Introduction to wire types
The goal of this article is simple: to introduce you to the most basic types of coil wire, analyze their effects and characteristics. Some wire is used in power mode, others in heat mode, and some can even be used in both modes.
We won’t bore you with details, but rather give you the broadest overview possible so you can choose the right wire for your vaping style. We’ll be focusing on single wire types, without getting into more complex arrangements like Clapton, alien, tiger, or staples.
Wire gauge, resistance, heat up time
All types of wire have basic characteristics regardless of their composition.
The first basic characteristic of any wire is the actual diameter of the wire, also known as wire gauge and measured in numbers. The actual diameter of the wire is not necessary to mention, the point to note is that the larger the wire gauge, the smaller the diameter of the wire. For example, 26 wire will be thinner than 24 wire but thicker than 28 wire. The common wire gauges of vape wire from smallest to largest diameter are: 32, 30, 28, 26, 24 and 22.
Second, the larger the wire gauge, the lower the resistance and the slower the heat up time. For example, thin wire gauges like 32 and 30 will have a higher resistance and a faster heat up time than 26 or 24 gauge wire.
You’ve probably heard of the term “ramp time.” Ramp time is the amount of time it takes for a coil to reach a temperature that will vaporize your e-liquid when you fire up your device. Ramp time is more noticeable with multi-wrap coils like the Clapton, but with larger wire gauges, it can also be noticeable with regular single wire coils.
Heating mode
In basic theory, the device uses the characteristics of the wire you are using to know when to control the current and power delivered to the coil.
In short:
The temperature coefficient of resistance of vape wire is the ability to increase resistance with temperature. The device measures the resistance of the coil before heating, pay attention to the wire material you use. The box mod has a smart chip to determine when the resistance of the coil reaches a certain level (as the temperature increases) that the coil is overheating and reduces the current to the coil to avoid burning the coil.
Very simple, right?
Now we will analyze the characteristics of each type of wire.
Kanthal wire
Kanthal is an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy wire with good oxidation resistance, often used straight in power mode. Kanthal is the best wire to start with if you are new to rebuilding and dripping. You can bend it easily and it will still retain its shape when coiled.
Kanthal wire is quite cheap, you can find this type of wire in most vape shops whether official or online.
Advantage:
Use in power mode
Can be used with mech mod
Easy to shape
Easy to find, easy to buy
Cheap
Disadvantages:
Not available in TC mode
Nichrome wire
Another wire suitable for wattage is Nichrome. Nichrome wire is made from an alloy of nickel and chromium and can also contain other metals such as iron.
Nichrome has properties similar to Kanthal, but has a lower resistance and a faster ramp-up time. Like Kanthal, Nichrome is easy to roll and does not easily deform when wicking.
Nichrome has a lower melting point than Kanthal, which can easily lead to burn out if you're not careful.
Nichrome is less common than Kanthal, so you can only buy it by ordering online.
Advantage:
Has a shorter heat-up time than Kanthal
Easy to shape
Holds shape for a long time
Disadvantages:
Contains Nickel
Low melting point
Hard to buy
Stainless steel wire (SS)
SS wire is a special type of wire that can be used with both VW and TC modes. The coil of this type of wire allows you to switch between TC and VW modes frequently.
SS wire is an alloy made of chromium, nickel and carbon. There are many types of SS wire classified by numbers. We will not discuss the classification of SS wire in detail, the most commonly used type is SS 316.
SS is easy to roll and can hold its shape for a long time. Like Nichrome, this SS has a faster ramp up time than Kanthal.
This type of wire is also rarely sold in vape shops, you should look online.
Advantage
Available in both VW and TC modes
Faster heat up time than Kanthal
Easy to shape
Maintain good shape
Disadvantages:
Contains Nickel
Hard to find in stores
Nickel wire
Nickel wire, also known as Ni200 is made from pure Nickel. Nickel was the first wire used in TC mode.
Nickel wire is quite soft and difficult to shape into identical coils. Once installed on the burner, the coil may be deformed when the wick is threaded.
Nickel is quite popular with TC enthusiasts and is easy to find.
Advantage
Available in TC mode
Easy to find
Disadvantages
Difficult to shape
Easily deformed
Contains Nickel
Titanium wire
Their last wire type is Titanium, made from pure Titanium, used in TC mode.
With Titanium wire, you need to pay more attention to safety issues, Titanium wire at high temperatures will release toxic substances (titanium dioxide). Like magnesium, Titanium fire is extremely difficult to extinguish. Most shops do not sell this type of wire for safety reasons.
Of course Titanium wire is still widely used, in theory as long as your TC device is still working normally, you do not need to worry about fire or Titanium dioxide gas poisoning.
Advantage:
Operates in TC mode
Easy to shape
Easy to keep shape
Disadvantages:
May emit toxic substances
Flammable
Hard to find, hard to buy
Conclude
When choosing wire to coil, you should choose the wire that suits your needs and preferences to get the desired experience. And also remember, all TC wires (except SS) can only be used with mods with TC mode.
Combining multiple types of wire allows vapers to have control over the heating time, current intensity, power and satisfaction when vaping. Moreover, vapers can freely create unique and interesting coils while still staying within the safety zone.
