Do you absolutely have to use a switch?

[phdillard]

So far I've only made a passthrough, and it doesn't have a switch of any kind. I just pull it out of the pc when not in use. I have a nose hair trimmer that is begging to be modded, which is making question the necessity of switches. One thing I've noticed is that everyone uses a switch to kill/connect the power to the cart/clearo connector. Is this necessary? Can't you just take your cart/clearo off when you're done vaping and leave the circuit open at all times? Or does this pose a problem such as battery drainage or damage? Also, if something has its own power switch, like most of the battery boxes, flashlights, and etc that get modded, why does a second switch need to be installed? Thanks for any insight you can provide.

EDIT***Sorry for the confusion guys. I'm referring to the normally open, push button type switch that I see installed in most mod videos, usually near the LED. The one that actually closes the power circuit to the atomizer.

As for how my USB pt is used, I have it rigged as a constantly closed circuit and I unplug it after a few puffs. Inconvenient, yes, but it was free and I only use it at work, where I can only vape between phone calls anyway.***

 

[cadcoke5]

I am reading between the lines to discern what you mean by "Do you absolutely have to use a switch?" I think you are refering to a master switch, that is different from the one you press to actually make the vapor. Both are considered switches. One is typically a slide switch, and the other a push-button momentary switch.

If you omit the master switch, and have a your e-cig in your pocket, then you are potentially going to have it accidentally activate when something else in your pocket presses against the push-button switch. They can also accidentally trigger even if you put it in a drawer. Those kinds of switches are very easy to accidentally trigger.

And while your atomizer might burn out, the bigger concern is the battery. If it is asked to provide a great deal of current for a long time, it will get hot, and potentially vent hot gas into your pocket.

The master switch provides both a safety function, and a way to protect your atomizer.

-Joe Dunfee

 

[asdaq]

I'll read this the other way and not assume the use of a master switch: Yes you do.

Now as for the master switch, you can avoid one by taking some mechanical safety measures to prevent misfires, a recessed switch or even a safety pin as a hand grenade has, just for some examples. Quite popular is a threaded locking ring these days.

 

[Rickajho]

Until the OP gets back here and tells us what he actually means by "it doesn't have a switch of any kind" and elaborates on how he actually uses that thing with no "switch of any kind" I'm not even gonna touch this one.

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

So far I've only made a passthrough, and it doesn't have a switch of any kind. I just pull it out of the pc when not in use. I have a nose hair trimmer that is begging to be modded, which is making question the necessity of switches. One thing I've noticed is that everyone uses a switch to kill/connect the power to the cart/clearo connector. Is this necessary? Can't you just take your cart/clearo off when you're done vaping and leave the circuit open at all times? Or does this pose a problem such as battery drainage or damage? Also, if something has its own power switch, like most of the battery boxes, flashlights, and etc that get modded, why does a second switch need to be installed? Thanks for any insight you can provide.

really?

It's an easy way to control the circuit...why not just leave your lights on and unscrew them when you don't need em.

Silly billy gumdrops

 

[asdaq]

So far I've only made a passthrough, and it doesn't have a switch of any kind. I just pull it out of the pc when not in use. I have a nose hair trimmer that is begging to be modded, which is making question the necessity of switches. One thing I've noticed is that everyone uses a switch to kill/connect the power to the cart/clearo connector. Is this necessary? Can't you just take your cart/clearo off when you're done vaping and leave the circuit open at all times? Or does this pose a problem such as battery drainage or damage? Also, if something has its own power switch, like most of the battery boxes, flashlights, and etc that get modded, why does a second switch need to be installed? Thanks for any insight you can provide.

I think our biggest clue to the intent is here.

As for the switch built into an average battery box, sure that would work, once or twice.

 

[kaddigart]

Maybe his pass-through is an automatic, the suck-start type (pardon my lack of correct jargon). That would explain having no visible switches.

Whether or not you actually need a switch depends largely on your choice of components. If you mean is it possible to do without, then yes. Automatic switches are sold, though I don't recall exactly where. Some (most?) regulators have a constant current flow that only stops with a master kill switch, so keep that in mind if you mean to exceed 3.7v, or 4.8v in the event your nose hair trimmers are large enough to hold 4xAAA Puck style.

 

[phdillard]

Sorry everyone. I edited the original post. Hopefully I was able to clarify.

 

[kaddigart]

Ohhh, ok. When I build a new mod I test it before I even hook a cart/atty to it, especially if I have 2 LEDs (one for master switch, other for fire). With or without the cart, the power flows. Somebody with more electronics knowledge than myself would have to provide specifics, but if there's a battery in the mod with no broken connection it will drain. Maybe you could come up with a way for the atty/cart to complete the connection when it's attached...I do think flipping a switch would be more convenient than unscrewing a cart constantly, but you could save a lot of space this way.

You meant that when the USB is plugged in, the device is vaporizing, yes? Seems like not frying atties/carts or burning your lips would be a problem.

 

[denizenx]

hey dude, if your setup works for you and the hassle of plugging unplugging doesn't bother you, rock on. personally i would go for the little extra effort and stick on a switch, can even be a little toggle switch. just safer all round, don't want to set your place of employment on fire by accident when you forget to unplug the pass through