When it comes to electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers, safety is so important. While some e-cigarettes are virtually foolproof, some advanced devices can pose a serious health risk if not handled properly. Vapers and e-cigarette users must learn and understand proper lithium battery handling and charging procedures in order to prevent avoidable accidents. This is especially important when traveling with e-cigarette devices and accessories.
This post is a guest post written by Andrew. All content contained within are the author’s own opinion.
Airplane Safety
In multiple instances, e-cigarettes have caused fires in checked luggage, according to the FAA. When the heating element in an e-cigarette is accidentally activated and left on, it can cause overheating, which can lead to a fire risk. The FAA has implemented a policy that e-cigarettes should only be stored in carry-on luggage in the cabin. Keeping an electronic cigarette or vaping device on your person drastically reduces the risk of overheating.
Modified Devices
Many electronic cigarette users enjoy vaping with modified devices. Because mechanical MODs have an increased risk due to the nature of the firing mechanism and lack of on-board safety features, it is essential that vapers take steps to prevent overheating on airplanes. The rechargeable lithium battery should be removed from the device and safely stored in a plastic battery box. This ensures that the device does not fire without the user’s knowledge.
Proper Charging Procedures
For starters, rechargeable lithium batteries should not be charged on an airplane. When charging at home, you should only use reputable chargers that are made specifically for the type of batteries you are using. The charger should be kept on a metal surface, and it should never be left unsupervised. Once the battery is fully charged, remove the battery and unplug the charger. Many experts recommend resting the batteries after charging them, rather than using them immediately.
Use Quality Equipment
Using off-brand chargers or batteries can increase the risk of a fire. Many APVs come with safety features that effectively prevent a device from overheating, but some do not. If your device does not have safety features, you need to be extra cautious. Experienced vapers agree that spending a little bit of extra money on a quality charger and batteries is well-worth the minor investment, so never buy generic batteries or chargers. Not only does the performance suffer, but you put yourself and others at risk.
Do Your Homework
Before flying with an e-cigarette, contact the airline to ask about their policies. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and knowing what to expect ensures that you do not have to deal with any long delays because of an error in judgment. Additionally, take some time to learn about your vaporizer, charger, and batteries, and make sure you are completely familiar with their proper handling procedures. Remember, there are other people on the plane that are at risk if you mishandle your equipment, so take every precaution necessary.
