Warning over vape devices battery fire risk

Vape and e-cigarette users have been urged by the Government to use manufacturer-recommended chargers and batteries in their devices amid fears of potential fires and explosions.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has warned about the risks of incorrectly charging e-cigarettes and vapes after a growth in the number of people using the devices.

The Government has launched a campaign to encourage battery safety following incidents of the devices exploding or causing fires.

Many vapes and e-cigarettes are powered by 18650-style batteries, which are slightly larger than the common AA battery.

Consumers are being urged to only use batteries recommended by the manufacturer as 18650 batteries can vary in chemistry and voltages.

Vape and e-cigarette users have also been urged to only use the charger supplied with the device, and not a phone charger.

Product safety lead officer Mark Gardiner said: "There have been numerous reports of hazardous failure modes of the devices containing these batteries, resulting in serious injury and also death.

"Problems can arise when an unsuitable battery is used or when the consumer puts in a replacement, with many consumers seeking a battery which is either the cheapest available or holds the maximum charge."

"It's important when replacing a battery that you check what type of battery you have.”

The OPSS also says users should unplug them when they are fully charged and keep spare batteries away from metal items which could cause a short circuit.