Coil Resistance – What is it in Vaping?

Coil Resistance – Glossary Entry

Definition

Coilresistance is the electrical opposition, measured in ohms (Ω), that a vape coil presents to the current from your battery. It determines how much power is required to heat the coil and vaporise e-liquid inside a tank, Cartridge“>pod cartridge or rebuildable atomiser. Lower resistance coils (sub-ohm) need more wattage to reach vaping temperature, producing warmer vapour and bigger clouds for cloud chasing. Higher resistance coils (above 1 Ω) operate at lower wattage, delivering cooler vapour and longer battery life—ideal for mouth-to-lung vaping and nicotine salts.

Technical Details

Every coil is built from resistance wire—commonly kanthal, stainless steel, nichrome or temperature-control alloys. The wire’s gauge (thickness), length, and wrap style (simple round, Clapton coil, alien, fused, etc.) dictate the final ohm reading. Manufacturers pre-build coils within strict tolerances, usually ±0.05 Ω. Typical ranges:

• Sub-ohm: 0.10–0.49 Ω for high-wattage direct-lung devices
• Mid-range: 0.5–0.9 Ω for restricted direct-lung or low-wattage
• Above-ohm: 1.0–2.5 Ω for classic mouth-to-lung cartridges and pod systems

Coil resistance interacts with voltage according to Ohm’s Law (I = V/R), guiding safe battery limits and wattage settings.

Usage & Tips

Always check coil resistance on your mod’s screen before vaping. If the reading fluctuates wildly, unscrew and re-seat the coil or replace it—loose leads or worn cotton can cause shorts. Match your wattage to the suggested range printed on the coil head; exceeding it scorches cotton and shortens coil life. For rebuilders, dry-burn and gently pinch a Clapton coil to eliminate hotspots, then wick with snug but not over-packed cotton. Never build below your battery’s continuous discharge rating—use an ohm-meter or regulated mod for safety.

History & Context

When cig-a-like devices launched in the mid-2000s, coils hovered around 2.5–3.0 Ω to mimic cigarette draw. The 2012 sub-ohm revolution, led by rebuildable dripping atomisers, pushed resistance under 1 Ω, birthing the modern cloud-chasing era and the wide variety of coils we see today.