Much like any lithium-ion powered electronic device, the heart of your vape pen lies in the way you charge it. Like many users, I've had my fair share of vape pens ranging from inexpensive disposable units purchased at the local gas station to more advanced 510-thread battery vape pens, and I've learned that proper charging goes far beyond being convenient; it also enhances safety, the longevity of your device and overall performance.
Let’s review the procedures for safe charging practices, common errors associated with charging, and why they occur.
The Golden Rules of Vape Pen Charging
1. Use the Right Charger. Every Single Time.
As stated earlier, this is the number one cause for concern regarding the improper use of a vape pen charger. Using a charger intended for your laptop or smartphone is not compatible with your vape pen.
I once destroyed a perfect vape pen by accidentously using a fast charger for my smartphone. Within a few minutes, the vape pen became extremely hot to the touch, and the battery life was damaged to the point where it could no longer retain a charge.
Batteries, specifically lithium-ion batteries, are designed to function optimally when utilized at a specific level of amperage (between .5A and 1A). Fast charger blocks, which are commonly available for smartphones, provide high levels of amperage (typically 2A, 3A, etc.). When an excessive amount of current is forced into a lithium-ion battery, it becomes severely heated. Excessive heat will begin to degrade the internal battery components, and increase the likelihood of a thermal run-away event (another term for a catastrophic failure of the battery).
The Rule: Only use the charger provided by the manufacturer of your vape pen. If you lose the charger, find a new charger that is identical to the original charger, or find a certified replacement charger from a reputable manufacturer, and make sure it is rated at the correct amperage and volts.
2. Find a Safe Power Source
It is equally important to consider where you are going to plug in your vape pen as well as what you are going to plug into it.
A USB port found on your computer or laptop provides a steady, low amplitude output that will gently treat the battery in your vape pen.
A standard wall charger (small white cube charger that came with your device) plugged directly into the wall outlet.
Do Not Use: Cheap, generic power strips, car chargers, or "fast charging" outlets. They can produce unstable, or dirty, power that can destroy the internal charging circuit of your vape pen.
3. Do Not Leave It Plugged In and Alone
This is a difficult habit to break, but it is essential.
I was previously in the habit of plugging my vape pen in right before bedtime. One evening, I awoke to a faint, acrid smell of burning electronics. My vape pen was literally steaming hot. I was fortunate nothing worse occurred, but it was a wake-up call. Today, I charge my devices during the day, while I am in the same room, so I can keep an eye on them.
Lithium-ion batteries are most susceptible to damage when they are in the process of charging or discharging. Leaving a device connected to a power source after it has reached 100% capacity (also known as trickle charging) places additional strain and heat on the battery. Although modern devices are equipped with protection circuits to prevent overcharging, these circuits can fail, particularly if the device is frequently used, or if it uses lower quality hardware.
4. Charge Your Vape On A Hard, Level, Fire Resistant Surface
Your bed, a couch cushion, or a carpeted floor is the last possible surface to charge your vape pen.
Why? Heat must escape. Trapping heat under a soft surface cooks your battery and increases the likelihood of a fire hazard.
Always position your vape pen on a hard, flat surface such as a kitchen counter, desk, or ceramic plate. Make certain the surface area is free of clutter, paper, or any other combustible materials.
The Complete Charging Process
- Inspect: Check your equipment prior to connecting it to a power source. Inspect for frayed cables, debris in the charging port, or damage to the battery. If you see any problems, do not charge it.
- Plug-In Proper Sequence: Connect the USB end to your power source first. Next, attach the cable to your vape pen. This will ensure that any power surge from the outlet will not directly hit your device.
- Monitoring: A typical vape pen takes anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours to charge. Monitor your vape pen. If you notice it becoming excessively hot (warm is okay; hot is not), disconnect it immediately.
- Disconnect: Once the indicator light shows a full charge (usually a solid green or blue color), disconnect it. Do not allow it to remain plugged-in for extended periods of time at 100% capacity.
- Disconnect Proper Sequence: Disconnect the cable from your vape pen first, and then from the wall.
Indicator Light Reading: A Quick Guide
Indicators will vary depending upon the device. Here is a basic rule-of-thumb:
- Red/Flashing: Battery is low and charging.
- Blue/Yellow/Solid: Battery is half-way charged.
- Green/Solid: Battery is 100% charged. It is now time to unplug it!
What to Avoid At All Costs
- Using A Damaged Pen Or Charger: No exceptions. Replace it if it is broken.
- Passthrough Vaping: This is a feature that allows you to vape while the pen is charging. I would advise against it as it will put extreme pressure on the battery and force it to both discharge and charge simultaneously, causing it to rapidly deteriorate and overheat.
- Draining The Battery To 0%: Regularly draining a lithium-ion battery to absolute zero may damage its ability to hold a charge. Attempt to recharge it when it reaches approximately 20%.
Proper charging of your vape pen is a simple practice that offers great rewards in terms of safety, performance and longevity of your device. A small price to pay for a positive vaping experience. Show your battery some respect, and it will reciprocate.