Parallel Coil – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Parallel Coil is a type of vape coil build in which two or more strands of resistancewire are wound side-by-side as a single coil. This arrangement keeps electrical resistance low while dramatically increasing the total surface area that contacts e-liquid. The result is faster heating, denser vapour, and richer flavour compared to a single-strand coil of the same ohm reading. Parallel coils are popular in rebuildable atomisers and some high-power Pod System coils, offering a balanced experience for both cloud and flavour chasers without requiring complex math or exotic materials.

Technical Details

How It Works

In a Parallel Coil, each strand receives the same voltage from the mod’s Power Mode, yet because the strands sit next to one another, their combined cross-sectional area lowers the overall resistance. For example, two 26-gauge Kanthal A1 wires twisted in parallel will read roughly half the resistance of a single 26-gauge wire of identical length. Common gauges used are 24–28 AWG Kanthal, Ni80, or SS316L; inner diameters range from 2.5 mm to 4 mm. Variants include “Dual Parallel” (four strands in two pairs) and “Triple Parallel”, but the classic two-strand build remains the most popular.

Usage & Tips

• Wicking: Use enough Cotton“>organic cotton to fill the coil without deforming it; thin tails slightly to avoid dry hits when vaping high-VG juice.
• Hot Spots: Pulse the coil at low wattage (15–25 W) and gently pinch with ceramic tweezers until it glows evenly from the centre outward.
• Safety: Ensure resistance stays within your mod’s limits—most regulated devices handle 0.1–0.3 Ω Parallel Coils comfortably. Always check resistance on an ohm meter before firing.
• PG/VG Ratio: Parallel Coils wick 70 VG / 30 PG blends easily; higher VG may need wider wicking channels or increased Puff Count spacing to prevent flooding.

History & Context

Parallel Coils emerged in the early 2010s when Australian cloud-chasers sought thicker vapour without pushing batteries beyond safe amp limits. As sub-ohm tanks evolved, manufacturers adapted the design into stock coil heads, making the parallel configuration a mainstream option alongside mesh and Clapton coils.