Ni200 Wire – What is it in Vaping?

Ni200 Wire: The Complete Vaping Glossary Entry

Definition

Ni200 Wire is a pure nickel wire used in temperature control vaping. Its electrical resistance changes predictably with heat, allowing compatible vape mods to limit coil temperature and prevent dry hits or burnt wicks. Because it contains no iron or chromium, Ni200 is non-magnetic and must be used only in TC-Ni or Temperature Control Nickel mode. Beginners often choose it for its consistent flavour and added safety compared to traditional kanthal builds.

Technical Details

When heated, Ni200’s resistance rises by roughly 0.006 Ω per °C, a property known as a high Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR). Most vape chips use a TCR of 0.00600–0.00620 to calculate real-time coil temperature, allowing the mod to throttle power and maintain a set limit—typically 200–315 °C. Wire gauges range from 20 AWG (0.8 mm) for massive cloud coils to 32 AWG (0.2 mm) for tight MTL builds. Spools are sold annealed (soft) or half-hard; the former is easier to wrap and wick. Unlike Nichrome Wire, Ni200 must never be dry-fired above dull red, as overheating can alter its TCR curve permanently.

Usage & Tips

• Building: Use spaced coils to avoid hot spots; contact coils can short and confuse the chipset.
• Wicking: Saturate the wick fully before first use; dry cotton will burn even under temperature control.
• Safety: Never use Ni200 in wattage or bypass mode—overheating can release nickel oxides. Rinse hands after handling raw wire.
• Cleaning: Lightly pulse at 10–15 W to remove residue, then rinse and re-wick; avoid aggressive brushing that can scratch the surface.

History & Context

Ni200 gained popularity around 2014 when Evolv’s DNA40 board introduced reliable temperature control to the mainstream market. It quickly became the benchmark for TC wire until the rise of stainless-steel and titanium alternatives. Today, many Australian rebuilders still favour Ni200 for its accuracy and clean flavour, especially when paired with nicotine salt e-liquids that benefit from lower, controlled temperatures.