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Full Guide To Lithium Battery Safety

Posted by Ryan G. on December 16, 2019

Full Guide To Lithium Battery Safety

We all know that when it comes to vaping, safety procedures are absolutely necessary to avoid bodily harm, not to mention the harm done to our precious vape device. But, how many of us are really paying attention to the way in which we handle our lithium-ion batteries? By ignoring the necessary safety precautions, we can end up in a whole lot of trouble later on. At the very least, our batteries can die out prematurely, and at the very worst, we can experience a battery explosion.

Vape batteries are unique in that they require a bit more care and safety than, say, laptop batteries, button batteries, or the batteries that are used to power your carbon monoxide detector. For one thing, they’re made from lithium metal, which means that they need to be handled according to certain safety standards. Unlike a button battery, they’re very large and wrapped, which means that there are more things that can go wrong if proper battery maintenance is not exercised.

Today, we’ll be giving you some quick tips regarding battery safety. This safety guide will ensure that you exercise caution as you manage your rechargeable batteries intended for vaping.

Full guide to lithium battery safety

Tip #1: Buy Your Vaping Batteries from a Trusted Source

First things first – battery safety starts with buying high-quality lithium-ion batteries from a trusted source. Out of all of the safety tips we’re going to discuss today, this one may be the most important. It doesn’t matter if you buy your batteries online or from a vape shop, as long as you know for certain that they’re legitimate, brand new, and not defective in any way. 

Always do your homework to make sure that the distributor from which you purchase your lithium batteries is selling authentic products that are reliable, durable and high in quality. Check online reviews to make sure that other customers have been happy with their purchases.

Tip #2: By the Right Batteries for Your Electronic Device

Remember that there are many different kinds of vape devices out there, and each kind has its own compatibility level with certain rechargeable batteries. Nearly all vape batteries are lithium-ion, although lithium-ion batteries vary in terms of voltage, battery capacity and so on. So, check the manufacturer’s notes and safety instructions regarding your device to select the right lithium-ion battery for your particular device.

Tip #3: Keep the Battery Wraps Intact

Battery wraps exist to keep your lithium batteries protected. Without them, the battery contents are exposed to all kinds of dangers. Therefore, batteries without wraps intact are considered unprotected batteries, which can be dangerous. As soon as the wrap material begins unwinding, it’s time to buy replacement batteries.

Tip #4: Don’t Remove the Battery Contents

This one should be a no-brainer. Never, ever attempt to open up a lithium-ion battery to see what’s inside. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is toxic when in contact with the skin. Opening up your vape battery is about as dangerous as opening up a mercury thermometer.

Tip #5: Keep Your Rechargeable Batteries in a Case

It’s very important that you keep your spare batteries in some type of case when they’re not in use. Loose batteries can pick up dirt and debris that interfere with their ability to connect properly with your device. This can cause your batteries to have to work harder to secure a connection, which can lead to all kinds of dangers.

Tip #6: Use the Right External Charger

You absolutely must use the right external charger for your lithium ion batteries. Choose a battery charger that’s made by a trusted manufacturer, and that comes with lots of safety features.

Tip #7: Keep Batteries Out of the Sun and Extreme Temperatures

Direct sunlight is bad for your vape batteries. The sun, as well as extreme temperatures in general, can be extremely dangerous as they can cause your battery to malfunction or even explode. Store your batteries in a cool, dark place when your device is not in use. Also, never store your vape batteries in the glove department of your car or any other area that is prone to extreme heat.

Tip #8: Keep Your Vape Batteries Away from Metal Objects

Your vape batteries should never make contact with metallic tools or other metal objects that may be lying around in your purse, pocket or drawer. When battery connections touch metal, they can become damaged, making them dangerous.

Tip #9: Know How to Read Your Device’s Warning Messages

Most vape devices that use lithium ion batteries have display screens that can show you safety warnings relating to your batteries. It’s good to read the user manual of your device to know what all of the error messages mean, so that if a problem occurs, you’ll know exactly what to do. Some error messages indicate battery self-discharge, which can require urgent removal. Also, overheated devices can explode if the batteries get too hot, so you must check that display screen to make sure that the device’s temperature is in a safe range.

Tip #10: Replace Vape Batteries as Needed

Vape batteries last longer than, say, button batteries, in most cases, mainly because they’re rechargeable. Still, all batteries have a shelf life. While a button battery must be replaced when it’s run out of power, a vape battery must be replaced when it’s showing signs of decreased functionality. You’ll know it’s time to replace your vape battery when it struggles to hold a charge.

Tip #11: Practice Proper Battery Disposal

It’s of paramount importance that you dispose your batteries properly once you’ve replaced them. An acid battery cannot just be thrown into the garbage like a button battery. Old vape batteries should be recycled in a location that’s designated for batteries specifically.

Tip #12: Let Your Batteries Breathe

Lastly, don’t overwork your batteries. This means that if you’re a chain-vaper, try to take more time between your hits. Batteries that don’t get a chance to rest are at risk of overheating, which can be very dangerous.

Enjoy Your Vaping Experience Safely

Now that you know all of these occupational and recreational safety tips, you can graduate from vape battery university and begin to exercise battery safety for the rest of your vaping career. Because vape batteries are used with electronic devices and contain acid, battery safety precautions are of utmost importance. Use this guide to avoid serious harm as you enjoy your vaping hobby.

On a side note, your vaping device needs to be properly maintained so that it can take care of your batteries properly. Dirty connections, as we said, can cause your battery to exert too much effort in order to power your device, causing potential danger. Check out our selection of box mods, vape batteries, vape tanks, vape starter kits, and more!
We are running a free e-liquid promotion for a limited time in 2019. Vapebox offers e-juices and hardware that you'll need to start vaping. 

Always remember that nicotine is an addictive chemical. Tobacco products have been known to cause reproductive harm. Nicotine level and nicotine strength should always be carefully monitored when sub-ohm vaping. Please ensure you read any policies of your vaping devices that you might receive from shops. This article was written in the state of California.

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Ryan G.
Ryan G.
Ryan is a writer at Vapebox. He fully converted to vaping in 2014 and has been educating new vapers ever since.
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