HOW DOES AN ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE WORK?

Electronic cigarettes are a recent invention that has gotten a lot of attention in recent years as being the healthier alternative to smoking. Although they are quite simple to understand, not everyone knows exactly how they work. Many smokers wonder if they will be too difficult to operate or if they’re really worth the initial expense. Below we will explore the parts of an e-cigarette and how it functions to produce its iconic vapor.

The Tank

The tank is where the e-liquid is stored. Vaporizers have differently sized tanks, all depending on how long a user wants it to last. Cig-a-like electronic cigarettes have the smallest tank, and the whole device is typically disposable after use. Larger handheld vaporizers will have a refillable tank, or they will use a disposable tank system where the whole tank can be switched out or discarded after use. Usually, in vaporizer pens that use e-liquid, a wick typically made of cotton will hang from the atomizer into the tank to feed liquid back up to the atomizer for vaporization. For tanks that aren’t disposable, users will have to switch out the wick and coils every so often to keep their tank fresh from poor tastes.

The Atomizer

The atomizer is always close to the tank, and sometimes it’s part of the tank, as this is the piece that turns the liquid into a vapor for inhalation. The atomizer usually consists of a coil wrapped around the top part of the wick. On disposable tank systems, the atomizer is usually part of the disposable section and is easily replaced. Some models include dual coils for faster heat-up time, although this does mean users will need to replace two coils at a time when they degrade. Usually, single coils are easier for beginners to get used to, while experienced vapers have enough skill to rebuild two coils in a reusable system.

The Battery

The largest part of the device, the battery is what gives the atomizer power and heats up the coil. Each brand and style of device will include batteries of differing strengths and lifespan. Smaller batteries typically need recharging after one use, while larger ones can last a whole day or more. Most batteries are built into the device, so the whole device will need to be recharged. When the battery finally loses its charge at the end of its life, the user will also need to replace the whole device. However, some devices, such as MODs, include removable batteries so there’s no downtime between sessions and users can keep their device even after the battery completely dies.

Before a user inserts a new battery, they need to make sure the battery is compatible with their device. Some batteries are too powerful for the coil and can cause an overheat, or even an explosion. Like all batteries, vaporizer batteries should be handled with care. Always make sure there’s enough ventilation when charging, store your device at room temperature, and avoid testing the limits of both the battery and your device.

Putting It All Together

When the user presses the button on their vaporizer, this activates the battery to start charging the coil. Once the coil has reached optimal temperature, it will vaporize the liquid it comes in contact with on the wick. The user then draws in the vapor through the mouthpiece for inhalation. Only normal breaths are required to draw in the vapor and keep the cycle continues until the user is finished.