Battery vs Atomizer? Which went bad or both and/or, how can I tell??

[wyckdkarma]

I was using a 510 Bridgeless PumpCart System LR 1.7-1.9 with a 1000 mah eGo battery (manual, not sure if they even come in automatic). I think I may have used it, then put it down. A few minutes later I could smell something burning. When I picked up my eGo, I could feel heat from the atty. I don't recall if the light was on, all I could think was to get the atty off. I was finally able to remove it, but the battery no longer works. I'm pretty sure it had a good charge, but I'm afraid to even try to charge it now.
I recently got a multimeter and am still learning how to use it.
My questions are:
How can I know which caused the problem and how might I avoid it in the future?
Is it safe to continue to use this atty or should I trash it?
Thanks so much in advance!

 

[WillyB]

then put it down. A few minutes later I could smell something burning. When I picked up my eGo, I could feel heat from the atty

If it's just sitting there and fires it's a battery problem/condition. A bad atty is not going to activate the battery.

Unfortunately there is no real protection to trip on batts like that. I would toss the atty though, as it's probably 'bad' now.

 

[ec!gg]

If it was a manual push button battery is it possible this was activated when you placed it down...causing the atty to engage and burn up? This could be the case. Unfortunatey, your atty is probably toast