A Guide to External Vaping Batteries: Size, Battery Life, Amps & Chargers
When it comes to vaping, power is everything. Whether you’re using a high-powered box mod or a sub-ohm tank, the battery you use plays a vital role in your vaping experience. External vaping batteries are a key component in many vape kits, especially for advanced vapers who use devices that require removable power sources. Understanding the different types of external vaping batteries, their sizes, battery life, amps, and chargers will help you make an informed decision about which one is best for your vaping needs. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about external vaping batteries.
What Are External Vaping Batteries?
External vaping batteries are rechargeable batteries designed for use in high-powered mods and vape devices. Unlike internal batteries that are built into devices, external batteries are removable and can be swapped out when needed. These batteries are typically lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (LiPo) and come in different sizes, capacities, and amp ratings to suit various vaping styles and devices.
Using high-quality, reputable external batteries is essential for safety, performance, and longevity. Always purchase batteries from reliable brands and avoid counterfeit products, as low-quality batteries can pose significant safety risks.
Different Sizes of External Vaping Batteries
External vaping batteries come in several different sizes, which affect their performance, capacity, and compatibility with vape devices. The most common sizes are 18650, 20700, and 21700. Let’s break down each one:
18650 Batteries:
- Size: 18mm in diameter and 65mm in length.
- Commonly Used In: Most vape mods, particularly those that require one or two external batteries.
- Capacity: Typically between 1500mAh to 3500mAh.
- Pros: These are the most widely available and affordable batteries for vaping. They work well in smaller devices and are ideal for moderate to heavy vapers.
- Cons: Lower capacity compared to larger battery types like 21700.
20700 Batteries:
- Size: 20mm in diameter and 70mm in length.
- Commonly Used In: Advanced vape mods designed for higher wattage output.
- Capacity: Typically between 2000mAh to 4000mAh.
- Pros: They offer higher capacity and better performance than the 18650 batteries, making them a great choice for high-wattage vapers.
- Cons: Slightly larger and not as commonly found as the 18650 batteries.
- 21700 Batteries:
- Size: 21mm in diameter and 70mm in length.
- Commonly Used In: High-performance mods, especially those used by cloud chasers and advanced vapers.
- Capacity: Typically between 3000mAh to 5000mAh.
- Pros: The 21700 battery provides the highest capacity and amp ratings, offering longer battery life and higher performance for demanding vape setups.
- Cons: Larger size may not fit in all vape devices, and these batteries can be more expensive.
Understanding Battery Life and Amps in Vaping Batteries
When choosing external vaping batteries, two key factors to consider are battery life (mAh) and amp ratings (A). Both affect how long your battery lasts and how much power it can safely provide.
Battery Life (mAh)
Battery life is typically measured in milliamp hours (mAh), which indicates how much charge the battery can store. A higher mAh rating generally means the battery will last longer before needing to be recharged. For instance:
- 18650 batteries often range from 1500mAh to 3500mAh.
- 20700 and 21700 batteries can range from 2000mAh to 5000mAh.
The benefit: The higher the mAh, the longer you’ll be able to vape between charges. However, higher mAh ratings usually come with larger battery sizes.
Amps (A)
The amp rating (often referred to as "continuous discharge rating" or CDR) is the amount of current a battery can safely discharge over a set period. This is critical when using sub-ohm tanks or high-wattage mods, as these devices require a battery that can handle high power demands.
For example:
- 18650 batteries typically have an amp rating of 15A to 30A.
- 20700 and 21700 batteries often have an amp rating of 30A to 40A or more.
The benefit: A higher amp rating means the battery can safely handle higher wattage and power loads without overheating or causing damage. For sub-ohm vaping, it’s important to use batteries with higher amp ratings to avoid safety issues.
Choosing the Right Amps and Battery Life for Your Vape Device
- Low-Wattage Vaping: If you're vaping at lower wattages (e.g., below 40W), you may not need a high-amp battery. A 18650 with a decent mAh capacity (around 2500mAh to 3000mAh) will suffice.
- High-Wattage or Sub-Ohm Vaping: For high-wattage vaping (e.g., above 80W), choose batteries with higher amp ratings (30A+) and larger capacities (3500mAh or more). This ensures the battery can handle the power demands without strain.
Remember, using a battery with the appropriate amp rating is crucial for safety. Never exceed the battery’s recommended amp limit, as doing so could cause overheating or even battery failure.
External Battery Chargers for Vaping
To safely charge your external batteries, it’s important to use a reliable external battery charger. A high-quality charger can extend the life of your batteries and ensure they’re charged safely.
Benefits of External Battery Chargers:
- Balanced Charging: External chargers provide balanced charging, ensuring that each battery receives the same amount of charge, which helps extend battery life.
- Safety Features: Most external chargers are equipped with safety features such as overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and temperature monitoring.
- Multiple Ports: Many external chargers allow you to charge multiple batteries at once, saving time and effort.
- Faster Charging: External chargers can charge batteries faster than USB charging through a vape mod.
Recommended Features for a Good Charger:
- Multiple Slots: Look for chargers that support 2, 4, or even 6 slots, especially if you use multiple batteries.
- LCD Screen: A charger with an LCD screen will show you the charging progress of each battery, so you can monitor the process.
- Smart Charging: Some chargers feature smart charging technology that adjusts the charging rate depending on the battery’s condition.
- Compatibility: Ensure the charger is compatible with the battery sizes and types you use, such as 18650, 20700, and 21700.
How to Properly Care for Your Vaping Batteries
To ensure the longevity and safe performance of your external vaping batteries, follow these maintenance tips:
- Store Properly: Always store your batteries in a cool, dry place and never expose them to extreme temperatures.
- Avoid Overcharging: Use a charger with safety features to prevent overcharging, which can reduce battery life.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your batteries for signs of wear, such as dents, scratches, or leakage. If you notice any damage, replace the battery immediately.
- Don’t Mix Batteries: When using multiple batteries in a mod, always use batteries of the same type, brand, and charge level.
- Use the Right Charger: Always use an external charger instead of charging batteries through your vape device. This ensures a more reliable and balanced charge.
Conclusion
External vaping batteries are an essential component of many vape devices, especially for advanced vapers using high-wattage mods and sub-ohm tanks. Understanding the different sizes, battery life, amp ratings, and how to choose the right battery for your vaping style is key to ensuring a safe, satisfying vaping experience. Additionally, using a high-quality external charger will help extend the lifespan of your batteries while keeping you safe during charging.
By choosing the right external battery and charger, you can optimize your vaping setup and enjoy longer, more enjoyable vape sessions. Always prioritize safety and battery care to get the most out of your external vaping batteries.