User Replaceable Battery – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A User Replaceable Battery is a removable power cell inside a VapeMod“>vape mod or pod system that the vaper can take out and swap for a freshly charged one. Unlike built-in batteries that are sealed inside the device, these cells give Australian vapers the freedom to carry spares and never wait for USB charging. They are usually high-drain 18650, 20700 or 21700 lithium-ion cells designed to deliver the high currents demanded by sub-ohm coils or temperature-control builds.

Technical Details

Most replaceable batteries comply with the IEC 62133 standard and operate at a nominal 3.6–3.7 V, charging up to 4.2 V. Typical capacities range from 2500 mAh (18650) to 4000 mAh (21700). The mod’s positive and negative contacts are gold-plated springs or adjustable sleds that maintain constant pressure even when the device is dropped. Venting holes in the battery cap allow gases to escape in case of thermal runaway. Some Ultra Portable kits use proprietary sizes, but the majority accept industry-standard cells, letting advanced users pair their favourite Unregulated Mod with a high-amp Sony VTC6 or Molicel P42A. A USB-Cport is still present for safe onboard charging, yet external chargers are recommended for balanced cell health.

Usage & Tips

• Match your amp draw: Ensure the cell’s continuous discharge rating (CDR) exceeds the coil’s requirement—e.g., 25 A for a 0.15 Ω build at 75 W.
• Rotate married pairs: Keep two or more identical batteries used and charged together to avoid imbalance.
• Check wraps: Tears in the PVC sleeve can cause hard shorts; re-wrap or discard damaged cells.
• Transport safely: Use plastic cases to prevent keys or coins from completing a circuit in your pocket.
• Avoid over-draining: Stop vaping when the mod reads 3.2 V to extend cycle life.

History & Context

When early cigalikes arrived in Australia around 2008, sealed cells were the norm. The 2015 push for higher wattage and Tank“>UFORCE Tank-style sub-ohm clearomisers drove demand for 18650 formats borrowed from flashlights and power tools. Today, replaceable 21700 cells power everything from squonk boxes to pocket-friendly pod mods, cementing the practice as the go-to choice for serious Aussie vapers.