We all know what e-cigs are, but how do they work? What kind of magic and witchcraft enables us to puff on our plastic sticks and taste the rainbow? It’s not magic, it’s science, and as with most things learning how something works makes us better at it.
Basic Components
The main components found in all e-cigs are a mouthpiece, a tank (or cartridge/clearomiser), an atomiser, a microprocessor, a battery and in some cases an LED that lights up when you take a drag.
Each of these components performs a vital aspect of an e-cig’s operation, helping to deliver flavour and nicotine to you.
The Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece in an e-cig is, naturally, where you put your mouth and where the vapour is delivered from. This can come in a range of shapes and sizes depending on the e-cig you use, so it’s a good idea that you find the perfect one for you.
It’s also where the e-cig will detect when you take a drag. Some cheaper e-cigs will use a microphone to detect the air vibrations as you inhale, while others will use a dedicated sensor to detect the air change itself or utilise a button so you can manually activate it.
The Tank
This can also be referred to as the cartridge, depending on which type of e-cig you’re using. It’s where the e-liquid is kept in the e-cig and comes in all shapes and sizes. Larger ones are great for heavy-duty vaping, and smaller ones are ideal for more discreet use.
The tank and the atomiser (we’ll get onto that in a moment) are often combined in e-cigs. This is called a clearomiser and features a see-through design so you can prevent yourself from taking a “dry hit” – a drag that has no e-liquid and is very unpleasant.
The Atomiser
The atomiser is the most important part of an e-cig – it turns the e-liquid into vapour. A heating coil touches the e-liquid, and when it becomes hot enough it turns it into vapour you can inhale.
Atomisers won’t last forever though; their lifespans vary from a few weeks to a few months depending on use and quality.
The Battery
Unhelpfully, the battery is often used to refer to all the electronic components in an e-cig and not just the power storage device itself. As with most e-cig things, the size of the battery can vary massively, as can the features of it. Some batteries are disposable, others are rechargeable and some even feature what’s called “pass-through” charging, enabling you to use the e-cig while it’s being charged.
This usually varies based on the types of e-cig – ones which resemble cigarettes typically feature shorter battery lives and are often disposable. Other e-cigs are often rechargeable, and their capacity varies based on size and design.
Now that you know how e-cigs work, maybe it’s time for you to dip your feet into them? At Vape Mountain we have a huge range of e-cigs and e-liquids to match your tastes and preferences.