There has been a spate of e-cigarettes catching fire while on charge recently. This problem affects mid-size e-cigarettes such as eGo-type models. We don't know if it is caused by faulty chargers, faulty batteries, or a combination.
As a result you should follow best practice for charging lithium batteries, which is to charge them in a fireproof sack, called a Li-Po charging sack (the Li-Po cells used in radio-control models sometimes catch fire while being charged). An alternative is a cookie tin (cake tin, biscuit tin) with gas vent holes drilled in it.
Note: it appears this problem also affects batteries on charge via USB sockets: devices on charge in a USB socket are also reported as failing - not just those on a wall charger. This means you should use a Li-Po sack even if your device is charging off a PC.
Your e-cigarette vendor may sell Li-Po charging sacks, otherwise they are easily found on Ebay or just google for them.
Don't put batteries being charged on a surface that can ignite - the charging sack should be put on stone or tiles. Don't put it on carpet, plastic flooring, wood or a worktop. A garage cement floor is ideal.
Do not leave batteries on charge unattended. This means don't leave the house if they are on charge (unplug them).
Take the batteries off as soon as they are charged. Do not leave them on charge.
Unplug the charger when not in use.
--------------------
Lithium batteries have certain benefits and negatives: they hold a lot of energy, but are not as safe as main street AA cells from the store. You need to treat them with respect.
Note: mid-size batteries like this are not known to have problems in use, only while on charge.
As a result you should follow best practice for charging lithium batteries, which is to charge them in a fireproof sack, called a Li-Po charging sack (the Li-Po cells used in radio-control models sometimes catch fire while being charged). An alternative is a cookie tin (cake tin, biscuit tin) with gas vent holes drilled in it.
Note: it appears this problem also affects batteries on charge via USB sockets: devices on charge in a USB socket are also reported as failing - not just those on a wall charger. This means you should use a Li-Po sack even if your device is charging off a PC.
Your e-cigarette vendor may sell Li-Po charging sacks, otherwise they are easily found on Ebay or just google for them.
Don't put batteries being charged on a surface that can ignite - the charging sack should be put on stone or tiles. Don't put it on carpet, plastic flooring, wood or a worktop. A garage cement floor is ideal.
Do not leave batteries on charge unattended. This means don't leave the house if they are on charge (unplug them).
Take the batteries off as soon as they are charged. Do not leave them on charge.
Unplug the charger when not in use.
--------------------
Lithium batteries have certain benefits and negatives: they hold a lot of energy, but are not as safe as main street AA cells from the store. You need to treat them with respect.
Note: mid-size batteries like this are not known to have problems in use, only while on charge.
Last edited:
