TC Coil – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A TC Coil (Temperature Control Coil) is a purpose-built atomizer coil designed to work with a mod’s Temperature Control (TC) mode. Made from special alloys such as Nickel (Ni200), Titanium (Ti), or Stainless Steel (SS316/SS904), it allows the device to regulate coil temperature instead of raw wattage. This prevents dry hits, conserves e-liquid, and delivers a smoother Hit“>throat hit. By limiting the maximum temperature, a TC coil protects both the wick and the user, making it ideal for consistent flavour and extended coil life.
Technical Details
Inside every TC Coil, resistance rises predictably as temperature increases. The mod measures this change in milliohms and calculates real-time coil temperature using the TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistance) of the wire. Typical TCR values are Ni200 ≈ 0.006, Ti ≈ 0.0035, and SS316 ≈ 0.00092. Coils come pre-built in sub-ohm ranges (0.1 – 0.5 Ω) and are commonly found in Top Fill tanks or rebuildable decks. Variations include single, dual, mesh, or clapton builds, each offering different surface area and ramp-up speed. Always lock resistance at room temperature for accurate control.
Usage & Tips
- Priming:Drip e-liquid onto cotton before first use to avoid dry hits.
- Settings: Select the correct wire type in your mod’s menu; set temperature between 200–260 °C for balanced flavour.
- Common Problems: If temperature jumps erratically, check 510 connection or re-lock resistance. Avoid dry-burning Ni200 or Ti coils—use a gentle glow at low wattage instead.
- Safety: Do not exceed recommended temperatures; overheating can degrade wire and release unwanted compounds. Replace wicks every 3–5 days for optimal performance.
History & Context
Temperature Control debuted in 2014 with Evolv’s DNA40 chipset, introducing Ni200 coils. Titanium wire followed, offering safer alternatives and better flavour. Today, stainless-steel TC coils dominate the market, combining TC and wattage versatility in most modern tanks.