450mAh Battery – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A 450mAh Battery is a compact lithium-ion power source rated at 450 milliampere-hours, designed specifically for low-wattage vape pens and pod-systems. It supplies the electrical energy needed to heat a coil and turn e-liquid into vapour. The “mAh” figure tells you how long the cell can deliver 450 milliamps for one hour—so a 450mAh battery will generally let an average mouth-to-lung (MTL) device run for a full working day before needing a recharge. Its small size makes it ideal for discreet, on-the-go vaping without the bulk of larger 18650 or 21700 batteries.
Technical Details
Inside a 450mAh Battery you’ll find a single lithium-ion 3.7 V cell connected to a protection circuit board (PCB) that prevents over-charge, over-discharge, and short-circuits. Nominal voltage is 3.7 V, full charge sits at 4.2 V, and cut-off is around 3.0 V. Continuous discharge rating is typically 10–15 A—enough for 8–12 W pod coils but not for high-wattage sub-ohm builds. Variations include:
- Integrated 450 mAh cells sealed inside devices like the Caliburn or Vaporesso XROS Mini
- Replaceable 450 mAh 510-thread stick batteries (often branded “eGo-T” style)
- USB-C fast-charge versions reaching 80 % capacity in 25 minutes at 5 V / 1 A
Because of their modest capacity, 450 mAh batteries are almost always charged via micro-USB or USB-C rather than external chargers.
Usage & Tips
- Charging: Use the supplied 5 V / 1 A cable to avoid stressing the cell. Unplug once the LED turns green.
- Longevity: Avoid letting the battery drop below 20 %; shallow cycles extend lifespan from ~300 to 400+ charges.
- Common issue: Auto-draw pods that won’t fire—clean the 510 contact and airflow sensor with a cotton bud.
- Safety: Never pocket a bare 510-thread stick battery without a protective cap; keys can cause a hard short.
- Travelling: Pack in carry-on luggage only; Australian airlines restrict loose lithium cells to 100 Wh, so 450 mAh is well within limits.
History & Context
When cig-a-like devices first emerged in the early 2010s, they relied on 180–280 mAh Ni-MH cells. The shift to lithium-ion technology in 2013 allowed manufacturers to double capacity without increasing size, giving birth to the now-ubiquitous 450 mAh stick battery. Today, 450 mAh remains the sweet spot for compact pod systems, balancing all-day use with pocket-friendly dimensions.