- Identify parts of the E-Cig that constitute voltage, current, and resistance. Discuss the role each plays in the E-Cig and typical values for each including units.
E-Cigs (or vapes) consist of a battery, typically lithium-ion, that connects to a single or dual heating coil into the reservoir of vape liquid. I’m going to use the specs for a vape that I’m currently using, called the Elf Bar BC5000. It consists of a 650mAh (nominal voltage is 3.7 V) rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a dual coil, and a cotton reservoir filled with 13ml of juice (nicotine salts). As a user hits or pulls air from the mouthpiece, the airflow activates a sensor switch to the battery and sends current through the circuit to the atomizer which houses a coil(s). The coils offer resistance. The only resistance information I could find for Elf Bar mesh coils is around 1.2 ????. The lower the resistance, the more heat and vapor are produced, and the stronger the hit. The higher the resistance, the less vapor and heat are produced and smoother the hit. The coil(s) heats the “wick” which is typically cotton inside of a reservoir filled with juice creating vapor which expels through the mouthpiece. Using Ohm’s Law and assuming the resistance is 1.2 ????, we can determine the current for this disposable vape is 3.7V/1.2 ????=3.08333333A.
- Discuss the electrical dangers of an E-Cig. Give specific examples.
One of the primary electrical dangers associated with E-Cigs or vapes are the batteries. The type of batteries used in these devices has been unregulated. Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if they become damaged or over-heated. The chemical within the battery reacts to oxygen and can combust. If this happens while in use or carried by and individual, serious injury can occur.
- There are many electrical safety rules. Pick one, and discuss its application on a small system, such as the E-Cig.
It is important to know the requirements for each specific device. Due to the sensitive nature of lithium-ion batteries, it is important to handle them with care. Use the correct charger that comes with the device or charger specified. Be sure to charge away from flammable materials and do not leave the device charging overnight or for extended periods of time.
References:
Center for Tobacco Products. (2022, February 16). Tips to Help Avoid Vape Battery or Fire Explosions. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/tips-help-avoid-vape-battery-or-fire-explosions
Cozens, N. (2022, July 6). Elf Bar ELFA Prefilled Pod Kit Review – The Sustainable Idea Of No Wasted Battery. Ecigclick. https://www.ecigclick.co.uk/elf-bar-elfa-prefilled-pod-kit-review/
Electric Tobacconist. (n.d.). What is coil resistance? The Electric Tobacconist Ltd. https://help.electrictobacconist.co.uk/support/solutions/articles/5000758291-what-is-coil-resistance-
Rubery, H. (2022, August 30). Why Do Disposable Vapes Taste Better? https://www.podsalt.com/blog/post/why-do-disposable-vapes-taste-better
Velvet Cloud. (2018, June 19). Ohm’s Law 101 and E-Cig Tech: Understanding Vape Electrical Lingo. https://velvetcloud.com/blogs/news/ohms-law-101-and-e-cig-tech-understanding-vape-electrical-lingo
