Everything You Need To Know About The 18650 Battery

Many vape devices, especially beginner ones, have their batteries inbuilt into the casing, so you don't have to change them out – just recharge them again and again! More advanced devices, like as vape mods and some more advanced pod kits, don't necessarily come with batteries, so you'll have to buy them separately. An 18650 battery, which is a lithium-ion power supply, is the most common type of battery for vapers. This type of battery is very useful since it is safe, inexpensive, and rechargeable, so you don't have to buy new power sources as often as you would with batteries.

Everything you need to know about 18650 batteries is discussed in this article. We'll go over different types, features, charging, lifespans, and our battery and charger recommendations.

What Exactly Is An 18650?

A lithium-ion rechargeable battery is known as an 18650. The technical term for them is "18650 cells." The 18650 cell has a voltage of 3.7 volts and a capacity of 1800 to 3500 mAh (mili-amp-hours).

A normal 18650 may have a voltage range of 2.5 to 4.2 volts or a charging voltage of 4.2 volts; however, the nominal voltage is 3.7 volts.

Two Types Of Batteries

There are two types of batteries, Protected and unprotected. Protected 18650 batteries are highly recommended. The usual charge time for an 18650 battery is around 4 hours. The time it takes to charge a battery depends on the charger's power and voltage, as well as the type of battery.

18650 Batteries: Protected Or Unprotected?

An electrical circuit protects 18650 batteries. The circuit acts as a protective barrier against "over charged," "over discharging," "over voltage," and "short circuit" by being contained in the battery casing. A protected 18650 battery is better than an unprotected 18650 battery.

Although unprotected 18650 batteries are less expensive, we do not suggest using them. Unprotected batteries should only be used in situations where the capacity and charging are monitored and controlled from the outside. Protected batteries usually have a "click top," but double-check the specifications to be sure.  If a battery is cracked, damaged, or appears to be leaking, take it to a battery recycling center to be recycled.

Sizes Of Batteries

The 18650 has 1170 cubic mm, the 14500 has 700 cubic mm, and the AAA has 467 cubic mm. It's worth noting that the 14500s can only be used in AA devices that handle both 3.7- and 1.5-volt batteries. The 21700 battery, with a volume of 1550 cubic mm, is larger than the 18650 battery; nonetheless, the two batteries are not replaceable.

What Are The Uses Of 18650 Batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries, which include 18650 batteries, are used in a wide range of portable devices, including phones, computers, and cameras, as well as portable power tools and electric car batteries. They're utilized in a variety of applications since they're long-lasting, easy to recharge, and, most importantly, they're generally safe.

Your 18650 battery has a cylindrical shape which is about the same size as an AA battery (albeit the 18650 is somewhat larger, so you won't even be able to use it in any device that takes AA batteries). Not to mention that 18650 batteries are all around three times as powerful as AA batteries, so if you use the wrong one, you'll likely overload your TV controller.

18650 batteries are the most frequently used in high-drain devices that require a lot of power, such as torches, computers, electronics, and, of course, vapes and e-cigarettes, because they are so powerful. Modern vapes, in particular, require a significant amount of power to effectively heat the e-liquid and produce vapour, as well as power any controllers or user interfaces on the device, while being small enough to be easily accessible. As a result, 18650 batteries are ideal for use with your vape or e-cigarette.

How Do You Recharge 18650 Batteries?

While rechargeable batteries can be used multiple times, they do not last permanently. All rechargeable batteries, including 18650s, will ultimately stop charging properly. Absorption and electrochemical degradation occur as the battery is utilized, affecting its capacity to charge effectively.

However, one of the main qualities of 18650 batteries is their long-term durability, not only between charges. The amount of times you can recharge your battery varies depending on the model you choose, but most will last you at least 300 charges and usually up to approximately 500 charges, while some models can be configured to last up to 2000 charges!

Internal vape batteries are simple to recharge; just plug them in and go like a phone or computer, but external batteries, like as the 18650, need a charger to ensure that they charge properly and quickly. Many different power sizes, such as the 18650, can be charged with a charger like the XTAR MC2 USB Charging Cable. This device is easy to operate and includes a number of features that help to increase the safety and lifespan of your batteries, such as:

• An input of 5V DC/2.1A
• LED indicators with a 4.2V cut-off voltage
• Power supply for micro USB
• There are two charging stations.
• Charging in three stages
• Design for low heat
• Protection against polarity reversal
• Protection against short circuits
• Detaching under voltage

18650 Battery Care

1. Never fully discharge a battery; instead, charge it as early as your vaping device shows that it's time to do so.
2. When you use your batteries for the first time, make sure they're fully charged.
3. Never charge a battery to a higher voltage than it was designed for, or go above the product's guidelines in any way.
4. Do not leave your vape batteries to charge while you are away.
5. Do not keep fully charged 18650 batteries for a long period of time.
6. Use only moderate battery chargers that are built for 18650 batteries.
7. Always charge your batteries on a flame surface, including a heat-resistant mat.
8. Don't keep a damaged battery exposed until you've found out how to safely dispose of it.
9. Always make absolutely sure you're safely disposing of dead or damaged batteries in accordance with local rules.

How To Dispose Of Your Batteries

Considering lithium-ion batteries are still electrical equipment, they should be handled with care as they reach the end of their useful life. In the United Kingdom, 18650 batteries are protected by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations, which means they'll have a swapped bin symbol on them to indicate they shouldn't be put out with regular trash. Rather of throwing away your batteries, reuse them! This not only means they won't pollute landfills, but it also means the pieces will be properly sorted and reused in other goods.

Final Thoughts

This complete guide "Everything You Need to Know about the 18650 Battery" is aimed to support you enjoy vaping properly. Start by looking at the site for information more about how to use and care for your 18650 batteries.