Series Build – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A Series Build is a coil configuration in rebuildable atomisers where two or more coils are wired in series—electrically connected end-to-end so the same current flows through each coil sequentially. Unlike the more common parallel build, a series arrangement doubles (or triples) the total resistance, sharply increases voltage demand, and multiplies the final wattage delivered to the wick. Advanced Australian vapers use Series Builds to achieve high-power, warm, dense vapour from a regulated or mechanical device without dropping into Sub-Ohm territory, making it popular in stacked-battery or Mod“>Squonk Mod set-ups that can safely supply 8.4 V or more.
Technical Details
Electrically, a Series Build adds resistances: two 0.4 Ω coils become 0.8 Ω total (Rtotal = R1 + R2 + …). Because voltage is multiplied across each coil while current remains constant, the final wattage is V² ÷ R, often exceeding 150 W on a dual-18650 mechanical mod. Most builders use:
- 24–26 gauge Nichrome 80 or Kanthal A1 for low mass and quick ramp-up;
- 3.0–3.5 mm Diameter“>inner diameter, 5–7 wraps per coil, staying above 0.5 Ω combined;
- Insulated positive posts and high-drain 25 A+ batteries to prevent Short Circuit Protection trips.
Variations include triple-series (three coils) and staged-series where one coil is Clapton-wrapped for flavour while the other is round-wire for economy.
Usage & Tips
Before installing, dry-burn each coil individually to check for hot spots, then mount them in line—positive leg of the first coil to the atomiser’s positive post, negative leg of the last coil to the negative post. Use an ohm-meter; if the reading jumps or falls, re-seat the legs—an erratic resistance is the most common Series Build failure. Because amp-draw is lower than Sub-Ohm, Kit“>Starter Kit users can experiment on regulated mods set to 7–9 V, but always lock the device before wicking. Safety first: never exceed your battery’s series voltage limit (8.4 V for dual-18650) and allow fresh cotton to Steep in e-liquid for five minutes to avoid dry hits.
History & Context
Series Builds emerged in the early 2010s when Australian cloud-chasers began stacking 18650s in mechanical tubes to rival high-wattage box mods. As regulated chipsets caught up—offering true series output—builders shifted from risky stacked mechs to safer regulated Squonk Mod platforms, cementing the Series Build as a staple for high-voltage, high-flavour vaping Down Under.