An Inside Look at Advanced Batteries for MODs

For the advanced vapers and modders out there who have taken a specific liking when it comes to building their own MODs and/or coils for better vapor production, the realm of IMR/ICR batteries is one that will rapidly become familiar. Take notice that some of these batteries might contain built-in protections, but many will not, hence, it is crucial to have knowledge of your battery before putting it to use.

To start, the naming process for these batteries can be slightly bewildering. The five-digit name, such as “18650”, is a straightforward description of the battery's dimensions. The beginning two digits ("18") designate the diameter of the battery. The final three digits ("650") specify the length in millimeters of the battery.

Now, while IMR and ICR batteries are together used in RBAs, RDAs, RDTAs, and even other types of MODs, their attributes and protection parameters are completely different. They use unique internal chemicals, so to have dissimilar responses to critical failures. IMR batteries are highly more stable, and typically, they merely vent heat if they break, due to overheating or overcharging. ICR, on the flip side of the coin, may explode or catch fire. IMR/ICR batteries can be safeguarded with a small circuit board to avert accidents or not but using ICR batteries without a defense isn’t recommended. For those wanting to build a mechanical MOD without any circuitry, an unprotected IMR battery is the safest option.

When determining what battery to use, consider Ohm's Law: I = V / R.

In the formula above, “I” stands for the current, “V” stands for voltage, and “R” stands for resistance.

For instance, a builder wanting to create a sub-ohm MOD might involve determining the amps needed from their battery of choice, a 3.7V 18650. Using Ohm's Law, you can view the equation, and then swap the letters in this manner: I = 3.7 / .3. The result is I = 12.3, so you have an idea that the battery also must be rated for 12.3amp for a safe vaping experience that won't wreck the coils.

As you can see, locating the battery that permits you to safely vape the way you choose to, is the main objective, and that will be a separate choice for every vaper.

Tags: batteries, MODs, formula, Ohm’s Law, RDAs, RDTAs, RBAs, hardware, coils, builders, vapers, vaping