Fire Button – What is it in Vaping?
Fire Button – Glossary Entry
Definition
The Fire Button, sometimes called the activation button, is the primary control on a vape device that completes the electrical circuit and powers the atomiser coil. When pressed, it allows current from the battery to reach the coil, instantly heating it to vaporise Nicotine“>Freebase Nicotinee-liquid or other Juice“>vape juice. For both beginner and advanced Australian vapers, the fire button is the simple on-demand switch that turns liquid Flavor into satisfying vapour.
Technical Details
Most modern fire buttons are momentary switches: a spring-loaded metal contact bridges positive and negative poles only while held down. Typical specifications include:
- 5–10 A continuous current rating
- 10 000–50 000 click lifespan
- Actuation force 0.8–1.5 N
Variations include side-bar, top-mounted, squeeze-to-fire, and touch-capacitive styles. Mechanical mods use a direct-fire switch with no circuitry, while regulated mods route the signal through a board that enforces cut-off timers (usually 10 s) and short-circuit protection. High-end devices may pair the fire button with a lock ring or three-click on/off sequence to prevent accidental firing when the Port“>Fill Port is open.
Usage & Tips
- Firing technique: Press firmly and evenly; avoid “ feathering” the button, which can lead to Flooding in the coil.
- Common issue: Sticky or unresponsive button—clean with isopropyl alcohol and check for e-liquid seepage.
- Safety: Always lock or turn off the device before transporting it in pockets or bags to prevent auto-firing.
- Build note: When using a Fused Clapton coil, pulse-fire at low wattage first to check for hot spots without overheating the fire button’s contacts.
History & Context
Early cig-a-likes had no fire button, relying on automatic draw sensors. The first manual fire button appeared on 2010-era eGo batteries and quickly became the standard, giving users direct control over vapour production and battery life. Today, the fire button remains the universal interface across pods, pens, and high-wattage box mods.