Exploding Batteries?

The recent incident where somone's vape equipment catching fire mid-flight has raised safety concerns. Adding to the confusion is the Malaysian Organisation of Vape Entity (MOVE) president Samsul Kamal Ariffin being quoted in a The Star article as saying there are two types of batteries - lithium-ion and lipo. This isn't entirely correct as lipo batteries are lithium-ion batteries too. This is what we want to clarify with the help of information from sources like www.candlepowerforums.com and batteryuniversity.com.

There are generally 3 types of batteries used in e-cigarettes. All of them are lithium-ion batteries.

ICR batteries
These are batteries based on Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2). Commonly used in cell phones, laptops and digital cameras. The chemistry is 'unsafe' in the sense that it can explode when the battery is abused beyond its limits (i.e. overcharged, or overdischarged). To prevent overcharging/overdischarging, these batteries has to be protected by a circuit. To make matters worse, some ICR batteries have their protective circuits removed.

ICR batteries are generally not recommended for vaping, but there are vendors who still sell them because they are very cheap and sometimes bundled free with mods.

IMR batteries
These are based on the Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4). This chemistry is considered 'safer' in the sense that it is designed not to explode when abused. Instead, when these batteries fail they vent gasses as a precaution. The venting of gasses prevent any further chemical reaction. You end up with a dead battery but at least it doesn't go into a chain reaction causing fire or explosion.

IFR batteries
These are based on Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePO4), also known as Lipo batteries. Lipo batteries are lithium-ion batteries too. Lipo batteries are very safe. However, they are usually built into mods by the manufacturer making it difficult to swap lipo batteries like you do with ICR or IMR batteries.

There are a lot more to be learned about batteries. Vaping community are like cavemen having just discovered fire. A battery can be a friend or foe. We have to learn to respect it. For your safety, follow these simple rules:

Charging a battery generates heat, so keep your battery and charging device in a well ventilated area. DO NOT LEAVE THEM CHARGING INSIDE A BAG.
Use only IMR or IFR batteries. They are slightly more expensive. However batteries can last 6 to 12 months, or more. In the grand scheme of things, batteries are not something you want to stinge on.
If you are planning to vape at high wattages, be sure that you understand the Ohm's Law and the limits of the batteries you are using. What is considered high wattage? Well, the fluorescent lights in your home uses 40 watts. A typical 40" LED/LCD TV uses 60-70 watts. So do you still want to vape at 60 watts from a tiny 18650 battery? You better start reading.

And if you are flying, please be considerate to fellow passengers and use common sense. While there's the Mile High Club (for individuals who had sex in a flying plane), there isn't an equivalent for vaping. There is no need to blow 200-watt clouds in the toilet! If you are experiencing nicotine withdrawal, some suggest rubbing some e-liquid in your gums.

If you have any questions with regards to safety, dos and don'ts and tips for flying, write us an email. It may take a while for us to respond, but we will respond.

Be a responsible vaper.