Introduction to Parallel and Series mechs
If you're shopping for a dual battery mech mod but don't know the difference between parallel and series battery designs, this is definitely a helpful article.
You're well prepared: you understand Ohm's law, limits and battery safety, and you confidently head to your nearest vape shop to pick up a new machine.
But when the salesperson shows you a bunch of unregulated box mods, explaining that some are “series” and others are “parallel,” things get confusing. You go home with a bunch of nagging questions about what you just saw, and being a responsible vaper , you immediately look up the necessary information.
What is the difference between parallel and series box mod ?
At its simplest, it's voltage. There are other important user safety points that we'll get to later, but the most important one is voltage.
Parallel machine
Mech mod parallel structure diagram
Note: In the example below, let's assume we use two 18650 batteries with a voltage of 3.7V, a maximum continuous discharge capacity of 20A, and each battery has a capacity of 2000mAh.
One of the best examples of a parallel two-battery box mod is the MCV Cherry Bomer box mod. In this setup, the two batteries operate in parallel with both the positive and negative terminals connected together.
In a parallel battery setup, the voltage measured will be equal to the voltage of one of the batteries - in our example, 3.7V. In a parallel board, the current is divided equally between the two batteries, doubling the discharge to the coil and the battery capacity. In the example above, the continuous discharge current will be up to 40A and the battery capacity will be 4000mAh.
Advantage:
- Has a larger current intensity.
- Battery capacity, long usage time.
Disadvantages:
- Low output voltage.
- Has slow heat up time with heavy metal wire.
- Runs too slow for vapers who like to use high power.
Series machine
Mech mod series structure diagram
Note: In the example below, let's assume we use two 18650 batteries with a voltage of 3.7V, a maximum continuous discharge capacity of 20A, and each battery has a capacity of 2000mAh.
The most famous series battery setup box mod is definitely the Noisy Cricket by Wismec. The series battery setup is just as the name suggests, two batteries are placed in series. One of the most common examples of series batteries outside of vaping is flashlights.
In a series setup, the voltages of the two batteries are added together. However, the current in the circuit will be limited to the maximum continuous discharge of the battery because the current drawn from the two batteries is equal. Ultimately, the battery capacity of this series setup will be equal to the maximum capacity of one battery.
Advantage:
- Large output voltage.
- Enough power to run large coils.
Disadvantages:
- Current intensity is limited.
- Low battery capacity.
- Overheating with low wattage vapers.
Summary
Now the question is: which setup is best for you?
The important thing to remember is that a build will perform differently depending on the settings of the two mods. For example, with a parallel mod at 3.7V, a 0.15 ohm coil will draw 24.6A from the battery and run at 91.3W.
Whereas this same build on a series mod at 7.4V will draw 49.3A and give you 365W - completely exceeding the battery's safety standards.
If you pull the coil resistance to 0.5 ohm, and use a heavier wire like a Clapton coil - the resulting voltage will be 7.4A and only pull 27.4W for the coil in parallel mod.
In series mod, clapton coil will pull 14.8A of voltage and give you about 110W.
Final words
Regardless of which setup you choose, the first thing you need to pay attention to is safety. Always use new and identical batteries. Mixing batteries of different brands, ages, and capacities can have unpredictable consequences, especially with series battery setups.
Both batteries in the two settings must be able to deliver the required current at the same time, if one battery cannot keep up, the excess heat can potentially cause the battery to discharge gas and explode.
Aside from these caveats, if you like to use low wattage with single wire coils and need long run times, then go for a parallel mod.
If you like high power with strong vapor production, then the mod series will be the ideal choice.
Author: Gary Joseph - Vaping360
Translator: The Vape Club.
