Nickel Wire – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Nickel Wire is a pure-nickel heating element used in rebuildable atomisers (RDAs, RTAs, RDTAs) to vapourise nicotine-containing e-liquid. Its primary purpose is to act as a temperature-sensitive coil material that allows precise temperature control (TC)vaping. Unlike Nichrome Wire or Kanthal, Nickel Wire has a very high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), meaning its electrical resistance rises predictably as it heats. This lets compatible vape mods limit the coil temperature, preventing dry hits and preserving flavour. Beginners appreciate it for smooth, consistent vapour; advanced users value the fine-tuned control it offers over their nic salt or freebase nicotine blends.

Technical Details

Nickel Wire is most commonly sold as Ni200—an alloy that is 99.6 % pure nickel. Standard gauges for vaping range from 26 AWG (0.4 mm) to 32 AWG (0.2 mm). Because its resistance is extremely low (≈ 0.15 Ω in a single 26 AWG coil at room temperature), builders typically use 8–12 wraps to reach target resistances of 0.1–0.2 Ω in dual-coil configurations. The TCR value used by most mods for Ni200 is 0.00600 Ω/Ω/°C, enabling accurate temperature limiting between 200 °C and 315 °C. Variants include nickel-chromium (NiCr) blends such as Nichrome Wire, which offer higher resistance and wattage mode compatibility, and pre-made nickel clapton coils fused with stainless steel for improved flavour and wicking.

Usage & Tips

• Installation: Pulse Nickel Wire at very low wattage (5–10 W) only to check for hot spots; never glow it bright red, as the metal softens and can snap.
• Wicking: Use generous Cotton“>organic cotton and ensure full saturation before firing to avoid dry cotton burning and nickel oxide formation.
• Mod Setting: Select “Ni” or “Ni200” in TC mode, lock the cold resistance at room temperature, and set temperature around 220 °C for nicotine salt liquids to maintain smooth Hit“>throat hit.
• Safety: People with nickel allergies should avoid direct skin contact; use ceramic tweezers and avoid inhaling fumes if the wire overheats.
• Troubleshooting: If resistance jumps erratically, tighten post screws and check for wire oxidation—replace the coil if discoloured or brittle.

History & Context

Nickel Wire gained popularity in 2014 when Evolv’s DNA40 chipset introduced reliable temperature control vaping to the mainstream market. Initially met with scepticism due to its low resistance and handling quirks, Ni200 coils quickly became the benchmark for TC performance. Although stainless steel and titanium have since emerged as alternatives, Nickel Wire remains a staple for flavour purists and high-wattage TC enthusiasts across Australia, especially among Battery“>NiMH Battery and Nic Salt users seeking smoother, cooler draws.