How do you know if your vaping battery is safe to use? You should know this. Because if it’s not handled properly, batteries can cause permanent injury. But with the proper handling precautions and knowledge of 18650 battery safety, vapers can ensure the best performance and stay safe.

Are 18650 Batteries Dangerous?

18650 batteries are lithium-ion high drain batteries used for a variety of electronics such as laptop computer cells, powerful flashlights, and of course e-cig vaporizers. They are designed to handle high power draw and provide a lot of energy. 18650 batteries have a label that indicates their voltage (3.7), their size (18650 18mm x 65mm), and their mAh rating (number of cells which directly relates to battery life). See Ohm’s Law Calculator.

If handled properly, 18650 batteries are the same as any other battery; however, if they are abused they can be dangerous. Although they look like AA batteries, they must be treated with extra care.

7 Simple Tips for 18650 Battery Safety

Here are some simple 18650 battery safety precautions to ensure the best performance for your batteries:

1. Do not carry 18650 batteries in your pocket.

Just don’t do it.

18650 batteries must be carried in a carrying case that separates them from touching anything else to prevent the batteries from creating other connections in your pocket. This connection can occur through metal in your pocket (change, lighters, pens) or even through the metal buttons or zippers in some pants and cause energy to continuously drain. Once that happens, the battery becomes hotter and hotter until the battery acid “vents” out of the battery turning into a “vented battery.”

Vented batteries are obviously a bad thing and cannot be used again. Sound complicated? It’s not.

Just remember to always carry batteries in a plastic carrying case to keep them protected.

2. Do not use a damaged battery.

This one should be obvious, but it is something we often see in vaping and the cause of most battery malfunctions.

Carelessly using a battery with a torn wrapping, large dent, missing positive ring at the top, heavy corrosion, deformity, or water/juice damage is highly discouraged. Using or charging batteries in a damaged state can cause them to vent. Damaged batteries can also ruin your box mod, cause the chip to fry and turn your vape into nothing more than a crispy paper weight.

If the old wrapping of a battery becomes damaged, put it back in the plastic carrying case and have it “rewrapped” with a new wrap.

For all other battery damage, it’s recommended to dispose of it safely and purchase a new one.

3. Match battery types together.

Always use the same type of battery together to prevent an imbalance of power between the multiple cells. For example, if you have a dual battery mod, a set of LG HE4 yellow 18650 batteries, and a set of Sony VTC6 18650 batteries do not mix and match the Sony batteries with the LG batteries.

Only use batteries of the same type, color, mAh rating, age, and condition. Using two or more different batteries in a multiple battery device can cause damage or venting if seriously misused.

Quick Tip: When you purchase batteries, using a black sharpie create a way to match your batteries together easily such as numbering your batteries. This does not apply to those who use single battery devices.

4. Do not leave charging batteries unattended.

As with all batteries, do not leave 1860 batteries unattended while charging. Even though most chargers are made of fire-proof material, electronics and fires can still happen. When completely dead, batteries only take about 3 hours to charge on the slowest charging setting.

Charging through the device’s micro USB is not highly recommended due to the lack of a full charge that can be provided through the micro USB cable. Instead, charging docks are a superior and safer way to charge batteries.

Just like with your vape, do not use damaged batteries in the charger. Safely charge batteries on the charger while you can keep an eye on them.

5. Do not leave batteries in extreme temperatures.

You wouldn’t leave your phone in the freezer or the oven so don’t do it to your vape. Leaving a vape in your car on a hot or cold day with extreme temperatures can damage 18650 batteries. Not only that but it can cause juice to leak from your tank, which will saturate your mod and potentially even leak on to batteries resulting in black spotting under your battery wraps.

If juice leaks inside, it could break your mod causing it to misbehave or not turn on again.

6. Never store batteries with metal.

The only metal your batteries should ever be touching is the battery terminals inside your vape. If 18650 batteries are exposed to metal, it could create a circuit and continuously expend energy until they vent.

Plastic or rubber is the best storing solution.

7. Safely dispose of your batteries.

When batteries get old, they often don’t hold a quality charge. Using old batteries are not only a hassle because they don’t last as long, but they can also be dangerous. Your best bet when dealing with an old battery is to play it safe and get rid of them.

Resist the urge to toss them in the trash because of the damage it could do to the environment. Instead, place batteries in individually in cases or plastic bags and bring them to your local recycling center.

The chemicals inside the batteries are toxic just as the chemicals in cigarettes are harmful, so we ask you to respect the earth like your lungs.

Are 18650 Batteries Safe?

Yes, if you’re safe with them. All batteries weren’t created equally and should be treated that way. 18650 batteries require the user to be attentive and knowledgeable, but once you know how to use and handle the batteries they are safe to use.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Our goal is to keep you safe and teach you the proper way to use your batteries. Because, the more informed we become, the safer vaping will be.

If you’d like more detailed information about 18650 battery safety, contact the experts at Gorilla Vapes directly.