Battery Safety Guide

In this guide I will go through the do’s and don'ts when it comes to battery safety. We’ve all seen the news reports of lithium-ion battery fires and odd cases of vapes catching fire but, this is usually down to user error and improper handling.

Unfortunately, when something happens the mainstream media can’t wait to push a negative agenda against vaping - when in reality those incidents are very rare and as I mentioned above usually down to user error, either overcharging, or storing loose batteries in pockets with change, keys, and other metallic objects which can short an unprotected battery.

But, fear not, if handled properly vape batteries are perfectly safe to use and handle and in this guid I will show you the correct handling methods so you can avoid any potential problems in the future.

When you purchase new vape batteries they should come in either a hard shell carry case (if purchased in pairs) or in single plastic tubes that protects the battery in transit. It is advisable to keep these cases handy to store your batteries safely. If you do not have those cases there are plenty available to purchase online.

Always check when inserting batteries into a vape device that you check the polarity of the device, this is usually marked as ‘+’ (denoting a positive connection) and ‘-’ (denoting a negative connection) on the devices battery compartment or door. While most modern vape devices are equipped with a host of protections, always check before inserting batteries to avoid a possible electrical short that could cause the battery to overheat and vent.

When you are charging your batteries never leave them unattended, particularly if you leave the house. Most chargers will have protection in place such as; overcharging, overcurrent, and overheating etc. but accidents happen and as the old adage goes; ‘better to be safe than sorry’ so keep a close eye on your batteries when charging and also remove batteries from your charger once they are full.

Due to the harmful chemicals contained inside lithium-ion batteries, never store them under extreme temperature conditions such as very hot or cold places, and always store them in a cool, dry place preferably in an airtight container away from sources of water or fire/flame.

We all know that batteries no matter how they are made or what they are used for, none of them will last forever but, there are some things you can do to prolong the life of your vape batteries. Never let your battery fully drain, usually the lower limit is 2.5 volts. It’s always best practice to charge your batteries the moment your vape device informs you that your batteries are low or you notice a drop-off of power.

If your battery(s) are allowed to discharge down to 2.5v and below it is likely to cause internal damage to the battery and the longer they stay in this state the more damage is caused. To try and recover your batteries, try to charge them at the lowest rate your charger will go and once they are above 3.0v you can then charge them at full speed. If your battery has been at 2.5v or below for an extended period it is very likely to be too damaged to charge and should be replaced as attempting to charge a battery in this state could cause the battery to vent.

As well as keeping your batteries away from extreme temperatures and sources of fire and water the same is true for charging your batteries. For instance don’t charge your batteries on a table that contains liquids/drinks as a spill could cause a fire and/or damage both the charger and your batteries.

Not all batteries are the same, do not attempt to use any other kind of batteries in your vape device. Many high intensity torches use 18650 batteries but they are not the same as 18650 vape batteries. We refer to 18650 torch batteries as ‘button tops’; the positive end looks the same as an AA or AAA battery that has a positive connection that is proud of the terminal, whereas vape 18650’s have a flat top.

It is always recommended that you charge your batteries with the supplied cables only, many modern battery chargers use USB to charge and the cable supplied has been tested and approved for use and not all USB cables are created equally or with the same quality. Using an incorrect USB cable could result in damage to the cable and/or the charger.

There are several ways to safely dispose of your vape batteries but, the biggest ‘no-no’ is to throw them away together with your household rubbish, this is quite dangerous as they can come in contact with liquid and other metallic objects that may be in your rubbish. It doesn’t end there, once your rubbish has been collected any batteries inside can be damaged and/or pierced which can cause a fire in the refuse truck or at the waste disposal site.

Fortunately, there are options available to recycle your disposable vapes, let’s explore the options available. Many local authorities offer ways to recycle disposable vapes so check with your local authority for your nearest recycling centres or what we commonly refer to as; ‘Tips’.

One company based in the UK; Recycle Your Electronics, is an amazing resource so, visit their website for further information specifically related to recycling disposable vapes. Simply enter your postcode and put; ‘Vape’ in the ‘What Items Do You Have’ section on their website and you will be given options on how and where to responsibly recycle your batteries. Many local big supermarket chains offer ways to recycle batteries which are very convenient, look out for a bin, or tub that is designated for used batteries.

Visit the Ecigone website for all your battery and charger needs.