Another one of those battery safety threads..

[alicewonderland]

I don't blame the shops for this one bit. If you want a mech one or two days worth of Googling and reading will be a good start to do so safely. They are there to sell the customer what they want. The customer if they don't even know what it is, nor how it works should take it upon themselves to do the research and be safe.

When I first saw a mech mod I asked the guy using it a few questions, decided I wanted one I left the shop that day without one and went home and started googling. What is a mech mod? How does a mech mod work? What batteries to use in a mech mod? Which lead me here and after a few days of reading all the blogs about batteries, RDA's, and rebuilding I could then I ordered one.

There's nothing stopping any vaper out there from doing the same other than themselves and if they choose not to, they better make sure their health insurance premiums are paid up. Having said that as someone who vapes mechs exclusively I am not immune to freak accidents, or equipment failure. But I feel just as comfortable putting a mech "by my face" as I would an ego/nautilus.

what was worrying is, the article someone linked - leads the reader to assume the issue was caused by a manufacturer defect within the mod being used. The pin ending up dropping and shorting out the battery causing the explosion. If this is the case, you can see how this would lead to discussion about FDA regulation, which is what scares me.

 

[ReigntheGamer]

what was worrying is, the article someone linked - leads the reader to assume the issue was caused by a manufacturer defect within the mod being used. The pin ending up dropping and shorting out the battery causing the explosion. If this is the case, you can see how this would lead to discussion about FDA regulation, which is what scares me.

I agree and was commenting on the posts saying the seller needs to educate the buyer. As far as manufacturing defects that is a whole 'nother story with so many clones being pumped out there one wonders about the standards by which they were made.

Which is my I have settled on only American made mechs, that aren't mass produced like some of the others. It costs more but can you put a price on safety.

And I forget where but I have read threads advising against using prefab tanks on mechs which looks exactly like what the user in the photos was doing.

 

[alicewonderland]

I agree and was commenting on the posts saying the seller needs to educate the buyer. As far as manufacturing defects that is a whole 'nother story with so many clones being pumped out there one wonders about the standards by which they were made.

Which is my I have settled on only American made mechs, that aren't mass produced like some of the others. It costs more but can you put a price on safety.

And I forget where but I have read threads advising against using prefab tanks on mechs which looks exactly like what the user in the photos was doing.

yeah, i agree with you as well, i dont see any reason to run a one of those prefab tanks on a mech nowadays.

 

[Robert Cromwell]

what was worrying is, the article someone linked - leads the reader to assume the issue was caused by a manufacturer defect within the mod being used. The pin ending up dropping and shorting out the battery causing the explosion. If this is the case, you can see how this would lead to discussion about FDA regulation, which is what scares me.

I view this more as an electrical appliance safety issue/regulation. Not FDA.

 

[nyiddle]

And I forget where but I have read threads advising against using prefab tanks on mechs which looks exactly like what the user in the photos was doing.

More specifically I think you're referring to the threads about using atomizers with protruding 510 connections on hybrid mods (ie: the 4nine, the mod that the person in the article was using..) The problem with the 510 connection on some atomizers is it'll make direct contact with the mod casing and the battery, completing the circuit essentially the same way that putting a quarter on either end of your battery would. Your battery doesn't know any better, and tries to discharge -- in full -- all at once. Big problemo.

Additionally, as much as nobody wants to hear it, this does sound like a hardware problem, not a user error. Unless there's more information it sounds like this is something that could've happened to anyone using an identical setup. In fact, I'd go as far as to say the culprit is more likely the atomizer than the mod, though using a hybrid mod probably didn't help the situation.

 

[ReigntheGamer]

More specifically I think you're referring to the threads about using atomizers with protruding 510 connections on hybrid mods (ie: the 4nine, the mod that the person in the article was using..) The problem with the 510 connection on some atomizers is it'll make direct contact with the mod casing and the battery, completing the circuit essentially the same way that putting a quarter on either end of your battery would. Your battery doesn't know any better, and tries to discharge -- in full -- all at once. Big problemo.

Additionally, as much as nobody wants to hear it, this does sound like a hardware problem, not a user error. Unless there's more information it sounds like this is something that could've happened to anyone using an identical setup. In fact, I'd go as far as to say the culprit is more likely the atomizer than the mod, though using a hybrid mod probably didn't help the situation.

Yep that sounds exactly like what I remember reading, thanks ny.

 

[roxynoodle]

I use a lot of mechs myself. But, I've also decided not to use any hybrid top/hybrid connectors. I'm sure I could probably do it safely, but I just don't want to. It does sound like the positive pin fell out of the atty though, causing the issue? Makes me think it was unscrewed too far or not well made.

 

[Robert Cromwell]

A poor connection could also cause the pin to overheat and maybe come loose? Would depend on the atty and it's construction.

I still cannot visualize how it could actually fall out while screwed on the mod. I still lean towards a battery rattle/centerpin adjustment device being the culprit.

 

[nyiddle]

Makes me think it was unscrewed too far or not well made.

Agreed. Reading online I can see that it does have an adjustable 510 pin.

Additionally, this was an authentic device, not a clone. So if it was an issue with the atomizer it's evidence that authentic =/= 100% safe (which is a lot of people's reasoning for not buying clones).

 

[alicewonderland]

A poor connection could also cause the pin to overheat and maybe come loose? Would depend on the atty and it's construction.

I still cannot visualize how it could actually fall out while screwed on the mod. I still lean towards a battery rattle/centerpin adjustment device being the culprit.

the thing that is suspicious to me though, is how he held it at his face to explode. Wouldnt you be able to feel your mod getting hot and notice something is wrong? I mean he was using a mech mod as well, so its not insulated with plastic or anything on the outside. The heat transfer from the battery to the tube because of a short circuit would be enough to let someone know there is something wrong. I looked up so many videos on youtube and the way batteries vent are that they rise in temperature over time releasing heat, then eventually pop and vent from the top, never seen any real 'explosion' in the videos of the batteries we use in our mods. Im curious as to what type of battery he was using in the first place, it isnt mentioned in the article.

 

[Robert Cromwell]

a 60 amp or so direct short in an atomizer base could actually vaporize metal. An 18650 battery in dead short will likely put out 60 amps, maybe more in a direct short situation. I arc weld at 60 amps... I am wondering if maybe the atomizer base shorted out and the main source of heat and such was in the atomizer possibly basically igniting the ejuice? Or making superheated steam?

 

[roxynoodle]

Agreed. Reading online I can see that it does have an adjustable 510 pin.

Additionally, this was an authentic device, not a clone. So if it was an issue with the atomizer it's evidence that authentic =/= 100% safe (which is a lot of people's reasoning for not buying clones).

This is true. I have some poorly made, expensive authentics. And some very well made, very cheap clones. Unfortunately, high end doesn't necessarily ensure quality.

I have 6 Stingrays. Only my authentic one has needed repaired

 

[Mikecomp93]

the thing that is suspicious to me though, is how he held it at his face to explode. Wouldnt you be able to feel your mod getting hot and notice something is wrong? I mean he was using a mech mod as well, so its not insulated with plastic or anything on the outside. The heat transfer from the battery to the tube because of a short circuit would be enough to let someone know there is something wrong. I looked up so many videos on youtube and the way batteries vent are that they rise in temperature over time releasing heat, then eventually pop and vent from the top, never seen any real 'explosion' in the videos of the batteries we use in our mods. Im curious as to what type of battery he was using in the first place, it isnt mentioned in the article.

you beat me to it. i actually posted a thread not too long ago on my apv/mech mod getting hot pretty quickly. looking at more of these replies and further evidence i'm thinking this had to be user error.

also, i love hybrid mech mods. there is nothing wrong with them, so long as the user knows what they are doing.

 

[Robert Cromwell]

if something fell apart in the mod/tank and shorted it out there would be no warmup period to speak of. Kinda like striking an arc welding arc, nothing and then hotter than heck.

 

[nyiddle]

if something fell apart in the mod/tank and shorted it out there would be no warmup period to speak of. Kinda like striking an arc welding arc, nothing and then hotter than heck.

Add to that, I think the 510 pin going from "loose" to just "falling out" is technically a hardware error. Add to that, if there was an extra pin (ie: if he wasn't using a hybrid) the tragedy could've been prevented. This is all assuming the information we have thus far is correct.

 

[RandyF]

People also need to remember these batteries are not designed for the way we use them in mech mods, specifically hybrids. These are flashlight batteries designed to be used like we use them in regulated mods.

The positive end of the battery is not designed to absorb the repeated pressure of being pushed up against the pin of the atty. I have seen more than a few hybrid users with caved in positive ends on the battery, which is just an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Mikecomp93]

People also need to remember these batteries are not designed for the way we use them as in mech mods, specifically hybrids. These are flashlight batteries designed to be used like we use them in regulated mods.

The positive end of the battery is not designed to absorb the repeated pressure of being pushed up against the pin of the atty. I have seen more than a few hybrid users with caved in positive ends on the battery, which is just an accident waiting to happen.

I completely agree with you, something that has seemed to be forgotten about the batteries we use. I know exactly what you mean by the positive end of the battery being dented. I have a couple batteries that have had this begin to show, although I buy new batteries every month or so just in case. I have yet to vent/short a battery *knock on wood* and really hope i never have that happen.

 

[nyiddle]

I have a couple batteries that have had this begin to show, although I buy new batteries every month or so just in case.

That may be a bit excessive. Batteries can last 300-500 charge cycles (more, probably, if you are treating your batteries really nicely). Assuming you charge your batteries once a day, they should be able to last a year or more.

I mean, it doesn't hurt anything other than your wallet to be that safe, but month-old cells are practically brand-new.

That said: Don't use any batteries that are damaged/dented. I really don't recommend it. I've had the wraps get a little torn, but if you take a lighter to 'em for a split second it cleans that up.

 

[Mikecomp93]

That may be a bit excessive. Batteries can last 300-500 charge cycles (more, probably, if you are treating your batteries really nicely). Assuming you charge your batteries once a day, they should be able to last a year or more.

I mean, it doesn't hurt anything other than your wallet to be that safe, but month-old cells are practically brand-new.

That said: Don't use any batteries that are damaged/dented. I really don't recommend it. I've had the wraps get a little torn, but if you take a lighter to 'em for a split second it cleans that up.

oh believe me i know it's a bit excessive to buy batteries as frequently as i do, but i'd rather have a nice supply of batteries than have to wait to get some lol. i pretty much charge my batteries once a day, some may go 2 days without being charged but i haven't had any issues with those. i treat my batteries as best i can, since i got into mechs/rdas/apvs/etc. all i have seen everywhere when doing research is battery safety. so its definitely become my top priority.

 

[Robert Cromwell]

People also need to remember these batteries are not designed for the way we use them in mech mods, specifically hybrids. These are flashlight batteries designed to be used like we use them in regulated mods.

The positive end of the battery is not designed to absorb the repeated pressure of being pushed up against the pin of the atty. I have seen more than a few hybrid users with caved in positive ends on the battery, which is just an accident waiting to happen.

And compound it with a few times dropped...