Light Up Coil – What It Means in Vaping & How It Works
Definition
A Light Up Coil is a vape coil assembly that incorporates integrated LED indicators to illuminate during firing. Positioned inside the tank or pod, the coil lights up with each draw, creating a visual effect that mirrors the vapour production. Its primary purpose is to signal active heating, add aesthetic appeal, and help users quickly confirm that the device is working—especially useful in low-light conditions or for beginners learning the difference between a successful Hit“>lung hit and a misfire.
Technical Details
Construction & Operation
The glowing element is a micro-LED strip or fibre-optic ring embedded within the cotton-wicking chamber. When the Battery“>lithium battery delivers current to the coil, a parallel circuit simultaneously powers the LED. Most variants draw 0.05–0.1 A additional current, adding negligible load to Resistance“>low resistance builds (0.15–0.4 Ω). Colours are usually fixed—blue, red, green—or cycle through a preset spectrum. Temperature tolerance is 200–250 °C, matching Kanthal or SS316L coil wire. Some brands offer replaceable light modules, while others seal the LED within the coil housing to prevent leaking.
Variations
- Single-colour coils: Provide consistent glow, longer LED life.
- RGB coils: Cycle colours every 2–3 seconds, higher battery drain.
- Mesh-light coils: LED strip aligned under mesh for even illumination.
Usage & Tips
- Priming:Dripe-liquid directly onto the cotton until saturated; avoid over-priming to prevent leaking into the LED cavity.
- Battery life: Expect 5–8 % reduction in overall run-time versus standard coils; recharge lithium battery when glow dims noticeably.
- Safety: If the LED flickers or stays on after release, check for e-liquid ingress on the 510 pin and clean with isopropyl alcohol.
- Cloud seekers: Pair with high-VG liquids and wide airflow for a dramatic light show during each lung hit.
History & Context
First appearing in 2018 with Smok’s “LED Strip” Baby Beast coils, the trend spread to pod systems like Voopoo Vinci and Geekvape Obelisk. Originally a novelty, glowing coils gained traction among Australian cloud-chasing crews who film tricks for social media, turning functional indicators into performance art.