Batteries and mechanical mods

[krissykross]

I've seen the damage using the wrong batteries can cause (not firsthand, thank goodness.) I do my best to take care of them; charge them where i can watch, don't over-charge them, don't handle them roughly, don't over-drain them, etc. So I feel like an idiot asking this question but here goes.

I use purple efests (18650 35A 2500mAh Li-Mn) in my mech mod. I have my AW IMR 18650's (2000mAh) that I've been using in my Lavatube when my efests are charging. I've read mixed things about whether or not AW's are safe in mech mods and the sources on both sides have not been the most reliable. Seeing as how I'm a "look 20 times before I leap lest my hand get blown off" type of person, are these safe to use in my mech mod? If not I'm more than happy to continue using them exclusively in my Lavatube but if they're safe then it would be nice to have several more usable batteries to add to my arsenal.

Any input would be welcome.

 

[Signmaker]

IFAIK, the "35A" Efests are relabeled 20A batteries.

It all depends on your net atomizer resistance. A 10A battery is safe as kittens at 2ohms. A brand new VTC5 is no-bueno at 0.03ohms.

 

[krissykross]

I tend to run about 1-1.5 ohms. Like I said, I'm a wee baby about safety and if I were to go low I'd probably just get an Aspire Atlantis and use the pre-built .5 ohm coils and the safest batteries on the market. Seeing as how vaping is not the cheapest habit (though much cheaper than when I was smoking,) I'm aiming to work with what I've got. Hence me, being unsure, using my AW's in my lavatube only for now. If there's something I'm not too sure of I err on the side of caution.

 

[Susan~S]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Glad to have you here!

If you are new to mech mods I highly recommend you spend some time with Baditude (one of our resident battery experts) and visit his blogs. If you are rebuilding make sure you purchase an ohm reader and a voltmeter or DMM so you can measure your builds, check for shorts and measure the remaining charge on your batteries.

Baditudes Blogs. The blogs regarding battery safety, Ohm's Law and amp draw are listed below:

BATTERIES

9. Battery Basics for Mods: IMR or Protected ICR?
* Another essential read to understand which batteries are safe to use in mechanical and regulated mods. Includes a frequently updated list of recommended safe-chemistry, high-drain batteries with their specifications.

17. Purple Efest Batteries Not As Advertised
* A cautionary blog that reveals that the purple Efest batteries may not have the specifications advertised. Also includes a commentary on "continuous discharge ratings" vs "pulse discharge ratings" of battery specs.

OHM'S LAW

14. Ohm's Law for Dummies (Vapers)
* My attempt at explaining Ohm's Law in layman terms and how it relates to vaping.

16. Explain it to the Dumb Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations
* As simple as it is to use, some people have a tough time grasping the concept. Warning: Includes graphic photos of mod explosions.

BATTERIES - WHERE TO BUY

Only buy batteries from a reputable supplier (not ebay or Amazon) as there are many counterfeit batteries being sold. Here are several reputable battery suppliers in the US.

* RTD Vapor
* Illumination Supply
* Lighthound
* Orbtronics

 

[Topwater Elvis]

I tend to run about 1-1.5 ohms. Like I said, I'm a wee baby about safety and if I were to go low I'd probably just get an Aspire Atlantis and use the pre-built .5 ohm coils and the safest batteries on the market. Seeing as how vaping is not the cheapest habit (though much cheaper than when I was smoking,) I'm aiming to work with what I've got. Hence me, being unsure, using my AW's in my lavatube only for now. If there's something I'm not too sure of I err on the side of caution.

The AW 18650 2000mah has a 10a CDR.
Using it with a 1 ohm coil results in 4.2a drain, 1.5 ohm resiults in 2.8a drain from the battery, both are well within the safe range for your AW battery.

As long as you stay at .8 or above, measure resistance and check for shorts before firing on a mechanical the AW will be fine.