Time to close this thread. What we have learned from it is:
1. Any battery will burn up if mistreated. 'Mistreated' includes being in a faulty device, or one that is stored incorrectly, or a battery being placed loose in a pocket or purse (it must be transported in a battery container).
2. DO NOT transport or store an APV without the master switch (if fitted) set to off, or the atty removed. Doing so constitutes misuse.
3. ECF recommends AW IMR cells because:
a. They do not explode in the users face.
b. Genuine AW cells can be purchased through an authorised distributor. The supply chain is one of the most important factors, in a market where counterfeits are widely available and the consumer does not know if the item is genuine or not.
We will continue to recommend them, for these very important reasons.
4. Large rechargeable
batteries are intrinsically dangerous due to the amount of stored energy. For example, there is a cell of this type that will release 70 amps if shorted out. This type of stored power is equivalent to a small grenade in terms of energy.
You must treat these batteries with respect. We recommend that you do not use an APV without a master on/off switch - or if you do, remove the atty or even better the batteries during storage or transport (and keep them in a plastic container). You can ignore this advice as much as you like, but it is the only way to stay safe.
A large rechargeable cell is like a small grenade. If you want to ignore that fact, it is up to you.
AW IMR cells are the least likely of all the various types to explode in the user's face, according to the data we have, which is why we recommend them. But like any other type, they will burn up in some circumstances. Those circumstances are going to be 99% external issues such as a battery shorted-out to the APV casing, or transporting them / storing them loose and not in a battery container (loose batteries commonly short out on keys or coins).
Update 210203-10
We now know that there are large numbers of counterfeit AW batteries in circulation. For example, AW batteries are available from many vendors on the Alibaba wholesale website - but they are all counterfeits according to AW. Be aware that unless you buy your batteries from an authorised AW distributor (or your e-cigarette vendor does), they are likely to be fakes. There is no such thing as a cheap AW battery. There is probably no such thing as a cheap good battery either.
