Exploding Battery!

[morganridge0995]

I have an older ecig made buy Joyetech called an "E-CAB". I have had it about a year. It uses rechargeable batteries that look similar to a AAA battery. I knew nothing about possible explosions. I had noticed that the plastic outer wrap on all my batteries starts to peel off after a few months of use. I also notice that from time to time my e CIG will heat up excessively during use even when not inhaling on it. I carry a little cosmetic bag in my purse with extra batteries and supplies. I was at a gas station this morning and I heard an explosion or loud pop in my car. I couldn't find the source but then began to smell a very foul odor. I thought about the CIG (I carry 2 loaded at a time) but they were fine. Then I saw the cosmetic bag on the console and it had holes blown in it with smoke coming out. I am terrified to put one of these things to my lips now. I searched the web and found stories of explosions while charging or vaping, but these were older batteries that hadn't been used in a while and they were laying loose in a bag.Any thoughts on what caused it, how I can limit chances of it happening again, and if there's an e cig without lithium batteries? What would anyone recommend for the safest e CIG I can buy? I don't want to blow up a family member or burn down my house.

 

[ckquatt]

If the plastic outer wraps start coming off it means you need to get rid of them. I bet part of the battery that was exposed due to the wrap touched something else and caused it to short. The wrap is there for a reason, not just to make it look pretty. Just buy new batteries.

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/batteries-chargers/538389-torn-battery-wrap-safe.html

 

[bullet08]

battery safety is very important. they can vent and explode if treated in certain way that they were not meant to be used. re-wrap them if you know how, if not replace them.

 

[Warpigs]

I would replace the batteries. Just wonder if that had exploded while you were taking a hit. That would have not been good times.

 

[SupplyDaddy]

User error. You said it yourself, the wrappings were/are getting worn. Get the batteries rewrapped or toss them and get new ones and put the danged things in a battery storage case

 

[Dan1911]

Bunch of good info here. Store the batteries safely, toss em if they are peeling/getting hot.

Did a little research. the ecab batteries from joyetech are 10440 ICR Li-CO batteries. Would recommend replacing them with:

High Quality Efest 10440 Battery Efest Imr 10440 Battery - Buy Efest 10440 Battery,3.7v Refest 10440 Battery,Efest Imr 10440 Battery Product on Alibaba.com

Says IMR (LiMN) so they should be a little (read.. little bit) safer than what you had before anyway.

Also make sure that ecab isn't autofiring or anything else silly. In fact, you may just want to take this opportunity to go for an upgrade. An istick or something regulated with some built in safety

EDIT: Do the ecab's have any type of safety stuff in them? I have no idea.

 

[deach]

First of all, glad you're ok….. NEVER carry batteries that are not in a case designed for them. As already has been stated, the wrap on the battery is there for a reason. If it gets torn or is wearing either replace the wrap (or have someone do it for you) or replace the battery. Many times it's been told of batteries in pockets , bags, and such venting (exploding if you prefer) that were not in a case designed to carry them.

*** Again first and foremost, I'm glad you're ok and were not injured.***

 

[skoony]

the Ecab battery is encased in a plastic or metal tube.
is the material that covers this that wears off. the battery
itself is not being exposed it sounds like the battery button was being depressed
by something in the bag and the connector was being shorted out by something
metalic or it over heated by firing the coil continuously.
an older battery may not have short circuit protection.
regards
mike

 

[Mrs C]

I have an older ecig made buy Joyetech called an "E-CAB". I have had it about a year. It uses rechargeable batteries that look similar to a AAA battery. I knew nothing about possible explosions. I had noticed that the plastic outer wrap on all my batteries starts to peel off after a few months of use. I also notice that from time to time my e CIG will heat up excessively during use even when not inhaling on it. I carry a little cosmetic bag in my purse with extra batteries and supplies.

Sounds like a perfect storm was brewing with your batteries. Twas was user error: improper storage and or damaged wraps

Something came in contact with the positive and negative of one of them completing the circuit (just like pushing the button). They shorted and went thermal.

Glad the lesson learned was just a good scare and minimal damage.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

Very glad you are here. The subject comes up...regularly and it is usually from new people. There is a huuge amount of info here. People are very quick to respond. I hope, for safety's sake that more people join and read, ask, teach.

Thank-you for posting, it reminds the rest of us.

 

[Robino1]

That must have been scary! I'm glad you're ok and the only thing damaged was your bag.
Were the batteries in a secure case? Were they in a device?

Unfortunately if they are left to roll around, as stated above, anything making the circuit between the top and the bottom of the battery will cause the battery to think it needs to start working. This can happen with ANY battery. Even those you buy at the store that are made for toys, clocks etc...

Hubby found out that keys and a regular AA battery will make the pants pocket VERY warm. LOL.

You know how when you put up Christmas lights and they tell you to inspect the cord? Same goes for batteries and the wrapping they come in. Also, if you are not using the device, make sure to turn it completely off before storing it in your purse/pocket. Anything pushing the button can turn it on and make it active.

Before I got a case for my spare batteries, I would wrap each one separately in a paper towel and store them in the pocket of my purse that had nothing else in the pocket. The paper towel would prevent any contact should I accidentally forget they were in that pocket.

 

[Warpigs]

I use my velvet bag my Silver Bullet came in to carry one battery as a spare. Nothing but the battery is in there.

 

[Kaezziel]

I use one of these eGo Travel Cases, even with my mech mods... the little elastic rings inside are perfect for holding 2 spare 18650 batteries, then I put a tuft of rayon, some spare wire, jeweler's screwdriver, tweezers, and some o-rings in a tiny little ziploc baggie (came with one of my atomizers) in the little mesh pockets... it's good for a day at work. Before mechs, I kept spare cartomizers, 10ml bottle of juice and spare batteries in it... darn little thing has been very useful, and I've had it for about 4 years or so...

Glad there was no real damage done, Morgan... and the batteries that Dan1911 suggested would be perfect replacements for you.

If you haven't already, please click the link in my signature for "Bad's Awesome Blog" and read the posts about battery safety... that will be good information for you to keep in the back of your mind!

 

[CLOUDKICKER]

BATTERY SAFETY IS ALWAYS NUMBER ONE! Battery explosions are very common to occur when you misuse or neglect the need to pay attention to this 'small' part of vaping. STAY SAFE AND CONTINUE VAPING EVERYBODY!

 

[Warpigs]

BATTERY SAFETY IS ALWAYS NUMBER ONE! Battery explosions are very common to occur when you misuse or neglect the need to pay attention to this 'small' part of vaping. STAY SAFE AND CONTINUE VAPING EVERYBODY!

This^^^ 100%. Batteries are so much a part of your mod you may over look things. Always know what's going on with your mod/batteries. For your sake and others

 

[jonnychadootz]

A suggestion when it comes to e-cig batteries/rechargeable batteries in general. If you have a battery that is brand new or relatively new and the wrapping ever comes off you can go to Radio shack, Home Depot etc and get some shrink wrap. It's fairly inexpensive and it is typically way stronger/better sealer. When that plastic wrap comes off (typically happens around the button of the battery it makes it really easy for shorts/constant a constant on to happen. If you have any doubts of the batteries health dispose of it properly and get new 1's. It's not worth the risk. Hopefully this is just 1 of those unfortunate anomalies. Glad to hear that you weren't harmed as a result of this incident

 

[Warpigs]

Batteries you don't screw around with. if the wrap starts coming off, or any abnormaly type of thing. You can try to repair it (for me not recommended), Or Buy new ones (Recommended by me)

I have only been vaping like 577 days, and I still learn things that can make my vaping hobby more safer.

 

[morganridge0995]

I had no idea. I have loose batteries both rechargeable and otherwise rolling around in containers all over my house! I did not realize how dangerous a little battery could be. I will be doing some clean up today, I'm sitting on a ticking time bomb. Thanks for the info. I feel like an idiot.

 

[Kaezziel]

Don't feel too bad, Morgan... we can fix ignorance, but stupid is forever... just be grateful that you're not stupid!

There are things about this hobby that we have all had to learn as we progress along the path... you're still learning, and that's a good thing!

 

[deach]

Kind of wish Morgan would check back in and let us know she's doing ok and got some good info on how to vape safe. Morgan you there???