Wire Lead – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A wirelead is the short, exposed section of resistance wire that extends from each end of a coil wrap and connects the coil to the Deck“>build deck of a rebuildable atomiser (RDA, RTA or RDTA). These leads are clamped or screwed into the posts so electrical current from the mod’s battery can pass through the coil and generate the wattage needed to vaporise e-liquid. Clean, correctly trimmed leads ensure low resistance, stable performance and safe vaping.

Technical Details

Wire leads are simply the uncoiled “tails” of your resistance wire—usually Kanthal A1, Ni80, stainless-steel or titanium—that remain straight after you finish wrapping your coil. Typical length ranges from 4 mm to 7 mm, measured from the last wrap to the tip. Diameter matches the coil wire (22–28 AWG most common). Leads must be trimmed so that, once mounted, the coil sits 1–2 mm above the deck and centred over the air-flow slots. Variations include:

• Long leads: used for post-less decks or series builds where posts sit far from the coil.
• Short/“flush” leads: popular on clamp-style decks to minimise hotspots.
• Dual-lead vs. single-lead: standard coils have two leads; mesh strips have two short legs that function the same way.

Resistance is unaffected by lead length once secured, but longer exposed metal can radiate extra heat and raise atty temperature.

Usage & Tips

Always snip leads after tightening screws to avoid stray strands that can short against the cap. Use ceramic tweezers to squeeze coil while pulsing at 15–20 W; this evens out hot-spots that often originate where leads meet the first wrap. If your mod reads “Atomiser short,” check for clipped lead fragments under the deck. For safety, ensure leads are fully captured by the post screws—visible wire outside the clamp increases resistance and can arc, melting insulators. Australian vapers: carry a small nail-clipper or dedicated wire cutters in your kit for on-the-go rebuilds.

History & Context

In early 2010s genesis-style RBAs, vapers left extra-long leads to reach distant positive posts. As post-less and clamp decks evolved, flush trimming became standard, improving aesthetics and reducing shorts. Today, many Australian coil-makers pre-cut “ready leads” on spooled coils, reflecting the hobby’s shift toward convenience without sacrificing rebuildable performance.