The batteries of e-cigarettes

In the case of e-cigarettes that are becoming increasingly powerful, the trend is to equip them with one or more replaceable electronic cigarette batteries instead of working with a battery permanently installed in the device. And even with smaller devices, manufacturers have recognized the advantages of this type of power supply.

Are there any differences regarding e-cigarettes when it comes to batteries?

Yes, there are. The main distinguishing feature is the integration of electronic cigarette batteries in the e-cigarette. There are models with a so-called battery holder, which can be equipped with one or more interchangeable batteries. If their charge level tends to stop during vaporization, they can be easily replaced by charged ones, so that the vapors only have to interrupt vaporization for a short time. For electronic cigarette batteries to be charged, the purchase of an external charger is recommended, as the charging process is efficient and fast. Of course, it is also possible to charge them directly in the device when travelling, but this often takes a little longer. In the case of weakened batteries, it is not necessary to immediately remove the entire device, but only the battery cell whose life is exhausted. In the second type of model, the battery is firmly installed in the case, so that it cannot be removed or replaced. The advantage: Steamboats do not have to worry about the right power source. For charging, the charging cable is plugged directly into the micro USB port on the body of the e-cigarette. The disadvantage: the device must be replaced when the battery is no longer 100% charged. However, it may take several years before this is the case, because high quality batteries allow several hundred charging cycles. Info: A charge cycle should not be confused with a charging process. Although a charge cycle after a complete discharge is exhausted for a complete charging process, but also if the battery is charged five times to 20 nt and then recharged again to 20%, in total only one charge cycle has taken place.

Can I use any battery for an e-cigarette?

No. It is the source of energy and it presents risks if it is badly chosen, badly handled or of poor quality. Steamers should limit their purchases to well known and clearly labeled products and buy them directly from steam stores. Those who want to save money here and simply buy any battery run the risk of using recycled batteries, models with incorrect performance data or battery cells in the device that are not suitable for e-cigarettes - and that can be really dangerous.

What are the right batteries for e-cigarettes?

Overcharging occurs when the battery is required to perform better than the manufacturer's specifications. This is noticeable by a high heat development. Normally, a battery should not become warmer than the hand when the e-cigarette is lit. If the temperature rises, the battery cell should be removed from the battery holder immediately as it is not compatible with the performance characteristics of the device. Here, a battery change is necessary.

What do the abbreviations on the batteries mean?

On the batteries you will find abbreviations that seem very cryptic at first glance. The letter "I" stands for lithium-ion battery. The "R" indicates that the battery is round. A battery with the designation "ICR" is a model that contains cobalt and is characterized by a very constant and therefore long current output. "IMR" means that there is additional manganese. They are designed less for long operating times than for high energy efficiency, i.e. ampere loads. And then there are a few variants of batteries capable of providing high current with the designation "INR" that contain nickel and cobalt.

What do the terms "unregulated" and "regulated" mean?

Both terms refer to the battery holder, i.e. the device into which the battery is inserted. The market mainly offers controllable batteries, where volts, watts and temperature can be variably set and adjusted. VV, VW, TC or TCR are the classic abbreviations for various controlled operating modes. The advantage is that the unit operates with a constant power or output voltage and therefore the performance remains the same when the load level drops. Regulated battery holders are recommended for steamboats because they have comfort and safety functions such as overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, thermal protection or resistance measurement. Non-regulated Box Mods, also known as mechanical battery packs, are very simple models that have only one button for on/off and steam operation. The battery must be selected appropriately here. Unregulated battery holders are often used by automatic rewinders, but they belong to experienced hands because there is no fail-safe electronics.

Can you vaporize during the charging process?

In the meantime, this is possible in most models. However, it is important to read the product specifications carefully to make sure that the model you are using is really suitable for it.

Can I continue to use a battery if it is damaged?

No. It doesn't matter if the outer casing is damaged or the poles are defective. Even if the battery is dented, it must be replaced and disposed of properly. Damaged batteries can cause short circuits and are therefore a potential hazard: They can explode! Even during transport, a battery should never come into contact with other metal objects, as this can also cause short circuits. They must always be individually packed or transported separately, e.g. in a special plastic box that also protects against damage caused by external influences. Batteries are hazardous waste. In supermarkets and electrical stores there are suitable collection boxes at the entrance or directly in the electrical department. Info: To prevent the batteries in the box from causing a short circuit, which can be caused by contact with the poles, steamboats should mask the poles of the batteries before disposing of them.
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