Parallel Build – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Parallel Build is a coil configuration where two or more strands of resistancewire are wrapped side-by-side in a single coil, creating multiple current paths within the same wrap. Popular with Australian RDA users, this build halves the total resistance compared to a single strand, increases surface area for denser vapour, and delivers faster ramp-up without demanding extreme Power Modewattage. Beginners like it because it offers sub-ohm satisfaction on mechs or 50 W regulated mods without complex braiding, while flavour chasers enjoy the extra contact patch that boosts PG/VG notes. Essentially, you get dual-coil performance from one coil space, making it a practical stepping-stone between single-wire and exotic Claptons.

Technical Details

Electrically, two identical wires in parallel halve resistance (e.g., two 0.4 Ω strands yield ≈0.2 Ω). Each 24–28 ga Kanthal or N80 length is laid flat, twisted together at one end, then wrapped with a 2.5–3.5 mm rod. Common specs are 5–7 wraps, 2.5 mm ID, sitting between 0.15–0.25 Ω. Because current is shared, heat flux stays moderate; 4 V can push 100 W safely. Variations include triple-parallel for even lower resistance, or mixing one Kanthal and one SS316L strand to tailor the TCR for temperature control. Wicking demands generous VG-heavy cotton—thicker than a single-coil—to fill the wider grooves and prevent hot spots.

Usage & Tips

Mount the coil centrally, legs equidistant from posts, and pulse at 20 W to squeeze out hotspots before full power. Trim tails after dry-burning so cotton slides through with slight resistance; too tight and you’ll choke wicking, too loose and you’ll flood. Watch for uneven glow: if one wire lights first, tighten that postscrew. High-PG liquids can over-saturate, so tilt the RDA after dripping. Resistance below 0.1 Ω on a mech is risky—always verify on a Mod“>regulated mod first and keep your Battery Wrap”>battery wrap wraps pristine.

History & Context

Parallel coils emerged in 2014 when cloud-chasing forums sought safer sub-ohm builds before widespread 200 W boards. The technique let vapers achieve 0.2 Ω on single-battery tubes without exotic presses, bridging the gap between basic contact coils and today’s artisanal Claptons, and remains a staple in Australian rebuild scenes.