Safety Lock – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Safety Lock is a built-in switch or sequence of button presses that prevents a vape device from firing accidentally. Found in most modern Kit“>Starter Kit pens, Mod“>Squonk Mod boxes and Sub-Ohm tanks, it electronically disables the fire button while still allowing charging and firmware updates. By interrupting the circuit between the battery and the atomiser, the Safety Lock stops the coil from heating when the device is in a pocket or bag, eliminating the risk of burnt wicks, battery drain, or potential fire hazards.

Technical Details

Internally, a Safety Lock is controlled by the device’s chipset. In the most common five-click system, the MCU registers five consecutive presses within 1.5 seconds and toggles a high-side MOSFET that sits between the positive terminal of the battery and the 510 connector. When locked, resistance between the 510 positive pin and the battery drops to < 1 Ω, effectively creating an open circuit. Variants include:

• Three-click lock: used in pod systems for faster access.
• Slide switch: a physical toggle on the side of the mod, independent of firmware.
• Auto-lock: engages after 20 minutes of inactivity on some advanced mods.

Regardless of type, the lock state is retained even if the batteries are removed, thanks to non-volatile memory.

Usage & Tips

Always engage the Safety Lock before placing your device in a bag—especially when carrying spare e-liquid bottles that could press the button. If your mod fails to unlock, check for e-liquid residue around the fire button and clean with isopropyl alcohol. Remember that Short Circuit Protection and the Safety Lock are separate circuits; locking does not disable safety protections. For new users, practice the five-click rhythm slowly; most misfires occur when clicks are too fast or uneven.

History & Context

The first mainstream Safety Lock appeared on the eGo-T in 2010 after high-profile pocket-fire incidents. By 2015, virtually every regulated mod—from entry-level Starter Kit sticks to high-wattage Sub-Ohm devices—shipped with a lock feature, becoming an industry standard alongside Steeping recommendations and battery venting protocols.