Charging and Battery Care for Rechargeable Prefilled Vapes
Charging and Battery Care for Rechargeable Prefilled Vapes
The battery is what you actually handle on a daily basis when it comes to a rechargeable prefilled vape, and its the very thing most prone to failure when mistreated. Damage to a battery cell caused by overcharging, heat or a cheap charger can all be safety issues, so treating batteries well can make vaping a safer activity. With lithium-ion batteries the principle is simple, but a few simple consistent practices can extend the time before a device begins to falter, and can make a device safer to operate. Here is a simple introduction to the principles of charging and battery care in everyday language.
How Do Rechargeable Vape Batteries Work
A typical rechargeable prefilled is powered by a lithium-ion cell within its casing that contains the battery. The cell stores power well but can only take so many charges and light drains before it diminishes in capacity, losing a percentage of its power each cycle. Extreme conditions can also accelerate aging, such as high temperatures, full discharges and rough use. The capacity of a battery is measured in milliamp-hours or mAH with a larger number indicating a bigger capacity, not a longer-lasting device and how long a hit lasts depends on usage and output power, along with the size of the pod.
Charging Basics
Use the cable that came with it (or a good quality replacement with the same connector). Plug into any normal USB power source (like a PC port or a good quality wall-wart, avoiding very high power fast-chargers unless the device confirms they’re OK). Make sure you’ve cleared out and dried the port beforehand. Almost all devices have a lit indicator that changes colour or goes out when they’re fully charged. If the light flashes a lot or there’s something odd about the way the device is behaving or if it gets to warm to the touch, unplug and leave to cool before continuing.
When and How Often to Charge
You don’t have to wait until the battery is completely flat before charging the battery, and most importantly, in general, lithium-ion cells prefer to be topped up more frequently rather than drained completely. So topping-up from a low battery level is less stressful for the cell, and for the environment, than regularly draining the battery completely. Conversely, there’s no point in leaving your device plugged in for a lengthy period after it’s fully charged – charge it when you want to and remove the cable once the battery is at capacity.
Protect the Battery From Heat and Cold
Heat is the real killer of lithium-ion batteries. The higher the temperature, the faster your battery will die, become swollen or start to smoke or catch fire. Never leave a device in a hot car, on a sunny window sill or in direct sunlight. Very cold batteries don’t perform at their best, either. And you should never charge a very cold battery until it has warmed up back to room temperature. When charging, make sure the device is on a cool surface, such as a table, and not covered by a pillow, blanket or bag.
Signs of Battery Trouble
Spot danger signs quickly. When in use or charging, if a battery starts to swell, change shape, leak fluid or smell sweet or the device gets extremely hot, then the battery should be considered unsafe. In addition, if the battery has a shortened charge duration, does not charge or switches off unexpectedly, switch off the device, unplug it and move it somewhere safe, away from stuff that might catch fire and do not attempt to repair or open the device. Contact your retailer about a replacement device and dispose of the faulty battery safely.
Matching Care to Your Device
For instructions specific to your device, whether it is one of the Hayati pod kits or another brand, follow the manufacturer’s advice on charging time, type of cable and what the charging indicator shows. Charging time varies greatly, from small-capacity ‘starter’ kits that charge quickly, to big-capacity models that need longer. Never assume that your device is the same as another one, check the product page, your packing, and the leaflet that comes in the box. If your device has a display or charge indicator, familiarise yourself with what each colour or symbol indicates.
Charging on the go
Besides that there are some more things to consider. When flying, bring your equipment in your hand luggage, as many airlines don’t allow loose lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage, check your airline’s policy before you pack. Use a small pouch or case to separate your device from keys, coins and anything sharp. Be cautious with chargers you don’t know in a hotel, car or somewhere in public, and use your own cable and a known, working adaptor. Leave a device out in the heat or in the cold to come back to normal room temperature first.
Replacing and Recycling Batteries Safely
Many prefilled vapes are rechargeable and can be used over and over. All batteries have a limited life and if your battery no longer retains charge, or if your device becomes damaged, there are more sustainable ways to dispose of these items and avoid unnecessary waste. Vapes are electrical items, so they should go to a household recycling centre, a vape recycling bin or a retailer take-back scheme, as the GOV.UK guidance on vapes explains. Never put a device in household bins or kerbside recycling, because damaged lithium-ion batteries can ignite during collection and sorting.
Summary
The key to good battery health is really straightforward: always use the correct cable, always charge before the battery is drained completely, never charge in very hot environments, always disconnect the charger when the device is fully charged, and never ignore warning signs. Think of the battery as a component that won’t last forever, and it’ll normally serve you well. Keep these products away from children, bear in mind that these do contain nicotine and are intended for adult users, and dispose of old devices at the designated recycling points. It doesn’t take much to keep your battery happy.
