1.5 Ohm Coil – What is it in Vaping?

1.5 Ohm Coil – Glossary Entry

Definition

A 1.5 ohmcoil is a replaceable heating element inside a vapetank or pod that has an electrical resistance of 1.5 ohms. Its job is to turn e-liquid into vapour when current from the 18650 battery or similar power source flows through it. Higher resistance coils like this run at lower wattages, giving a cooler, mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape that closely mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette. They are ideal for new vapers, high-nicotine or Nicotine“>0mg nicotine e-liquids, and discreet flavour chasing.

Technical Details

Inside every 1.5 ohm coil is a Wire“>thin wire—usually Kanthal, nichrome, or stainless steel—wrapped around Cotton“>organic cotton or a mesh strip. When the device is fired, current from a 510-threadmod passes through the wire; its 1.5-ohm resistance limits the amperage, so only 7–15 watts are needed to reach 3.3–4.2 volts. This keeps temperatures low, preserving delicate flavours and extending battery life. Most 1.5 ohm coils are designed for MTL atomisers with tight airflow pins and 2 mm–2.5 mm internal diameters. Variations include vertical wire builds, mesh versions for faster wicking, and ceramic housing for longevity. Always check coil compatibility—some pods accept 1.0 ohm or 1.8 ohm siblings in the same series.

Usage & Tips

• Prime first:Drip 3–4 drops of e-liquid onto exposed cotton before installation to prevent dry hits.
• Wattagesweet spot: Start at 8 W and increase by 1 W until you find flavour without burning; rarely exceed 14 W.
• E-liquid ratio: Use 50/50 PG/VG juices or nic salts; high-VG liquids may wick too slowly.
• Common issue:Gurgling often means flooding—invert the tank and blow gently through the mouthpiece while firing at low wattage.
• Safety: Never use a 1.5 ohm coil on hybrid mech mods; regulated devices with short-circuit protection are recommended.

History & Context

When cigalikes dominated the early 2010s, 1.5 ohm coils were standard. Their popularity dipped with the cloud-chasing sub-ohm boom, but the rise of discreet pod systems and nicotine salts has brought them back to the forefront, proving that efficiency and flavour still trump sheer vapour for many Australian vapers.