of the e liquid.
Thermal runaway
Of course, due to the production of heat, the batteries need to be vented every now and again. Most vape devices contain air holes to keep it cool, but when overused, the battery can heat up regardless, especially in an unregulated circuit. Thermal runaway is the idea that the hotter a circuit gets, the faster the reactions will take place. This can be especially dangerous in unregulated mods, which have no temperature control safety system in place to shutdown the system when it gets too hot.
How to prevent vape overcharging
If using an unregulated mod, there are several ways which can help you to keep your vape device and battery safe from overheating.
Do not use a battery with a puncture
Never use a leaking or damaged battery. Not only can this lead to vape explosions, but the liquid is extremely poisonous, meaning that you definitely don't want to be inhaling it with your vapour.
Always store your batteries somewhere cool
As mentioned above, vape batteries can overheat very easily if left unattended. Always store your vape battery somewhere cool and dry.
Don’t let your mod get wet
And on the subject of dry, always make sure that your vape battery isn't wet when placed in your mod. As everyone should know, electricity and water do not mix.
Only buy from the source or from trusted suppliers
Only buy your vape batteries from a trust source. Our vape shop in Southend is a brilliant example of just one of the many trusted retailers out there. Whether you buy from the manufacturer or a secondary source, always make sure you can trust your batteries to work properly, through finding the correct labelling and safety approval stamps.