Knowledge areas · 119 Terms
Coil, wick, airflow, battery and control electronics – the parts that together determine flavour, output and safety.
Every component performs a defined task in the liquid, airflow, heating or power path. Compatibility follows from dimensions, material, connection and permitted operating range – not from looking similar.
An 18650 battery is a cylindrical lithium-ion cell whose designation indicates approximately 18 millimetres diameter and 65 millimetres length. Capacity and permitted continuous current differ by cell model and must not be inferred from the format alone.
Open termA 20700 battery is a cylindrical lithium-ion cell measuring roughly 20 millimetres in diameter and 70 millimetres in length. The larger format may permit different capacity and current ratings but does not guarantee them; the data sheet and device approval are decisive.
Open termA 21700 battery is a cylindrical lithium-ion cell nominally about 21 millimetres wide and 70 millimetres long. It requires a matching compartment; capacity, chemistry and current limit are model-specific specifications rather than fixed properties of the size.
Open termThe 510 connector is the common mechanical and electrical interface between a vape mod and atomizer. It includes a thread, ground contact and insulated centre contact; fit, pin geometry and cleanliness affect connection reliability.
Open termA 510 drip tip belongs to a common narrower push-fit mouthpiece family and typically has its own insertion stem with sealing rings. Here “510” identifies the mouthpiece socket, not automatically the threaded 510 connector beneath the atomizer.
Open termThe 510 thread is the screw-fit portion of the 510 interface that secures an atomizer to a vape mod. It also forms an electrical ground contact; damaged, dirty or cross-threaded turns impair both retention and conductivity.
Open termAn 810 drip tip uses a larger push-fit socket than the common 510 format and often has a wide bore. Depending on the design, sealing rings sit on the tip or in the atomizer, so the size label alone does not guarantee perfect fit.
Open termThe air inlet is the external opening through which ambient air enters the draw and cooling system. Number, area and position determine maximum airflow; blockage or incoming liquid can impair draw activation and coil cooling.
Open termAirflow is the movement of air from the inlet across the coil to the mouthpiece. Its volume, direction and speed cool the heater, carry aerosol and determine draw resistance, interacting with power and chamber design.
Open termAirflow control is an adjustable aperture, ring or slider that changes the open cross-section of the air inlets. It alters draw resistance and cooling, but does not automatically adjust power or liquid supply.
Open termAn Alien coil is a multi-core build with a wave-textured outer wrap derived from Clapton construction. Its pronounced surface and mass alter liquid contact and heating response; the name alone does not define wire material or resistance.
Open termThe ampere is the SI unit of electric current and describes the flow of charge over time. In vape devices it is relevant to coil current, charging and a cell's current limit; these distinct ratings must not be confused.
Open termAn atomizer is the functional unit where liquid becomes aerosol at a heated coil. Depending on usage, the word may mean only the deck and heating section or the complete assembly including tank, airflow and mouthpiece.
Open termThe atomizer is the unit attached to the power device that stores or receives liquid, feeds it to the coil and channels the resulting aerosol. Its tank, coil head, airflow and connection may be integrated or modular.
Open termAn auto-draw sensor detects a pressure or flow change during inhalation and signals the control electronics to activate. Sensitivity, response time and cut-off logic shape operation; condensation or liquid in the sensor path can cause false responses.
Open termA battery stores electrical energy and supplies a vape device's chipset and heating coil. Cell chemistry, voltage, current capability, capacity and condition must suit the design; damaged or overloaded lithium-ion cells can present a serious safety risk.
Open termBattery capacity describes the amount of electric charge a cell can store, usually in milliampere-hours. It influences potential runtime but is not the same as maximum discharge current or watt-hour energy; load, efficiency and cut-off voltage also shape real results.
Open termBattery venting is the release of hot gases when internal cell pressure rises because of failure, overheating or overload. Vent openings in a device are intended to direct pressure outward, but they do not make such an event normal or harmless.
Open termA battery wrap is the thin electrically insulating plastic sleeve around a cylindrical cell. It prevents the conductive metal can from touching other parts; tears, holes or peeling can promote short circuits and require proper inspection or replacement.
Open termBoost mode briefly raises power or voltage at the start of activation so the coil heats more quickly. Pulse strength and duration depend on the device; an unsuitable setting can place greater thermal stress on the coil.
Open termWith bottom airflow, air enters beneath the coil and passes upward through or alongside the heating surface. The direct route enables targeted flow but places inlets near liquid areas, making sealing and flood management important design considerations.
Open termBottom fill means a filling opening on the underside of a tank or pod, usually accessible only after removal or inversion. Because it sits low, a fully closed plug and intact sealing surfaces are especially important.
Open termA build deck is the working platform of a rebuildable atomizer where coil leads are secured and wicks positioned. Terminals, airflow opening, liquid channels and available space determine which builds fit and how they receive air and liquid.
Open termA built-in battery is permanently integrated into the device housing and charged through its internal circuitry. It simplifies construction but is normally not user-replaceable, so ageing or failure can limit the usable life of the entire device.
Open termBypass mode sends the available battery voltage to the coil largely without regulating a fixed wattage. Its behaviour resembles a mechanical device, although some electronic protections may remain active depending on the particular model.
Open termA cartomizer combines a liquid cartridge and atomizer in a usually cylindrical unit, with absorbent filler surrounding the coil. This older format is replaced as a whole or filled where designed for it; connection and capacity vary.
Open termA cartridge is a removable container that supplies liquid to an electronic aerosol device. It may be only a reservoir or also contain coil and mouthpiece; shape, valves and contacts determine which system accepts it.
Open termA ceramic coil uses ceramic as a porous liquid carrier or insulating support around the actual heating element. Material formulation and construction determine heat distribution, liquid feed and fracture resistance; “ceramic” does not automatically mean a wire-free coil.
Open termThe charging port connects a device's internal charging circuit to an external power source. Connector type, permitted voltage and current are model-specific; debris, bent contacts or a loose socket can impair charging and electrical safety.
Open termThe chimney is the central channel carrying aerosol from the atomizing chamber to the mouthpiece while separating it from surrounding liquid. Its diameter, length and temperature affect air velocity, cooling and condensation inside the atomizer.
Open termThe chipset is the central control electronics of a regulated vape device. It processes buttons and sensors, measures electrical values, regulates output and implements protective cut-offs; its capabilities determine many of the device's operating features.
Open termA Clapton coil has a core wire tightly wrapped with thinner wire, resembling a guitar string. Its textured surface provides more liquid contact, but it also adds metal mass and affects resistance and heat-up time.
Open termA clearomizer is an atomizer with a transparent tank or viewing window, making liquid level and feed visible. It typically uses replaceable coil heads; connection, glass, seals and coil family are model-specific.
Open termThe coil is the atomizer's heating element. It converts electrical energy into heat so liquid can aerosolise at the wick; resistance, material and power range must match the device.
Open termA coil head is a sealed, replaceable assembly containing heating coil, wick, housing and liquid ports. It fits into a matching tank or pod; shape, seals, resistance and power rating must match the system exactly.
Open termCotton is a common cellulose-fibre wick material that absorbs liquid and supplies it to the coil. Fibre structure, compression and cleanliness affect capillary flow and flavour; dry cotton is quickly damaged by a heated coil.
Open termA cut-off automatically stops power delivery when an activation continues beyond a defined duration. It limits accidental continuous firing and thermal stress; the exact time is model-dependent and does not replace safe handling.
Open termA display presents operating data such as power, resistance, battery level, puff duration or warning messages. The values that can be viewed or adjusted depend on the particular device's chipset and firmware.
Open termDraw resistance is the pressure difference or effort needed to pull air through a device. It results from inlet size, channels, coil chamber and mouthpiece, with designs ranging from tight MTL to open DTL.
Open termA drip tip is a usually removable mouthpiece at an atomizer's aerosol outlet. Internal bore and material affect the air path and surface temperature, while connector size and O-rings determine mechanical compatibility and sealing.
Open termA dual-coil arrangement operates two heating elements together in one head or build deck. Their electrical connection changes total resistance, while surface area, current demand and liquid demand usually increase; device and airflow must support it.
Open termAn empty pod is supplied without liquid and is intended to be filled before its designated use. Depending on the product, a coil may already be fitted or required separately; “empty” describes filling state, not necessarily complete contents.
Open termFast charging is a mode that transfers more power than ordinary baseline charging. It requires a suitable cell, charging circuit, power source and often a compatible protocol; the device always determines the values it can safely accept.
Open termThe fill port is the closable channel through which liquid enters a tank or pod. Its size must suit the intended bottle nozzle while allowing displaced air to escape; a plug or valve then restores the seal.
Open termThe fire button is the manual control that activates the atomizer on a regulated device. Pressing it asks the electronics to supply power to the coil; locking functions are intended to prevent accidental firing during transport or in a pocket.
Open termFirmware is the software stored in the device that controls its chipset, display, power regulation and protection logic. Its version and manufacturer implementation can affect operation and measurement behaviour; changes should use only the officially supported process.
Open termA fused Clapton coil places at least two parallel core wires beneath one shared thin outer wrap. Compared with a simple Clapton it adds surface area and metal mass; total resistance, thermal inertia and required power depend on wire dimensions.
Open termA heating coil is resistance wire formed into turns inside an atomizer coil. Current passing through its electrical resistance produces heat; wire type, diameter, length and winding geometry shape total resistance and thermal behaviour.
Open termAn insulator electrically separates conductive parts, especially the positive contact from the grounded body of an atomizer or 510 connector. It must withstand mechanical stress and operating temperature; cracking or deformation can allow a short circuit.
Open termKanthal is an iron-chromium-aluminium resistance-wire alloy whose resistance stays comparatively stable when heated. It is therefore mainly used with power rather than temperature control; alloy grade, wire gauge and length determine the coil value.
Open termAn LED indicator communicates device states through colour, flashing patterns or brightness, for example charging, battery level, activation and faults. These signals are not standardised, so their meaning must be checked in the manual for the specific model.
Open termA liquid window is a transparent area in the body through which tank level and sometimes air bubbles are visible. It helps show whether the wick can still be supplied, although tinting or placement may limit readability.
Open termLow-voltage protection switches the device off when battery voltage falls below a defined threshold. This is intended to limit damaging over-discharge; repeated immediate cut-offs can indicate an empty, aged or unsuitable battery.
Open termmAh means milliampere-hour and is a unit of electric charge. On batteries it states capacity: a higher figure can indicate longer runtime under comparable load, but it provides no reliable information about permitted current or cell quality.
Open termA mesh coil uses perforated metal strip or wire mesh as its heating surface instead of a conventional round winding. The broad contact area can heat the wick evenly, but contact pressure, liquid supply and power range must suit the design.
Open termA micro coil is a compact winding with a small internal diameter and often tightly touching turns. It concentrates heating area in limited space; the term is not precisely standardised, so dimensions, resistance and wick volume require specific consideration.
Open termMicro-USB is an older connector that inserts in one orientation and is used for charging and occasional data transfer. Mechanical durability and available charging power vary, so a suitable undamaged cable and the manufacturer's specifications are important.
Open termThe mouthpiece is the contact and outlet area through which aerosol flows from the device during a puff. It may be integrated into a pod or replaceable; shape, bore and material affect airflow, condensation and cleaning.
Open termNichrome is a nickel-chromium heating-wire alloy, generally with lower resistivity and faster thermal response than comparable Kanthal wire. Exact grades and nickel content vary, so coil value and device mode must be compatible.
Open termNickel 200 is nearly pure nickel wire with very low base resistance and a clearly measurable resistance change when heated. It is intended for explicitly supported temperature control; unsuitable modes or devices cannot safely interpret its characteristics.
Open termA notch coil is a thin-walled metal tube or strip with cut slots forming one continuous heating path. The design offers a large surface with its own resistance characteristics; mounting and device must be specifically suitable for it.
Open termAn O-ring is a circular elastomer seal used between tank sections, glass, top cap or drip tip to contain liquid and air. Cross-section, material and size must match; pinched, hardened or torn rings can cause leaks.
Open termThe ohm is the SI unit of electrical resistance and is represented by the symbol Ω. One ohm exists when one volt produces one ampere of current; for coils the measured resistance is an important operating value.
Open termOhm's law describes the relationship U = R × I between voltage, resistance and current for an ohmic conductor. Electrical power can be calculated from it; real coils may change resistance as they heat, which must be considered.
Open termAn OLED display produces light at each individual pixel and needs no separate backlight. In vape devices it provides high-contrast status information in a small area; brightness, image retention and power use depend on the panel and its control circuit.
Open termOrganic cotton is cotton wick material whose raw fibre may be produced under an organic standard. The label does not automatically establish purity or vaping suitability; processing, residues, fibre form and approval for the intended application remain relevant.
Open termOvercharge protection monitors cell voltage during charging and stops or reduces charging current at the intended limit. It is part of the charging electronics but does not protect against unsuitable power supplies, damaged cells or every possible charging fault.
Open termOverheat protection uses a temperature sensor or calculated limits to stop output or charging when the device becomes too hot. It usually monitors electronics or battery and is not automatically equivalent to temperature control of the coil.
Open termIn a parallel coil, two or more wires run side by side through the same turns and carry current in parallel. This enlarges heating area and typically lowers total resistance compared with one equal-length wire, increasing current demand.
Open termPass-through charging means a manufacturer-supported ability to use a device while it is connected for charging. The electronics must coordinate charging and atomizer current; not every device supports this, and cable strain plus additional heat are technically relevant.
Open termA pod is a compact, system-specific liquid cartridge inserted into or magnetically retained by a matching battery section. It often combines tank, air channel, mouthpiece and coil, although some models allow the coil to be replaced separately.
Open termPod capacity is a cartridge's nominal liquid volume, usually stated in millilitres. It affects refill or replacement intervals but does not equal a usable puff count; residual volume and consumption vary with construction and operation.
Open termA postless deck has no raised mounting posts; coil leads enter recessed holes and are clamped from the side. This leaves more open space above the deck, but lead length must be prepared correctly before insertion.
Open termIn power mode the device regulates the wattage delivered to the coil to a selected value. Its electronics adjust output voltage for the measured resistance; the coil's specified range and the device limits still govern operation.
Open termA prebuilt coil is an industrially formed heating element for a rebuildable deck with predetermined wire geometry and nominal resistance. It is not necessarily a complete coil head; mounting and fitting the wick may still be part of the assembly.
Open termA prefilled pod contains a fixed amount of factory-supplied liquid and is usually sealed. The entire cartridge is replaced when empty, tying flavour, nicotine strength, coil resistance and device compatibility to the particular variant.
Open termPreheat is a time-limited power phase immediately after firing, before the normal target value applies. A stronger or weaker preheat changes the response of higher-mass coils; the device software defines its parameters and limits.
Open termA quad coil uses four heating sections in one coil head or build. This can provide substantial heating area but normally raises current, airflow and liquid requirements; the label alone reveals neither total resistance nor suitable power.
Open termRBA is an umbrella term for rebuildable atomizer units whose heating coil and wick can be installed or replaced by the user. It includes standalone RDAs, RTAs and RDTAs as well as rebuildable bases for compatible tanks or pods.
Open termAn RDA is a rebuildable dripping atomizer without a substantial liquid tank. Coil and wick are installed on a build deck and supplied by direct dripping or a squonk system; its small liquid reserve requires regular attention.
Open termAn RDTA combines an open RDA-like build deck with a liquid tank positioned below or beside it. Wick tails extend into the reservoir and carry liquid to the coil; the build and orientation affect reliable feeding.
Open termA refillable pod has a closable port for repeated filling with suitable liquid. Its coil may be integrated or separately replaceable; seal, fill limit, liquid viscosity and the pod's finite service life remain relevant.
Open termA replaceable battery can be removed from its intended compartment and exchanged without permanently opening the housing. Size, polarity, current rating and intact insulation must match; loose cells need a non-conductive protective case during transport.
Open termA replaceable coil is a consumable heating-and-wick unit removed as one piece from a tank or pod. Replacement format, sealing surfaces, resistance and power window are system-specific; similar names do not guarantee mechanical fit.
Open termA coil's electrical resistance limits current flow at a given voltage and is measured in ohms. It changes with material, geometry and temperature; regulated devices measure it to control power delivery and protective functions.
Open termResistance wire is a conductive material that converts electrical energy into heat through its defined resistance. Alloy, cross-section and length determine resulting coil resistance, current draw and behaviour suitable for the device's control system.
Open termReverse-polarity protection is intended to stop current flowing through the device circuitry when a replaceable battery is inserted backwards. Its implementation varies and does not remove the need to check positive and negative markings before insertion.
Open termAn RTA is a rebuildable tank atomizer in which a user-installed coil and wick receive liquid from an integrated reservoir. Tank pressure, feed channels and wick placement must work together to supply liquid without flooding or running dry.
Open termA seal separates liquid, air or electronics regions within a vape component. It may be an O-ring, flat gasket or moulded part; material, seating and compression determine whether the joint remains reliably leak-tight.
Open termShort-circuit protection detects abnormally low resistance or excessive current and interrupts output power. It is intended to limit damage to electronics and battery, but cannot make faulty insulation, incorrect assembly or damaged components safe.
Open termSide airflow directs air toward the coil from one or more sides. Inlet height, angle and distance determine which part of the heating surface is cooled and swept; symmetrical and one-sided layouts behave differently.
Open termSide fill is a filling port positioned on the side, especially common on removable pods. A flap or plug usually closes the channel; location, nozzle size, air displacement and a correctly seated seal affect clean filling and leak resistance.
Open termA silica wick consists of braided or bundled silica fibres and was used especially in older coil heads. It tolerates heat better than cotton but has different capillary and bending properties; damaged fibres should not remain in use.
Open termA single-coil configuration uses exactly one heating element in the atomizer. It simplifies electrical load and liquid supply compared with multi-coil arrangements but does not define resistance or power; size, material and construction remain decisive.
Open termSmart mode typically detects coil resistance or a compatible atomizer and uses it to suggest a power range or restrict settings. Detection does not replace the coil manufacturer's specification and can work differently across chipsets.
Open termA spaced coil has visible gaps between adjacent turns so they do not touch. Separation reduces electrical contact points between wraps and changes heat distribution and build length; material and total resistance still require separate consideration.
Open termA spring-loaded positive pin is a movable centre contact in a 510 connector that uses spring pressure to accommodate differing pin lengths. It should maintain contact without deforming the atomizer pin; debris or seized movement can cause measurement errors and interruptions.
Open termA squonk bottle is a flexible liquid reservoir inside a mod; squeezing it sends liquid through a tube and hollow 510 pin to the atomizer. Releasing the bottle creates suction that can draw some excess liquid back.
Open termA squonk pin is a hollow positive 510 contact that carries liquid from a bottle inside the mod to the atomizer deck. It replaces a closed standard pin only in compatible atomizers and must be correctly insulated and sealed.
Open termStainless-steel mesh is a fine, electrically conductive fabric used, depending on the atomizer, as a heating surface or rolled wick. Alloy, mesh size and installation determine resistance, capillary action and contact behaviour; the two applications are technically distinct.
Open termStainless-steel wire is a heating material available in different alloys, such as SS316L, whose resistance varies measurably with temperature. Many devices use it in power or suitable temperature-control modes; alloy profile and nominal resistance must be supported correctly.
Open termA tank is an atomizer's refillable liquid reservoir, supplying the coil through ports and a wick. Volume, material, seals and pressure balance determine practical use and leakage behaviour; the tank must also fit the atomizer mechanically.
Open termTank capacity is the nominal amount of liquid an atomizer tank may hold, usually stated in millilitres. Usable volume can be reduced by the chimney, coil and fill limit, and capacity does not determine a fixed number of puffs.
Open termTemperature control estimates coil temperature from the resistance change of a suitable wire material and reduces power when the target is reached. It requires a compatible coil, an accurate cold-resistance reading and the correct material setting.
Open termTitanium wire is used in suitable coils with supported temperature-control modes because its resistance changes with temperature. The device must recognise the material profile and limit its temperature; unsuitable overheating can undesirably alter the metal surface.
Open termWith top airflow, air enters through openings in the upper atomizer and is routed internally to the coil. High inlets can hinder direct liquid escape but require longer channels whose geometry affects draw and condensation.
Open termTop fill means a filling opening at the upper side of a tank or pod, reached through a cap, slider or removable cover. It allows filling without accessing the underside; closure, seal and permitted fill level are model-specific.
Open termA triple coil contains three heating sections operating together, usually inside a factory-made coil head. Compared with a single coil, surface area and power demand can be much greater; total resistance, airflow and liquid feed are engineered as a system.
Open termUpgradeable firmware can be replaced with newer device software through an interface supplied by the manufacturer. An update may correct faults or change features, but an incorrect file or interrupted process can leave the device unable to start.
Open termUSB-C is a reversible connector used on vape devices mainly for charging and sometimes for data or firmware. The plug shape alone does not define charging power or protocol; the device specification, cable and power supply remain decisive.
Open termVariable voltage allows direct adjustment of a regulated device's output voltage. Because resulting power changes with coil resistance, a new atomizer or coil requires checking that the combination remains within its specifications.
Open termVariable wattage is a control method in which the desired power can be changed in watts and the device calculates the required voltage automatically. This keeps target power broadly consistent across different compatible coil resistances.
Open termA Velocity deck typically uses two opposing posts with separate, often vertically offset holes for coil leads. This arrangement simplifies securing certain single- or dual-coil builds; dimensions and screw designs vary among atomizers.
Open termThe volt is the SI unit of electrical voltage, the potential difference between two points. In a vape device it may describe cell voltage, charging voltage or output voltage; each value refers to a different part of the circuit.
Open termVoltage is the electrical potential difference that drives current through the coil. Regulated devices can derive an output voltage from battery voltage; together with resistance it determines current and power until the regulation limits are reached.
Open termThe watt is the SI unit of power and represents energy transferred per unit of time. In vaping it usually denotes electrical power at the coil; the same watt value can result from different voltages and currents depending on resistance.
Open termWattage states the electrical power at which an atomizer operates or is intended to operate. It affects heating rate and liquid vaporisation, but must remain within the range specified for the particular coil and the device's capabilities.
Open termThe wick is the absorbent medium between the liquid reservoir and heating surface. Capillary action continuously carries liquid to the coil; material, density and contact determine supply, while insufficient saturation can cause local overheating.
Open termA wide-bore drip tip has an especially large internal diameter to avoid restricting an open airflow and high aerosol throughput. Bore width does not define the connector standard, so fitting, seals and heat resistance must match separately.
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