Freq. Asked Questions
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How do electronic smoking devices work?
Electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes (from here on just referred to as electronic cigarettes) consist of 3 components: a battery, an atomizer and a nicotine cartridge. When a person takes a drag the atomizer and the light on the tip is powered on by the battery. The atomizer heats the air drawn into the electronic device to a high enough temperature that it vaporizes the liquid nicotine solution in the replaceable nicotine cartridge. The vapor is then inhaled into the mouth and lungs fully simulating the smoking experience and satisfying the craving smokers seek.
The simulated “smoke” is actually just water vapor that evaporates in a few seconds and leaves no lingering odor.
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How are electronic cigarettes switched on?
Most switch on automatically when the atomizer detects air being drawn into the electronic device. There are a few devices that feature manual switches which have their advantages and disadvantages.
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How do I know when to recharge the battery?
Most of them blink the lighted tip a certain number of times to indicate that you should recharge the battery. Starter kits usually come with at least one spare battery so that you can continue to use the device while the battery is recharged.
Should you experience little or no vapor ensure that your battery is fully charged and properly attached to the device and that the cartridge is firmly inserted in the end of the device. Also, check the cartridge to make sure that it doesn’t need to be replaced.
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How long do the batteries typically last before needing a recharge?
Electronic cigarette batteries will last 1 – 3 days before re-charging, depending upon the style of battery (pen-style, mini, cigar etc.) and intensity of usage. Longevity will vary by individual as well.
On many devices the indicator light on the tip will blink 20-30 times when the battery is getting low on power. Manufacturers and suppliers suggest carrying spare batteries and a charger when traveling or during other times when high usage is anticipated.
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How long do batteries take to recharge?
This varies by style (pen-style, mini, cigar etc.) but on average a new battery may need to be charged initially for about 3 hours. Subsequent recharges should take about 2 hours.
Most chargers have an indicator light on the charger that turns green so there is no guess-work in determining when the charging cycle is complete.
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How many times can a battery be recharged?
This varies by style (pen-style, mini, cigar etc.). On average a battery can be recharged over 300 times.
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What are the main benefits / advantages of electronic cigarettes?
- closely simulates smoking and delivers nicotine
- Can be used in non-smoking areas
- Free of harmful tar, carcinogenic substances and combustion gases present in regular cigarettes
- You'll save a ton of money!
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How do the ingredients in electronic cigarettes compare to those in regular smoking products?
Electronic cigarettes contain water, propylene glycol, nicotine, a scent that emulates a tobacco flavor, other flavorings, and a membrane to suspend the ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined propylene glycol to be “generally recognized as safe” for use in food, cosmetics, and medicines although use in simulated smoking devices is not currently included in the list of usages generally recognized as safe.
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What is the smoke that is released?
The simulated “smoke” is simply the vaporized contents of the nicotine cartridge. This smoke is water vapour that evaporates into the air within seconds and leaves virtually no odor. There are no additional / unwanted chemicals produced in the vaporization process because there is no chemical reaction or combustion taking place as with regular cigarettes.
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What is propylene glycol?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined propylene glycol to be “generally recognized as safe” for use in food, cosmetics, and medicines. It is used in food coloring, and flavoring, as an additive to keep food, medicines and cosmetics moist, and in machines that simulate smoke, although usage in simulating smoking devices is not currently included in the list of uses generally recognized as safe by the FDA. Propylene glycol is used in electronic smoking devices to make the water vapor appear more like smoke and to keep the cartridges from drying out and losing flavor.
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How much nicotine is in the replacement cartridges?
Replacement nicotine cartridges have different levels of nicotine in them. The nicotine levels range from about 0 – 18mg and some have even have more nicotine. Each level is meant to correspond to real cigarettes in the following manner:
- High cartriges have ~18mg of nicotine which is about as much as a regular cigarette
- Medium cartridges have ~12mg of nicotine which is about as much as a light cigarette
- Low cartridges have ~6mg of nicotine which is about as much as an ultra light cigartte
- Zero cartridges have 0mg nicotine
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What is the shelf life of electronic cigarette cartridges?
If stored in a cool dry place, shelf averages ~24 months from purchase date.
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Can I refill my cartridges with nicotine solution purchased on in a smoke shop or the web?
Some people have started to “drip” their cartridges as a way to either increase nicotine levels, alter flavor and reduce the cost of smoking electronic cigarettes even further. Most manufacturers and suppliers say that this practice as well as using cartridges no sold specifically for the your device voids the warranty of your device.
You can do whatever is best and works for you, but if you are concerned about violating your warranty check with your supplier first
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How do I know when to replace the cartridge?
In general, when the vapor volume is reduced below a satisfactory level this usually means that your cartridge needs to be replaced. There is a chance that your battery may need to be recharged as well although most devices blink the tip when the battery needs a recharge.
To be sure, you can remove the cartridge and look at it. Over time you will develop a knack for what the “membrane” inside the cartridge looks like when it needs to be replaced. Usually it will appear extra white in color and dry looking. Also, the fibers from the membrane will protrude from the cartridge when it is dry.
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Do electronic cigarettes carry warranties?
Yes, most manufacturers and suppliers do offer warranties. The standard is 1 year warranty on manufacturing defects and workmanship. If you drop it out the window down while cruising the interstate you are probably out of luck!
Just like car warranties, some manufacturers / suppliers do not cover all components in their warranty. For example, some may cover batteries and chargers for one year, but not the atomizer.
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Is there a money back guarantee?
Yes, some suppliers and manufacturers offer money back guarantees to encourage you to try the product for at least a short time and allow you the opportunity to return it and get your money back if you don’t like it. The standard money back guarantee is 30-days.
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Does electronic cigarette smoke smell?
The odor from barely noticeable and is completely unlike traditional cigarettes.
Traditional cigars cigars and cigarettes create lingering smells in rooms and cars that is difficult if not impossible to eliminate.
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