A guide on how to properly charge your kit.
In this article...
Battery safety is extremely important. If you don’t charge your device properly then it can cause a lot of issues, including your device breaking. So, with that in mind let’s take a look at how to safely charge your e-cig.
How Safe Are Vape Batteries?
All types of batteries pose a risk when they’re mishandled. All vapes contain lithium ion batteries commonly used in phones. To ensure you get the most out of your batteries and look after them properly we have a guide.
Do’s
- Use the correct charger and match the plug to the USB-C ports amp
- Turn off the kit when not in use
- Keep out of sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Clean the device once a week
- Store the kit carefully
- Dispose of batteries at recycle points
- Keep out of reach of children
Don’ts
- Don’t use damaged or overheating batteries
- Don’t leave a charging kit unattended
- Don’t charge overnight
- Don’t get the battery wet
- Don’t use a fast charging plug or cable with your kit
- Don’t remove or disable safety features
How to charge a Vape?
1. Use the Correct Charging Lead
Whether you use an external battery charger or a USB cable, it’s very important to make sure you use the correct wire. Try to use the one that came with your kit, as it’s guaranteed to work with your device. If you’re using a battery that doesn’t come with one, then you can purchase these for as low as £0.99 for a USB-C cable.
Also, make sure that the cable you’re using is free from damage. Any exposed wire or fraying is a clear sign that you need a replacement.
If your device has removable batteries, we highly recommend charging them in an external charger such as the Golisi S2 or S4. While these kits have a USB port, it’s best used for topping up on the go.
2. Match the Plugs Amp with Your Kit
So, we’ve talked about keeping your cable in good condition. But, you have to plug it into something. Examples of outlets include USB ports on a laptop or PC, a wall plug or a power bank. Something that you need to be mindful of is the correct output.
With older devices that still use micro USB (the D shape), we recommend only using a 1 amp current. Usually this appears as ‘1A/5V’ on the plug or power pack. Most USB ports are 1-2A so they should be fine.
Kits that charge with a USB-C (the 0 shape) connection can use currents between 1A and 2A.
Plugging your cable into games consoles isn’t advised. They can output currents as high as 3A or more.
Charging a device with an output that’s too powerful can damage the cells. This means that your battery won’t last as long as it should.
If you’re unsure about how much power your e-cig can take, check the specifications on the manufacturers website or the manual that came with the kit.
3. Avoid Charging Overnight
Most vapers charge their e-cig overnight or when they’re not using it. Which is fine as most kits have overcharge protection. But if your device dies just as you’re about to use it, all is not lost.
Known in the vaping world as ‘pass through charging’, this allows you to use you kit while it is plugged in. But, unfortunately, not all devices have this feature.
I know from experience that the newer VOOPOO kits don’t have this, while others like the OXVA XLIM Pro 2 do. The best way to check if yours does is to try it.
4. Charge on a flat surface
We advise you to always charge your battery on a clean and flat surface. Ensure to avoid charging on carpets, pillows, sofas, and other areas where batteries can overheat.
Usually, having a tank full of liquid is fine when charging your e-cig. But it’s always best to keep your device upright as much as possible. This helps to prevent condensation leaking from the airflow port.
Some devices such as the OXVA VPrime have the charging port located on the bottom, so it’s impossible to keep upright when you charge it. If you experience any leaking with kits like this, remove the tank before popping it on charge.
5. Keep out of sunlight and high temperatures
As with most electronics, extreme temperatures can affect your e-cig batteries.
Heat, for example, can cause the charge to drain a lot faster. Fun fact, every 9°C over 25°C halves the battery life!
Likewise, cold conditions can affect your battery life too. If it’s below freezing then it’ll drain the charge by around an extra 30-60%.
It goes without saying to keep your charging equipment away from water.
So basically, if you avoid moisture, heat and cold you should be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s explore a few frequently asked questions about charging vape devices.
Can you charge a vape overnight?
No, you shouldn’t charge a vape overnight or leave it unattended as it poses a fire risk or can cause damage the battery. Instead you should charge your device with the provided cable on a flat fireproof surface, and unplug it once it’s fully charged. Please ensure to keep it attended at all times.
How long does it take for a vape to charge?
Charging a vape can take anytime between 30 to 60 minutes Typically smaller pod system such as the OXVA XLIM GO, will take up to 40 minutes to charge. Whereas, a large box mod such as the Eleaf iStick Power 2 will take up to 100 minutes to charge.
Why is my vape not charging?
Your vape isn’t charging likely due to a faulty cable/charging plug, a dirty or damaged port, or a potential glitch with the kit. Before contacting the seller please ensure to clean out the devices port or try a different cable. If you see any other signs of battery related issues such as increased heat, ensure to stop using the device immediately and contact the retailer.
Should I take the pod out when charging my vape?
Yes, when charging your vape kit it is generally considered best practice to take out the pod. It will prevent e-liquid from oversaturating the coil which can lead to leakage and a burnt taste. It’s best to keep the pod standing upright to ensure no issues.
And that’s it for our look athow to safely charge your e-cig. If you still have any questions, check out our battery safety guide or contact us.
