Nichrome Wire – Definition, Uses & Safety in Vaping

Definition

Nichrome Wire is a resistance heating alloy made primarily from nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) that vapers shape into coils to vaporise e-liquid. When electricity from the vapebattery passes through the tightly-wound Nichrome coil, the wire heats up instantly, turning surrounding e-juice into the flavoured vapour you inhale. It sits between Kanthal and stainless steel in ramp-up speed, offers lower resistance per length than Kanthal, and does not require a temperature-control capable mod, making it a popular “everyday” wire for both beginners building their first RDA and advanced vapers chasing dense clouds on mech mods.

Technical Details

Nichrome 80 (80% Ni, 20% Cr) is the vaping industry’s default grade. Resistance is roughly 2.3 Ω per foot for 26 AWG, varying with diameter: 24 AWG ≈1.5 Ω/ft, 28 AWG ≈3.6 Ω/ft. The alloy forms a stable chromium-oxide skin that reduces oxidation flaking, so coils last 3–6 weeks with normal use. TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) is low (~0.0001 Ω/°C), meaning resistance changes little as temperature rises; consequently most vapers run Nichrome in straight wattage mode rather than temperature control. Melting point is about 1,400°C, well above typical vaping peaks of 300°C. Pre-made spools come in round, flat (ribbon) and staggered clapton forms; ribbon dimensions such as 0.4mm × 0.1mm allow quicker ramp-up and massive surface area for high-VG juice without the bulk of a thick round wire.

Usage & Tips

Before first use, pulse the coil at 15–20W until it glows evenly from the centre outward, pinch-strumming with ceramic tweezers to remove hot spots. Wick with tight Scottish-roll cotton to prevent spit-back. Nichrome has lower resistance than Kanthal, so build one gauge higher (e.g., 26 instead of 24) to stay within your mod’s amp limit, especially on hybrid mechs. Avoid dry-burning above 30W for prolonged periods—excess heat degrades the oxide layer and can release trace nickel. People with nickel allergies should choose stainless-steel or Kanthal instead. After vaping, lightly brush coils under warm water, re-dry-burn at low wattage, and re-wick to extend coil life.

History & Context

Nichrome was patented in 1906 for electric toasters, but the vape scene adopted it in 2008 when early “genesis” atomisers needed faster ramp-up than Kanthal could deliver. As sub-ohm culture grew, Aussie builders favoured Nichrome 80 for its sweet-spot balance of speed, stability and flavour purity, cementing it as a staple alongside cotton and 18650 batteries.