Unless you’re totally new to vaping, you’re probably familiar with dual battery vaping devices and 18650 vape batteries. But… do you know the difference between series and parallel vape battery configurations? More importantly, do you know why it’s important to know the difference?
Don’t worry if not!
In this post we’re looking at vape battery configurations, the difference between a series and parallel battery setup and why it’s important to pair or ‘marry’ the vape batteries you use!
So, where to begin…
We get literally dozens of questions regarding safe battery practices, especially in terms of dual battery mods and the safest way to use these devices. The most common questions we get relate to the issue of series and parallel configuration, battery pairing/marrying and battery stacking…
If you’re asking any of the following question, you’re in the right place!…
Can we use two smaller batteries? For example, two 18350 batteries in an 18650 mod?
What’s the difference between dual batteries in series and parallel configurations?
Can I use any battery in a dual or triple battery vape mod?
What is battery pairing and do I need to worry about it?
Before we delve in, take a look at our top tips for vape battery safety for (you guessed it…) tips to stop you losing a finger while using 18650 vape batteries!
Our awesome Vape Battery Guide – From Beginners to Advanced Vapers is also worth taking the time to read. We cover everything from battery chemistry to optimal battery charging!
So, let’s get stuck in and take a look at series and parallel vape battery configuration…
BATTERY CONFIGURATION; SERIES AND PARALLEL
Dual battery vape mods (those that operate with two batteries) are designed to use in either series or parallel combinations.
We’ll cover both in just a minute, however most vaping devices are designed to run a parallel battery configuration.
To keep things simple, you’re not given the option of using your vape mod in either series or parallel configurations.
This is simply based on the design of the vape mod you’re using and isn’t optional. One less thing to worry about right?…
However, when you insert your batteries into your dual or triple battery mod, ALWAYS make sure you insert them into the correct orientation identified on that particular mod. Depending on the mod you have, you’ll either see a symbol/picture of the right way to insert the batteries, or a ‘+’ and ‘-‘ showing which way they need to be inserted.
So now that’s out the way, let’s take a look at series and parallel configurations in more detail…
BATTERIES IN SERIES
Essentially this means your battery terminals connect positive to negative.
The combined voltage of the two vape batteries in this configuration is the sum of the individual batteries. This basically means you’re increasing the voltage of your battery supply when using batteries in series.
However, the current (mAh) and Continuous Discharge Rate (CDR) is that of the single battery.
The advantage of this setup is that it provides additional voltage and greater power to the coil, increasing vapor production!
BATTERIES IN PARALLEL
The opposite of batteries in series, your battery terminals connect positive to positive and negative to negative.
The combined voltage of the two batteries in this configuration is that of the single battery. The current (mAh) and Continuous Discharge Rate (CDR) is the sum of the two batteries.
The advantage of this configuration is to enable increased (twice the capacity) current. This will result in the combined battery current lasting twice as long as that of a single battery. In layman’s terms, your vape mod will run for double the time before you need to re-charge the batteries.
Furthermore, the CDR of each battery is doubled. This can have two possible advantages:
- With two batteries, each having a CDR of 20 Amps, the overall CDR will be 40 amps. This will allow for a lower resistance coil build, enabling higher current to be drawn from the combined batteries.
- If your coil build and battery voltage is such that the current drawn from the combined batteries is 20 Amps, you can use two 15 Amp batteries. This means you can use two lower spec batteries to achieve your required CDR value for your vape build.
Please take a look at our Ohms Law Calculator and/or Power/Resistance/Current Calculator to make sure the setup you’re using is safe.
Understanding the difference between series and parallel battery configurations is extremely important if you’re using a mechanical mod! Be sure to do your research and get a good understanding of battery safety before building on a mechanical mod!
BATTERY PAIRING; WHAT IS IT…
Battery pairing or ‘marrying’ is essentially the act of using a set of batteries together exclusively.
Battery pairing or ‘marrying’ two or more batteries together for use in a dual/triple vape mod is really important in terms of getting the best out of your batteries, prolonging their life and avoiding any possible ‘stress’ being applied to them.
A paired battery is a happy battery…
Married batteries should be purchased brand new together, charged together and used together (discharged) in the same vaping device. They must also be the same type (the same chemical make-up and capacity). You can use them in other dual or triple vape mods but ALWAYS as a married couple.
If you do want to use the paired set in single battery mods you can BUT they should NOT be used again as a paired set.
Pairing or ‘marrying’ your set of batteries is for the life of the batteries…….for better or worse!
WHY DO I NEED TO PAIR MY VAPE BATTERIES?…
The reason behind this is simple…
Let’s say you’re using a dual battery powered vaping mod and you insert two random unpaired batteries. If one of your batteries is charged at a higher rate than the other, it will work harder trying to ‘cover the slack’ of the weaker battery. This places unnecessary stress on the batteries… not good.
One of the batteries could also fall below its safe operating voltage (batteries don’t last forever!) leaving the other to struggle with powering the mod… again this places stress on the batteries and could have unpleasant consequences!
OK, SO HOW DO I PAIR MY VAPE BATTERIES?…
Great question…
The easiest way to ‘marry’ your vape batteries is to keep them stored together in a battery case. By storing them together, it’s easy to remember to charge them and discharge them together!
Personally, I actually re-wrap the batteries with the same custom wrap. I recently bought a great set of superhero themed custom wraps of all different colors and styles. By re-wrapping the batteries with the same custom wrap, I can guarantee I won’t accidentally mix up my ‘married’ batteries!
I’ve written a step-by-step how to re-wrap a vape battery post that you can follow, be sure to check it out!
Please also keep in mind; every time you charge the batteries and re-insert them into your vape mod, alternate the orientation of the batteries. This will spread the working load of the batteries ensuring maximum longevity and safe discharge.
CAN I USE TWO DIFFERENT BATTERY TYPES IN THE SAME VAPE MOD?…
No.
Using different battery types (with different chemistry) is a definite NO.
Mixing Lithium and Alkaline batteries together is another definite NO.
The ONLY exception to this rule is if we’re simply talking about using unpaired batteries (of the same type, chemistry etc) in a dual battery vaping device.
Although I don’t recommend it, if you have two unpaired batteries of the same chemistry, type and manufacturer, you can use them in an emergency. I would only do this in a real pinch or a ‘one-off’ though…
There’s one other thing we need to mention briefly…
BATTERY STACKING
Stacked (stacking) batteries is a term used to describe two or more batteries that are placed on top of each other (serial configuration). This means the positive end of battery ‘A’ is placed against the negative end of battery ‘B’.
An example of this would be to Stack two 18350 batteries in series into a vape mod designed to accept a single 18650 battery.
IS IT SAFE TO STACK BATTERIES?
In a nutshell, unless the mod you’re using is designed to accept ‘stacked’ batteries, we don’t recommend it.
As mentioned previously, batteries placed in series (or ‘stacked’) will combine their respective voltage. For example, the overall voltage of two 4.2V batteries is 8.4V.
The combined mAh will remain that of the single battery. For example, two 2500mA batteries will still only provide 2500mA’s.
In a mechanical mod, this significantly affects the wattage you vape at for a given coil resistance. Potentially, this could be dangerous, both in terms of exceeding the safe wattage for your coil and demanding too high a current drain on your vape batteries!
Use a regulated mod and it’s not such an issue but you do need to be aware of its operating voltage. In some cases, apply 8.4v and your vape mod will shut down if its ‘cut off’ limit is below 8.4v. In other cases it could potentially damage the vape mod as it’s expecting a maximum supply voltage of around 4-5 volts.
If you have any doubts, it’s always best to err on the side of caution… Please don’t take any chances. Use the correct type and size of battery designed for the mod you’re using!
And there you have it folks! Hopefully you now understand the difference between series and parallel battery configuration and the importance of pairing your vape batteries! Please share this post and feel free to leave a comment below!
Happy Vaping!
Comments 10
Great info. So I’ve been using mechs for years and always pair my batteries. Recently I was using a dual 21700 stack (series mech). I only use either Samsung 30t or molicel p42a for 21700s (usually 30t for mech molicel for regulated). Long story short i tried 1 molicel, 1 30T and it hit perfectly. 2 30T hit a little too hard and 2 molicel hit a little too soft. Yes I could adjust the build. But is there really anything wrong with this since the batteries cdr and mah are so close? (5 amp peak difference)
Hi Mark,
Thanks, am glad you found the post informative.
Both the P42a and 30T are really good batteries. as far as I remember, the P42a is 4000mAh 30A/40A and the 30T is 3000mAh 35A. Where it gets a little confusing is the 30T is a true 35A CDR but the P42a’s CDR is dependant upon the temperature it’s running at. The makeup of each battery is slightly different so will perform, depending on the current your drawing, differently.
My experience with the 30T’s is they hit really hard above nominal voltage in comparison to the P42a’s. Where the P42a comes into its own is it will hit hard for longer than the 30T over the discharge cycle.
I use both these batteries but for me I prefer the 30T’s more because they fit in all my mods. The P42a’s are very slightly bigger (diameter) and are a tight fit in some of them.
I hope this helps answer your question Mark.
thanks for explaining. Very useful
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the great feedback! Happy Vaping!
Hey, can I start by saying that the amount of information on this site is amazing! As someone who’s been out of the game a while (Failed ex-smoker) I feel like a 90yr old man trying to work a VCR at the moment. Vaping seems to have come on leaps and bounds.
I’m now back and as I would like to quit smoking without murdering anyone I thought i’d get back into vaping. I used to rock the 20W eleaf but would like to get into MTL vaping probably along with the blacknote liquids I’ve seen.
I’d heard good things about the Zenith tanks but thought I’d ask advise on what mod/tank to go for. Topfil would be ideal, as for the mod, something less boring.
Style wise I have to say the Proton Kit looks awesome but it seems somewhat overkill for my plans and you know, I’d like to MTL.
Can you point me in a direction?
Hi Zumla, thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear you like the site 🙂 Also glad to hear you’re thinking of getting back into vaping! We know all too well how daunting it can be picking a vape mod and tank, especially with so many options on the market!
Personally we’d avoid most of the e-leafs. We’ve had a few great devices from them but we’ve also had plenty of problems! Somewhat ‘hit and miss’… In terms of tanks, we’d have to say the Crown by Uwell is a great, yet simple top filling tank! We never seem to have any problems, leaks etc
In terms of the mod, this really boils down to personal preference. There are so many great devices on the market! Personally, we’re all currently rocking the iJoy Sabre and loving it! Another great mod with awesome battery life is the Smok V-Fin! Hope this helps…
Hi There,
I just bought my first starter kit for vaping: Lite 40 S
I’m a moderate smoker, i usually smoke around 10-15 cigarettes a day, hence wanted to replace it with vaping .
However I’m getting a pretty rough hit when i try to inhale the smoke. The affect of nicotine is fine, but i need to full fill my throat hit satisfaction as well.
I saw few videos where people are exhaling wonderful clouds of smoke, iam not even iam able inhale it like a cigarette .
Any tips?
Hi Claire,
Thanks for the comment. To give you a very quick overview e-juice has 4 components (Flavour / PG / VG / Nicotine). If you want to produce big clouds then you’ll want a higher ratio of VG in your e-juice. But if you’re looking for a good throat hit you’ll want a higher PG ratio and possibly a higher strength nicotine e-juice. The best way to play around with these ratios is to mix your own e-juice and experiment with the ratio and strength of your juice.
Hope this helps Claire. Any more questions give us a shout 🙂
Great article, you make it so easy to understand. I already have an unreg box mod that i use flat tops with.
I also have 8 new xtar 30a 2100mah button top 18650’s for a torch, that broke before i got to use them.
Reading your article made me wonder, if i could use them in a series vaping mod, reg or unreg, presumably using ‘stacking’. Is this a possibility for me make use of them this way?, any reccomendations on a suitable vaping device to put them in?
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the comment and we’re glad you liked the article! Your Xtar 30A 2100mAh 18650 batteries are good capacity batteries and can be used in the majority of mods on the market today. These batteries will be fine if you used in a single, dual or triple battery mod, either regulated or unregulated and in series or parallel. The only stipulation when using in dual or triple mods is to observe the rules of battery stacking and the principles of marrying paired batteries.
With regards to a suitable device, the options are endless and it’s purely down to your own preference. There are so many dual and triple mods available right now. Whichever you decide on, just make sure the 30A limit on your batteries is not being exceeded with whatever coil you are using.
Hope this helps Peter! Any more questions just give us a message 🙂