Exploding Vape?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Baditude

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Apr 8, 2012
30,394
73,076
71
Ridgeway, Ohio
There have only been two vape related deaths, both occuring within the last year. That is not meant to be minimalizing these tragedies, but facts are facts.

Batteries violently misbehave when they are short circuited. The consensus seems to be that novices using a mechanical mod (no short circuit protection circuitry) without proper ventilation holes were to blame for these tragedies. The users both could have been using under-specced batteries with super low ohm coils. We never learn from the news what batteries or mod or what juice delivery device at what coil resistance were being used, so it is often conjecture as far as specifics to the cause. Basically what this means is using a mechanical mod as a novice is not to be recommended. You have to know and understand your gear, your batteries, Ohm's Law.
Statistically, most battery explosions or fires are caused while charging batteries or carrying them unprotected in a pocket with keys or coins which can short circuit the batteries. Chargers can cause heat, and if not being used on a fire resistant surface, flamable surfaces can catch fire. Electronic components can fail and cause a fire, so the charging process should be monitored while you are at home and awake. Anything using a lithium ion battery, including your cell phone, can burst into flames or explode.


"In 2017, the U.S. Fire Administration reported 133 acute injuries from e-cigarettes, vaporizers and other similar devices between 2009 and 2016, with most fires and explosions occurring while the e-cigarette was in a pocket or being used. None of those injuries resulted in death, according to the report. In 2018, a Florida man died when his e-cigarette exploded.

The agency reported that e-cigarettes present a unique hazard because of the presence of a lithium-ion battery in a device used so close to the face. Additionally, the shape of e-cigarettes makes them more likely to act like “flaming rockets” if a battery fails, the USFA said.
(*tube shaped mechanical mods)

“No other consumer product places a battery with a known explosion hazard such as this in such close proximity to the human body,” the report said. “It is this intimate contact between the body and the battery that is most responsible for the severity of the injuries that have been seen. While the failure rate of the lithium-ion batteries is very small, the consequences of a failure, as we have seen, can be severe and life-altering for the consumer.” "

As per usual, no specifics of what batteries, battery device, or atomizer was being used in the above two tragedies. One can reasonably presume it was an unregulated mech mod being used by a naive user. These are the vape setups most likely to explode or flame, by far. Mech mods are generally not recommended for new vapers as they require an understanding of Ohm's Law and using the proper spec batteries. That's the good thing about this E-Cigarette Forum, as there is a wealth of information available here to help keep vapers "safer". There will always be a margin of risk when using a lithium ion battery.


 
Last edited:

DeloresRose

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Apr 25, 2014
8,610
63,106
toledo ohio
I don’t know where you ‘keep reasing’ ... I’ve seen two stories about that, that’s all. Both were using a mech mod, I believe the same model. This last one had no idea how to use it and had just stepped out of a vape shop where he asked for advice on it.

I don’t use mechs, but I’d bet others will be along to link a bunch of info on safety.

My short answer is, mechs are not for newcomers. Batteries are only as safe as the person who handles them, no matter what you use them for.
 

Sugar_and_Spice

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 11, 2010
13,663
35,225
between here and there
There have only been two vape related deaths, both occuring within the last year.

The consensus seems to be that novices using a mechanical mod (no short circuit protection circuitry) without proper ventilation holes were to blame for the tragedies. They both could have been using under-specced batteries with super low ohm coils; we never learn from the news what batteries or mod or what juice delivery device at what coil resistance were being used, so it is often conjecture as far as specifics to the cause.
Statistically, most battery explosions or fires are caused while charging batteries. Chargers can cause heat, and if not being used on a fire resistant surface, flamable surfaces can catch fire. Electronic components can fail and cause a fire, so the charging process should be monitored while you are at home and awake. Anything using a lithium ion battery, including your cell phone, can burst into flames or explode.

"In 2017, the U.S. Fire Administration reported 133 acute injuries from e-cigarettes, vaporizers and other similar devices between 2009 and 2016, with most fires and explosions occurring while the e-cigarette was in a pocket or being used. None of those injuries resulted in death, according to the report. In 2018, a Florida man died when his e-cigarette exploded.

The agency reported that e-cigarettes present a unique hazard because of the presence of a lithium-ion battery in a device used so close to the face. Additionally, the shape of e-cigarettes makes them more likely to act like “flaming rockets” if a battery fails, the USFA said.

“No other consumer product places a battery with a known explosion hazard such as this in such close proximity to the human body,” the report said. “It is this intimate contact between the body and the battery that is most responsible for the severity of the injuries that have been seen. While the failure rate of the lithium-ion batteries is very small, the consequences of a failure, as we have seen, can be severe and life-altering for the consumer.” "

As per usual, no specifics of what batteries, battery device, or atomizer was being used in the above two tragedies. One can reasonably presume it was an unregulated mech mod being used by a naive user. These are the vape setups most likely to explode or flame, by far. Mech mods are generally not recommended for new vapers as they require an understanding of Ohm's Law and using the proper spec batteries. That's the good thing about this E-Cigarette Forum, as there is a wealth of information available here to help keep vapers "safer". There will always be a margin of risk when using a lithium ion battery.

Bad, I am not trying to be critical but would you consider renaming the above link to your blog? Or at least removing the 'Dumb' part? Everyone, even those who have been around a long time and actually did use the SB mods from Apollo back in the earlier days can benefit from this info, even if only using it as refresher.

Thanks.

:)
 

Baditude

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Apr 8, 2012
30,394
73,076
71
Ridgeway, Ohio
Bad, I am not trying to be critical but would you consider renaming the above link to your blog? Or at least removing the 'Dumb' part?
If you re-read the blog, it was in response to an ECF member's post who was having difficulty in understanding Ohm's Law. He referred to himself as a "dumb noob". I didn't remove the "dumb noob" reference to maintain the authenticity of the thread title.

I would consider removing the "dumb" part in the title if enough people agree with you.
 

bombastinator

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 12, 2010
13,288
26,502
MN USA
Iirc when these types of mods first came out there were “safer” batteries available as well that didn’t really vent and instead turned more or less into smoking hot black goo. These things are no longer available afaik, so these mods have become significantly more dangerous as newer more powerful batteries still fit in them. Battery chemistry is important.
 

Skeebo

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
May 31, 2014
7,007
39,984
Keep reading stories of people losing their life due to vape exploding or house fires caused by charging batteries for vape.

Is there any particular brand/style more susceptible to exploding/catching fire that we should all be aware of?

Just something relevant to think about-- every brand of cigarette can burn your house down.
 

Sugar_and_Spice

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 11, 2010
13,663
35,225
between here and there
If you re-read the blog, it was in response to an ECF member's post who was having difficulty in understanding Ohm's Law. He referred to himself as a "dumb noob". I didn't remove the "dumb noob" reference to maintain the authenticity of the thread title.

I would consider removing the "dumb" part in the title if enough people agree with you.
Understood. But referring someone that does not know the background of why you titled it that way, it is offensive. Its always OK to called oneself dumb, but when others do it becomes offensive. jmho

:)
 

Mordacai

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Jan 16, 2019
4,235
7,639
UK
dthor68, all vaping devices have some element of risk. But unregulated mechanical mods carry the greatest risk.

Things that reduce your risk are:

Buy your device from a reputable manufacturer and seller.

Use decent named brand batteries, mooch has created a list of them.

Turn off device when carrying in a pocket, bag, glove box, door or seat pocket. Just think anywhere you don't want to activate or fire.

Don't charge batteries in your device if you can help it, use a decent battery charger.

If you're not going to be using device for a long period of time, turn off and remove batteries.

If your device starts acting erratically, stop using it and remove batteries.

If you accidentally spill liquid and it gets into your device, switch it off, remove batteries, clean it and let it dry in a warm place.

And I'm sure that other folks will be able to give you a few more ideas to take to heart.
 

bombastinator

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 12, 2010
13,288
26,502
MN USA
Just something relevant to think about-- every brand of cigarette can burn your house down.
Or someone else’s, or your clothes. Iirc it’s been documented as a major problem with housing for the homeless. They keep burning the stuff down with their cigarettes.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Skeebo

dwcraig1

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Mar 17, 2012
9,012
49,123
Imperial Beach, California
I still have a good dozen or so mechanical's hanging around, I'm entertaining the idea of destroying them rather than giving them away. I would hate to have something bad happen to one of the recipients. Or I could use them myself .... someday though I doubt it. All are "styled" except for one.
 

Baditude

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Apr 8, 2012
30,394
73,076
71
Ridgeway, Ohio
I still have a good dozen or so mechanical's hanging around, I'm entertaining the idea of destroying them rather than giving them away. I would hate to have something bad happen to one of the recipients. Or I could use them myself .... someday though I doubt it. All are "styled" except for one.
I wouldn't destroy them. I'd keep them as momentos if you are in any way sentimental. Or keep them around for the vape appocolypse should vape gear become banned in the future.
 

Punk In Drublic

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
Aug 28, 2018
4,194
17,518
Toronto, ON
No disrespect @Baditude I know your intensions are good but I kinda agree with @Sugar_and_Spice. At quick glace the title can be perceived as insulting, especially when used to educate a new user. If I am new to something I do not mind being called a noob, but that does not make me dumb. The title should entice new users to read and become educated, not insult them which could drive them away. Just a thought.

Mechanical devices being void of any safety features do hold a higher level of risk over their electronic based counterparts. But that does not mean someone using a regulated device should proceed with a false sense of security. Many YouTube videos show devices going off while in transport, in someone’s pocket or purse - many of which I would bet are regulated devices. The question becomes why.

Always respect your device’s limitations. Turn it off while in transport and it is absolutely critical you practice safe battery measures.
 

Baditude

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Apr 8, 2012
30,394
73,076
71
Ridgeway, Ohio
No disrespect @Baditude I know your intensions are good but I kinda agree with @Sugar_and_Spice. At quick glace the title can be perceived as insulting, especially when used to educate a new user. If I am new to something I do not mind being called a noob, but that does not make me dumb. The title should entice new users to read and become educated, not insult them which could drive them away. Just a thought.
Ok, I just tried to change the title of the blog to "Explain it to the Vape Noob, Ohm's Law Calculations for a Mech Mod". Hit save. It didn't work. I retried it and it failed again. o_O

Edit: I figured it out. Explain it to the Vape Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations for a Mechanical Mod
 
Last edited:

Skeebo

Vaping Master
ECF Veteran
May 31, 2014
7,007
39,984
I still have a good dozen or so mechanical's hanging around, I'm entertaining the idea of destroying them rather than giving them away. I would hate to have something bad happen to one of the recipients. Or I could use them myself .... someday though I doubt it. All are "styled" except for one.

I have a couple of authentic Copper Overdoses, which were one of my favorite mechanicals, that I still keep in a box with with various other ones (Nemesis, Caravella). I had serious issues with remembering to put the locking ring on after use... Now I only use them to gain leverage on a tough to remove top cap.
 

Sugar_and_Spice

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 11, 2010
13,663
35,225
between here and there
Ok, I just tried to change the title of the blog to "Explain it to the Vape Noob, Ohm's Law Calculations for a Mech Mod". Hit save. It didn't work. I retried it and it failed again. o_O
A mod can change it. Best mod to ask is classwife. You can probably just pm her or tag her in a thread. Don't know her hours(if she even has any) or when she will be online, but she is a sweetheart.

:)
 

Baditude

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Apr 8, 2012
30,394
73,076
71
Ridgeway, Ohio

bombastinator

ECF Guru
ECF Veteran
Verified Member
Sep 12, 2010
13,288
26,502
MN USA
I still have a good dozen or so mechanical's hanging around, I'm entertaining the idea of destroying them rather than giving them away. I would hate to have something bad happen to one of the recipients. Or I could use them myself .... someday though I doubt it. All are "styled" except for one.
You could theoretically make them somewhat less dangerous with a drill. Vent holes (that work) change such a device from a bomb into more of a Roman candle.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread