Last updated on February 10th, 2022
What Are the Chances My E-Cigarette Will Explode?

Batteries from an advanced Mech Mod
You’re probably reading this article because you’re wondering if your e-cigarette, or vape MOD will explode. Maybe you read a story, (or several for that matter) about an e-cigarette that blew up in a man’s face…or in his pants, or while he was charging it in his car. You’re also probably wondering what kind or brand of e-cig it was since it must have been one of those that came with a faulty battery.
Those sensational news stories, while morbidly graphic, rarely mention details about the e-cigarette that exploded. Ever wonder why not? Aside from the lesser fact that it doesn’t sell headlines, a story targeting a manufacturer can get messy, as it might not be the brand of the e-cigarette at fault, but the user’s negligence.
In May of 2018 details were release because a man actually died from an exploding vape battery. The vaporizer was an advanced model manufactured by the Philippines-based company Smok-E Mountain. They admitted to using batteries and atomizers that were clones. If you’re wondering what a “clone” is, it’s a substandard battery that sells for a much lower price than one that has been properly made and tested.
The fact is, all lithium ion batteries, including those in your laptop, tablet or cell phone, can (and do) explode.
What Kind of E-Cigarette Batteries Explode?
There is one type of battery used in vapor products – lithium-ion batteries. They are capable of thermal runaway – an uncontrolled thermal temperature that’s dangerous and can cause your e-cigarette to explode. When you hear those news stories about exploding e-cigarette batteries, what you are hearing about are lithium-ion batteries that experienced thermal runaway.
How Likely is it That My E-Cigarette Battery Will Blow Up?
The answer is “not at all likely”; however, buying low-quality vapor products, or not following the manufacturer’s directions, or tinkering with batteries will greatly increase the likelihood that your e-cigarette will blow up. If you are using a high-quality device responsibly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s highly doubtful that you’ll experience an exploding ecig or vape mod.
That Means:
- Don’t Buy Cheap E-Cigarettes! The chances are far greater that you’ll get a substandard battery or a clone.
- Use the charger that came with you e-cig kit. It’s designed to deliver a certain level of electrical current. If the battery being charged is not capable of handling the level of current produced by the charger, you’ll get a greater risk of explosion. It is vitally important to charge the batteries using the correct equipment!
- Don’t carry your e-cig battery in your pocket alongside metal keys or other metal objects. In rare cases, movement causes friction which completes a circuit between the positive and negative ends resulting in a possible catastrophic failure or explosion.
- Never modify a battery or use damage batteries. Follow-up stories about exploding batteries revealed that the user modified the battery or used the incorrect charger.
- If your battery feels very hot, that’s not normal. Depending on your model, it could mean there’s a short circuit or a loose battery post. I would definitely contact your vape shop or on-line supplier and let them know what’s happening.
The US Fire Administration has stated:
“Considering the vast number of products in the field that use lithium-ion batteries, however, it is clear that the failure rates are low.”
Recent data (Nov. 9th, 2015) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 9 million adults vape regularly in the United States.
The chance of an e-cigarette exploding while you’re using it is roughly 0.0000001%.
Your chance of dying from a smoking related disease is 50%.
Still….Is Vaping Safe?
Safe compared to what? Crossing the road? Eating lettuce that’s been recalled? Sunbathing?
If you think giving up smoking for vaping is just not worth the risk, here’s some important information.
Many Reputable Health Agencies Now Support Vaping.
American Cancer Society now supports the use of electronic cigarettes as a means to help currently addicted smokers to quit smoking. The organization has released several groundbreaking statements about the safety of electronic cigarettes.
“although the long-term effects of ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes) are not known, current-generation ENDS are markedly less harmful than combustible tobacco products”
Years ago, Public Health England (PHE) concluded that e-cigarettes were at least 95 percent and as much as 99 percent safer than combustible cigarettes.
Conclusion:
If you are still worried about vaping product explosions and are reluctant to try them be assured that the best vaping products are heavily focused on product safety as well as user satisfaction, especially now that all products are being review by the FDA.
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8 comments
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I was vaping W/ 2 battery vape when it blew up in my hand leaving me w/ 3rd degree burns i’m now vaping top shine vape pen
Hi Corrie,
I’m sorry to hear about this! I don’t know which particular vape you bought, as you did not mention it, but exploding vape batteries are very rare these days. It can happen, if you are using a low-quality vapor product, or you don’t follow the manufacturer’s directions. I would contact the seller of this W/2 battery vape, or contact the company directly, telling them of your incident.
Our staff tests and reviews many brands and models that are sold only from highly reputable vape manufacturers. Thanks for commenting, and stay safe!
I smoked 1-2 packs a day for 35 years. I’m on my first week with a July and only smoked 2 cigarettes. I don’t cough half as much and feel a whole lot better.
Hi John,
That’s great John. Congratulations! It only gets better :). Thanks so much for sharing your accomplishment here.
Awesome post! This was really informative and easy to digest. It’s very important for new vapers to realize that batteries could be potentially dangerous. Articles like this help to keep those people safe though…
I hope you don’t mind, but we actually included a link to this article from within our post ( 5 simple tips for vape batteries ) to help our readers find this information! Really good stuff, cheers!
Thank you Dankstarvape. Glad this was helpful and thanks for the Backlink!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I was a pack a day smoker of menthol cigarettes. I tried all the conventional ways to quit. It was the hardest thing I have ever tried, and I have strong willpower. Vaping has allowed me to be able to quit.
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Thanks Terrilynn for sharing YOUR testimonial and congratulations on quitting smoking! It only adds to the proof that vaping is an essential part of tobacco harm reduction.