A burnt hit, often called a dry hit, is an unpleasant experience signaling a failure within the heating element of a vaping device. This occurs when the cotton wicking material inside the coil assembly is heated before it is adequately saturated with e-liquid. When dry cotton is heated, it quickly scorches, releasing a harsh, acrid vapor instead of the smooth, flavored aerosol expected. Identifying this issue is important for ensuring a consistent user experience and maintaining the longevity of the device components.
Sensory Indicators of a Burnt Coil
The most immediate sign that a coil is failing is a dramatic shift in the flavor profile of the vapor. Instead of the intended e-liquid flavor, the user experiences a distinctly sharp, chemical, or metallic taste that is often likened to charred toast or burnt plastic. This foul sensation is caused by the thermal decomposition of the cotton wick material and residual e-liquid components.
Along with the unpleasant taste, the quality and temperature of the inhaled vapor change significantly. The vapor produced by a burnt coil typically feels noticeably hotter and thinner than normal, delivering a harsh sensation that often irritates the throat and lungs. A subtle but specific smell of burning organic material, distinct from the e-liquid’s scent, may also become apparent around the device. These sensory cues signal the coil needs immediate attention.
Common Reasons Vapes Burn Out
Coil burnout primarily occurs when the rate of heating exceeds the rate at which the cotton wick can draw in e-liquid, a process known as wicking. One frequent cause is chain vaping, which involves taking rapid, successive draws without sufficient pause between them. This constant heating does not allow the wick enough time to re-saturate fully, leading to dry spots that instantly combust upon the next activation.
Another frequent mechanical issue is operating the device when the e-liquid level is too low within the tank or pod. The cotton wick relies on being fully submerged or at least partially saturated by the surrounding liquid reservoir to function properly. When the liquid drops beneath the wicking ports, the cotton becomes exposed to air and dries out, causing localized scorching and flavor degradation.
Setting the device’s wattage or voltage too high is a major contributor to premature coil failure. Every coil has a recommended power range, often printed directly on its metal casing, calibrated for the size and resistance of the wire. Exceeding this limit causes the coil wire to overheat almost instantly, vaporizing the liquid faster than the wick can resupply it and rapidly incinerating the cotton. This shortens the lifespan of the atomizer head, even if the liquid level is maintained properly.
Steps to Replace a Burnt Coil
Once a coil is definitively burnt, the only remedy is to replace the entire atomizer head, as the scorched cotton cannot be salvaged. The first step involves disassembling the device, which usually means unscrewing the tank from the battery section or separating the pod from the main body. Carefully invert the tank or pod to minimize e-liquid spillage before accessing the coil assembly.
The old, burnt coil must then be removed by unscrewing it from the tank’s base or pulling it out of the pod housing, depending on the device’s design. Take the new coil out of its packaging and ensure it is the correct type for the device.
Insert the new coil firmly into its designated slot or screw it into the base section until it is secure but not overtightened. The final step is to reassemble the tank or pod and fill it with e-liquid, ensuring the wicking ports are submerged. Allow the new coil to sit for several minutes to fully absorb the liquid before activation.
Essential Practices to Extend Coil Life
The most effective practice for maximizing coil lifespan is a technique called priming, which must be performed every time a new coil is installed. Priming involves physically applying a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton wicking material before the coil is placed into the tank or pod. This manual saturation ensures the cotton is fully wet from the start, preventing the initial dry burn.
After priming and filling the tank, allow the coil to soak for at least five to ten minutes before taking the first puff. Throughout the coil’s lifespan, users should diligently monitor the e-liquid level, ensuring the liquid never drops below the coil’s wicking ports. Allowing the liquid to run low, even briefly, can expose and scorch the cotton, compromising the coil’s performance.
Users should always operate their device within the manufacturer’s suggested power range, which prevents the wire from overheating the wick. When starting a new coil, it is beneficial to begin at the lower end of the recommended wattage and gradually increase it over several puffs. This gentle break-in period allows the cotton to fully adjust to the heat and ensures a longer, more consistent coil life.