E-Cig and Vape Battery and Electrical Certification

E-cig and vape battery safety assessments

Both electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and similar vaping devices, often called vap mods, use a rechargeable battery system to power the rapid heating of manufactured consumables. Customized heating elements instantly convert the compatible consumable into a vapor or atomized mist state for inhalation via the user’s mouth. Unfortunately, a number of potential failure scenarios including poor mechanical e-cig/vape device design, incompatible battery management system design, operator misuse, or environmental exposures can trigger catastrophic battery failure resulting in fire or explosion. Serious injuries and death have been reported.

To guide device manufacturers in the robust safety design of their electronic devices, we offer testing to UL 8139, the Standard for Electrical Systems of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices. UL 8139 evaluates the safety of the electrical, heating, battery and charging systems of these devices and is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). The Standard also addresses specific fire safety concerns raised by North American fire officials.

Testing procedures for e-cig and vape devices

Our offerings include testing the complete battery management system design and the device’s response to electrical system stresses. We also test device mechanical integrity and containment design in a worst-case lithium-ion battery failure scenario where fire or explosion would present a serious threat to user safety.

Testing procedures include:

• Battery management system evaluation for normal use and foreseeable misuse
• Mechanical stress testing
• Accidental activation
• Compatibility with interconnected systems
• Environmental resilience

UL 8139 does not apply to the consumables, such as e-liquids and other aerosol substances, wicks, and other particulate matter, and also does not consider the physiological and psychological effects of any consumables used with the product.

Benefits of the UL 8319 certification

Testing to UL 8139 helps manufacturers to:

• Enhance consumer safety
• Mitigate battery-related injury risks
• Minimize possible counterfeiting via unique UL Solutions holographic labeling

Our testing of e-cigs and vaping devices to UL 8139 uses proven safety engineering principles and testing practices to evaluate the compatibility among interconnected components for total system safety. Earning UL 8139 certification from UL Solutions grants use of the UL Mark, providing important product differentiation in the global market.

Why UL Solutions for e-cig and vape battery and electrical certification

We are a recognized global leader in battery safety testing. Our engineers are experienced in battery technology and test batteries to UL Standards as well as international, national and regional regulations. Testing and certification to UL 8139 can be conducted at the following UL Solutions laboratories:

• Guangzhou, China
• Ise, Japan
• Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

We worked with the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), as well as other industry stakeholders to develop UL 8139, the Standard for Electrical Systems of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices.