Wire – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
Wire, in the context of vaping, is the resistive metal strand used to build coils for rebuildable atomisers (RDAs, RTAs, RDTAs) and Coil“>stock coil heads. When electrical current from the device’s battery passes through this vaping wire, it heats up and vaporises the e-liquid soaked into the adjacent wick. Wire thus determines how quickly the coil reaches operating temperature, how much vapour is produced, and the intensity of flavour. Australian vapers select different wire types, gauges, and coil wraps to fine-tune their experience, balancing factors such as ramp-up time, battery drain, and heat distribution.
Technical Details
Resistance is measured in ohms per metre; the lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire and the lower the resistance. Kanthal A1 (FeCrAl) remains the most common vape coil wire, offering stable resistance between 1.0 Ω and 0.1 Ω and tolerating power from 8 W to 120 W. Stainless-steel 316L (SS316L) is popular for temperature-control (TC) mode, with a resistance coefficient that allows accurate TC readings from 0.05 Ω to 0.5 Ω. Nickel (Ni200) and titanium (Ti) are exclusively TC wires, requiring zero wattage adjustments once the target temperature is set. Nichrome 80 (Ni80) heats faster than Kanthal, suiting low-resistance builds (0.08 Ω–0.3 Ω) for cloud chasing. Typical diameters are 22–32 AWG (0.64 mm–0.20 mm); Clapton, fused-Clapton, and alien constructions use multiple gauges to increase surface area without drastically raising resistance.
Usage & Tips
Always dry-burn new coils at 10–15 W until they glow evenly from the centre outward, then pinch with ceramic tweezers to eliminate hot spots. Prime the wicking material generously before first use to avoid dry hits. When rebuilding, measure resistance with a dedicated Ohm Reader”>ohm reader; dual-coil builds halve total resistance, so ensure your battery’s continuous discharge rating exceeds the calculated amp draw. Avoid mixing wire types in a single coil, as differing expansion rates can cause structural failure. Store spare wire in labelled, sealed bags to prevent oxidation. Finally, keep your receipt—some Australian retailers extend warranty coverage to authentic spools of wire if manufacturing defects appear.
History & Context
Early 2008 “genesis” atomisers relied on household steel mesh and kanthal stove wire salvaged by hobbyists. As vaping gained mainstream traction, manufacturers standardised FeCrAl alloys into clean, spool-ready vape wire. The 2015 TC revolution introduced medical-grade stainless-steel, nickel, and titanium options, while 2017’s cloud-chasing scene popularised intricate Clapton variants. Today, Australian vendors stock certified wire that meets TPD and local electrical safety standards, ensuring both performance and peace of mind.