Resistive Wires

Resistance Wire for Rebuildable Vape Coils

Resistance wire is used to build customised coils for RTA, RDA and RDTA rebuildable atomizers. Available in different alloys, gauges and constructions, it allows users to create coils suited to the build deck, preferred vaping style and characteristics of the electronic cigarette.

Unlike factory-made clearomizer coils, resistance wire is shaped directly by the user. It can be wrapped around a coil rod to create a simple heating element or supplied in more complex multi-strand constructions. Material, wire diameter, length, number of wraps and internal coil diameter all influence final resistance.

Kanthal, Ni80 and SS316L resistance wire

Kanthal A1, commonly known as KA1, is one of the most widely used materials for rebuildable atomizers. Durable and relatively easy to work with, it is primarily used in variable wattage mode.

Nichrome 80, or Ni80, has different electrical characteristics and is commonly selected for responsive coils with rapid heating. It is widely used in RDA, RTA and RDTA setups for RDL and DTL vaping.

SS316L stainless steel is another versatile option. It can be used in wattage mode on many devices and may also be suitable for temperature control when correctly supported by the mod.

Wire gauge, wraps and coil resistance

Coil resistance depends on more than the selected alloy. Wire diameter, total length, number of wraps and internal coil diameter all influence the final result.

For comparable material and length, thicker wire generally has lower electrical resistance than thinner wire. Increasing wire length or the number of wraps generally increases resistance, while using two identical coils in parallel reduces total build resistance.

The completed build should therefore always be measured rather than relying exclusively on theoretical calculations.

Simple, Clapton and complex resistance wires

Simple resistance wire consists of a single strand and offers considerable flexibility when selecting coil diameter, wrap count and target resistance.

Clapton-style wire uses a more complex construction, typically with one or more core wires wrapped by a thinner outer strand. This increases the heating surface available in contact with cotton and e-liquid.

Numerous complex wire constructions are available, each with different mass, surface area and heating characteristics. Required output should therefore be adapted to the completed coil.

Resistance wire for MTL, RDL and DTL

For MTL vaping, relatively compact coils and moderate resistance values are generally used with restricted airflow and lower output.

RDL setups can use thicker or more complex wires to increase heating surface while maintaining some airflow restriction.

DTL atomizers with larger build decks can accommodate more substantial coils and complex wires designed for increased vapour production and higher power.

Single-coil and dual-coil builds

A single-coil setup uses one heating element and generally requires less power than a comparable dual-coil configuration.

A dual-coil setup uses two coils simultaneously. When two identical coils are connected in parallel, total resistance is lower than the resistance of each individual coil. Two identical 0.60-ohm coils, for example, provide a theoretical total of approximately 0.30 ohm.

Both coils should be as similar as possible in material, dimensions and number of wraps to promote balanced heating.

Building a coil with resistance wire

Resistance wire can be wrapped around a rod corresponding to the desired internal coil diameter. The coil legs are then positioned and secured on the atomizer deck.

The coil should be correctly centred and positioned in relation to the airflow. Before installing cotton, resistance should be checked with suitable equipment and the build inspected for unwanted contact with surrounding metal components.

Once the coil has been checked and adjusted, cotton can be installed and saturated with e-liquid before use.

Safety with resistance wire and rebuildable atomizers

Building coils requires an understanding of electrical resistance, power and hardware limitations. The completed resistance must be compatible with the device and, where removable batteries are used, with appropriate battery discharge capabilities.

Regulated mods provide electronic protection but do not replace proper build inspection. Unstable resistance, short circuits or unwanted metal contact must be corrected before use.

Mechanical mods require more advanced knowledge, particularly regarding Ohm's law and battery discharge limits, and are not suitable for users unfamiliar with these principles.

Discover resistance wire at Viper Smoke

Explore resistance wire at Viper Smoke for RTA, RDA and RDTA rebuildable atomizers. Kanthal, Ni80, SS316L, simple wire and complex constructions provide options for different coil builds and vaping styles.

Select your wire according to material, diameter, construction and desired resistance to create a build suited to MTL, RDL or DTL vaping.