A Comprehensive Guide to Vape Voltage, Wattage and Ohms in 2024
Choosing a vape kit can be confusing for many beginners. When vape voltage, wattage and ohms come into the equation, it can turn into a nightmare.
The science behind vaping is tricky to understand, and it’s worth mentioning that many e-cigarette users don’t know the complete ins and outs.
In fact, even vapers looking for the perfect hit don’t need to have a deep understanding of vape voltage and Ohm’s Law.
At its most basic, its understanding that the voltage and wattage of a vape battery can be adjusted to suit a vapers flavour demands. In addition to this, different coils can have different resistances that also affect e-cig throat hit and flavour.
Beginner’s shouldn’t be put off if science isn’t their thing. Ease yourself into vaping, and the knowledge of what to do will come.
However, for those looking to truly advance their vaping experience to the pinnacle of what it can be, the science might be useful. Time for the technical stuff.
How does a vape circuit work?
Vape kits operate using straightforward electrical circuits composed of a battery, a switch, and a heating coil. These circuits are designed to create a controlled electrical short, utilising the energy output from the battery to generate heat.
When the vape device is powered on, the electricity surges from the battery through the coil. The coil is surrounded by cotton which has been saturated by E-Liquid. The cotton is heated up and the vape juice with it, leading to the E-Liquid evaporating.
Key Definitions
- Voltage: Voltage is the amount of potential energy between two points in a circuit. One point will have more charge than the other. It is expressed in volts (V).
- Wattage/ Watts: Wattage is a measure of electrical power expressed in watts (W). It measures the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced by a device. Wattage indicates how much energy the device uses or generates over a unit of time.
- Resistance: Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current. A high resistance means it is harder for current to flow through. A low resistance means current will flow through more easily. Resistance is measured in Ohms.
- mAH: A milliampere hour (mAh) is 1000th of an ampere hour (Ah). Both are used as a measure of battery capacity, with a higher mAh rating meaning more device capacity. mAh should not be confused with power.
- Amps (A): The unit of electrical current.
What is Ohm’s Law?
Ohm’s Law is a formula used to calculate the relationship between voltage, electric current and resistance in an electrical circuit.
Ohm’s Law states the current running through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage across a conductor.
By knowing any two of the three values, you can calculate the third using ohm’s law:
- V = I x R (Voltage = Current multiplied by Resistance)
- R = V/I (Resistance = Voltage divided by Current)
- I = V/R (Current = Voltage divided by Resistance)
In vaping terms, if your device had a voltage of 3.4, and your coil had a resistance of 0.8, you could divide the two to figure out how many amps the circuit uses.
- 3.4/0.8 = 4.25A
Adjusting Vape Voltage and Wattage
Vape voltage refers to the electric potential difference applied to the coil in a vape device.
The voltage drives the current through the coil, causing it to heat up and vaporise the E-Liquid contained within the device. The level of voltage can often be adjusted in variable voltage devices, allowing vapers to control the temperature of the coil and, consequently, the intensity and flavour of the vapour produced.
Adjusting the voltage changes how much power (wattage) is used: higher voltages will increase the wattage and typically produce more vapour and a stronger flavour, but can also consume E-Liquid faster and reduce the lifespan of the coil.
Lower voltages, conversely, will reduce the wattage, producing less vapour and a milder flavour but potentially prolonging the life of the coil and conserving E-Liquid. The ability to adjust voltage gives you the flexibility to customise their vaping experience according to their preferences.
The same goes for variable wattage vape devices.
In a variable wattage vape device, instead of directly setting the potential difference (voltage) to be applied to the coil, you specify the desired power output (wattage) of the device.
The device then automatically adjusts the voltage delivered to the coil to achieve the wattage.
Essentially, wattage represents the total power produced by your vape, while voltage indicates the amount of electrical power channelled through the device to reach that level of output.
Sounds really complicated, right? Well, in practicality, it’s achieved by the pressing of a button.
Adjusting voltage and wattage is all about finding the right flavour in the right moment. Whether it’s the time for a strong hit or a smooth one, making the right adjustments to your device will ensure premium vaping whatever the weather.
Key Takeaway
The higher the voltage, the higher the wattage. High settings will produce strong vapour.
Coil Resistances
Coils come in different resistances, all of which are aimed at different vaping experiences.
Just as adjusting vape voltage and wattage does, choosing a coil of, for example, 0.8 ohm will produce different flavour and vapour than a coil of 1.4 ohm.
Low Coil Resistance
When you opt for a coil with lower resistance, it allows more electricity to flow through the coil, leading to several noticeable effects.
The increased electric flow generates more heat at the coil, produces a greater amount of vapour, and may result in a more intense flavour.
However, there are downsides to using a lower resistance coil.
The heightened electricity consumption can lead to a quicker depletion of your battery, potentially reducing the battery’s overall lifespan. Furthermore, you’ll find yourself using up E-Liquid at a faster rate, and the life expectancy of your coil could significantly diminish.
High Coil Resistance
Increase the amount of resistance and less electricity will flow through your coil.
Essentially this means the coil doesn’t get as hot, therefore producing a reduced amount of vapour, with cooler, less intense flavours.
Depending on what kind of vaping experience you want, this may be just perfect for you, or nowhere near perfect.
A higher coil resistance will also drain battery life far slower than one of low resistance, and less E-Liquid will be vaporised.
For more information on coil life, read out guide to how long coils last.
Key Takeaway
The lower the resistance of your coil, the more electricity will flow through it which results in stronger vapour. Increase the amount of resistance, less electricity will flow through, resulting in milder vapour experience.
Other Vaping Practises
Sub Ohm Vaping
Sub ohm vaping is a technique that involves using vape devices with coils that have a resistance lower than 1 ohm. This approach to vaping emphasises reducing the resistance in the circuit of the device, as per Ohm’s Law.
By lowering the coil resistance below 1 ohm, more electrical power is allowed to pass through the device, enhancing its vapour production and flavour palette.
Sub ohm kits are specially designed devices that can safely handle the increased power flow without overheating or causing the battery to fail. These devices are equipped with high-capacity, high-drain batteries and advanced control systems to manage the power output.
Temperature Control
Some people prefer a harsher throat hit than others.
Temperature control technology in vaping devices works by allowing you to specify the exact temperature they wish to vape at. Once set, the device automatically adjusts its vape voltage, current, and resistance to maintain the coil at the desired temperature throughout the vaping session.
This advanced functionality prevents the coil from overheating, thereby avoiding burnt hits and ensuring a consistent quality of vapour, whether you prefer it warm or cool. Again, this feature is particularly appealing to vapers who value the ability to fine-tune their vaping experience.
Summary
The science behind vape voltage, watts, coil resistances, and everything else you’ve ever wondered about, is all for your benefit.
Science allows the customisation of vapour experience, and what’s more, the technology is so greatly advanced that you don’t really need to have an amazing grasp of physics to get a strong vaping experience based on your preferences.
All you really need to know is how to push a few buttons on your device. But for those who wanted the nitty gritty breakdown – you’re welcome.
Contact our support team if you need any help in choosing the perfect coil resistance, or if you have any more questions regarding the wattage of your vape.
