Crash Course on Vape Batteries: Safety & Tips
Photo credit: Jenn Armitage
The vape category continues to experience growth as more and more products become available. There are two main formats within the vape category: disposables and cartridges. Disposables are all-in-one units that are used until they run out, but cartridges are used with a vape battery and cartridges can be changed as often as the consumer desires.
TYPES OF 510 VAPE BATTERIES
Breath-activated: these batteries do not have a button to press in order to use them. Your breath, while inhaling from the cartridge, sends power from the battery to the cartridge to produce vapour. When it’s time to charge the battery, the battery light may flash to indicate it’s losing charge or it will simply stop working. Plug the battery into a 510 battery charger (make sure it’s compatible, see below) and leave until the battery indicates the charge is complete.
Button-activated: these types of batteries require you to press a button, while inhaling from the cartridge, to produce vapour. Button activated vape batteries are usually sold in a dormant status, meaning they are turned off and require you to turn them on for use. For FOUR20 button-activated batteries, click 5 fast clicks to turn it off and 5 fast clicks to turn it off. Button-activated batteries often have variable temperature settings, meaning you can select your desired heat for usage. You will either have a dial at the bottom of the battery, or will be able to switch temperatures by clicking the button. Refer to the instructions for your specific unit to ensure you know how it works.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VAPING WITH A BATTERY
Always go for the lowest heat setting and not the highest. Low temperatures provide the most flavourful hits, best effects and lower health risks.
Use the pre-heat function to aid in unclogging cartridges and warm them up for use. For example, full spectrum CBD and CBG cartridges will crystallize and that is a GOOD thing, it means there is a higher amount of waxes and fats making it more viscous. By heating up the cartridge before you use it, you will not have an issue with the crystallization upon use.
To clear a cartridge clog, activate the preheat setting, then take a draw on the cartridge to break the clog.
Make sure your battery is completely turned off before storing it. If left on, button-activated batteries can be activated while stored which can deplete the cartridge, overheat the product (which you don’t want) or cause leakage from the cartridge.
SAFETY TIPS FOR VAPE BATTERIES AND CHARGERS
Do not overcharge devices. When battery chargers are overcharged, it can mess with their cells and make them unstable, often causing failure or dangerous outcomes like overheating. Devices plugged into power sources will continue to draw power even when they are done charging, so always unplug your device when the light indicates charging is complete. Never plug a battery in to charge and go to sleep for the night.
If chargers get hot while charging, please unplug, recycle and replace.
Just because a charger fits, does not mean it’s compatible. Chargers have different voltages, as do batteries. Always ensure you are using a compatible charger to ensure none of the above mentioned safety issues don’t occur.
Ask your budtender for more about our battery selection as well as our FREE “Vapourizer Tips” booklet, available in store.
