Facts about 'exploding' e-cigarettes from ECF

The administrator of the electronic cigarette community forum ECF (http://e-cigarette-forum.com) has responded to concerns from members and e-cigarette users about recent news of a man seriously injured when his e-cigarette "exploded" in his mouth. 

This information mostly addresses the type of e-cigarette called "mods." Mods are either user-modified or larger manufactured devices which typically use loose lithium-ion batteries rather than the sealed battery design of most mass-produced devices. While most "mods" are designed and built with all of the appropriate features to make them as safe or safer than mass-produced models; a very small number may not have the necessary safety features and could have a higher risk of a dangerous malfunction.

CASAA feels this is good information for e-cigarette users to know and encourages members to read the ECF message below and accompanying link to more information on ECF:

The simple, short-form version is this:

• It is only certain types of mods (XL specials) that are affected

• Only metal tube mods, with two batteries inserted, are affected

• Other types of mods are not affected

• Regular e-cigarettes are not affected (like the 510, KR808, etc.)

• Mid-size e-cigs are not affected (like the eGo, Riva, Tornado, etc.)

Only metal tube mods using two batteries for a high-voltage result are implicated in these explosions. Nothing else is affected. Here is some guidance:

• It is best to use Li-Mn cells (such as the AW 'red' batteries), or protected Li-ion cells, in these 2-cell mods (or any mod, for that matter).

• Check that the C Rating for the batteries (maximum discharge current) given by the battery manufacturer is at least 2,000mA (2 amps). Batteries with a discharge capability lower than this ARE NOT SUITABLE.

• Unprotected Li-ion batteries, or batteries with a C Rating below 2,000mA, should not be used.

• Ideally the mod will have both electrical or electronic AND physical safety features. If so you should be covered, as long as you use the best batteries you can buy.

• Cutting costs where batteries are concerned IS A VERY BAD MOVE.

• Good batteries cost about $10 each - $3 batteries for a 2-cell mod are not a good choice at all. You just multiplied the risk by about 1,000 times.

• If you are using two batteries then you need to be ESPECIALLY CAREFUL.

Only metal tube mods with two batteries have exploded in use. Nothing else is affected.

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NOTE: CASAA is reporting this statement and accompanying link as a resource for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, the statements quoted here and made on the ECF web site are solely the opinion of ECF and/or its representatives.