Positive Terminal – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

The Positive Terminal is the electrically-charged contact point on a vapebattery or Mod“>vape mod where current leaves the cell and flows into the atomiser. In simple terms, it is the “+” end of the battery that pushes power through the coil so your e-liquid (a mix of Glycol)”>PG (Propylene Glycol), Glycerin)”>VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and flavour) can turn into vapour. Without a clean, solid connection at the positive terminal, your device won’t fire, no matter how high the Puff Count or how advanced the Pod System may be.

Technical Details

Inside most 18650, 20700 or 21700 lithium-ion cells the positive terminal is a protruding “button-top” or flat “flat-top” cap made of plated steel or brass. It carries the cell’s nominal 3.6–3.7 V (up to 4.2 V fully charged) to the 510 connector pin or integrated Pod System contacts. Resistance at this junction must stay below 0.01 Ω to prevent voltage sag and overheating. In regulated mods the terminal feeds a MOSFET or buck-boost board; in mechanical devices it mates directly with the atomiser’s positive pin. Variations include spring-loaded floating pins, gold-plated discs, and reverse-polarity protection rings that insulate the surrounding negative casing.

Usage & Tips

  • Keep it clean: Wipe the positive terminal with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth every few days to remove e-liquid residue and pocket lint.
  • Check for dents: A flattened or torn terminal can arc and vent the cell—replace the battery immediately if damage is visible.
  • Avoid over-tightening: When screwing a tank onto a mech mod, stop as soon as you feel resistance to prevent crushing the terminal.
  • Battery orientation: In a Pod System or single-battery mod, always insert the cell with the positive terminal facing the correct direction indicated on the sled.

History & Context

Early cig-a-like batteries used simple nickel-plated pins. As Australian vapers demanded higher wattage and longer life, manufacturers moved to gold-plated spring pins and hybrid 510 caps, improving conductivity and safety while supporting modern Power Mode devices that exceed 200 W.

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