| FAQ |
 Sure, you must have questions about your electronic cigarette! Many people before you have asked these questions, so we have written out the answers to many of these questions, especially for you.
How are Electronic Cigarette Suppliers Different From The Others?
There are several types of electronic cigarettes being offered for sale in and around South Africa. Some are cheap and nasty, some only have 1 battery, some have no after sales service, some do not carry guarantees or warranties, some have no spares available and some deliberately mislead the public. Most are unbranded. We, at Electronic Cigarette Suppliers, are different. We care about our users. We are constantly upgrading our models, using the latest technology. We carry a full range of consumables, cartomizers, e-liquids, spares and accessories. We have a quality product. We help our customers. We advocate money saving techniques and recommend refilling. We have solid guarantees and warranties in place. We conform to safety standards. We are approved by the NRCS (the old SABS). We offer all sorts of flavours and strengths. We have personally branded our electronic cigarette products. We keep our prices lower than the direct opposition - we are undoubtedly the best value for money in the country. Another unique feature of our service, is our willingness to personalise your electronic cigarette Starter Pack. All other opposition electronic cigarette Starter Packs are supplied with a default box of cartomizers, packed by the factory. We offer to provide cartomizers and le-iquid, suited to your personal taste. Nobody else offers anything like this! Be sure to read up on our ECS Electronic Cigarette Personalised Custom Starter Packs. What Is An Electronic Cigarette? The ECS electronic cigarette is a non-flammable, electronic atomising device, that uses advanced micro-electronic technology, to atomize a water based nicotine solution. The effects of this device are similar to those of an ordinary cigarette. It can refresh the smoker and satisfy his or her nicotine cravings, while helping him or her to relax. While electronic cigarettes are not yet registered as a proven cessation product, they are definitely a useful alternative.  What Are The Essential Advantages Of An Electronic Cigarette, Over An Ordinary Cigarette? * No tar, no carcinogenic substances and no harmful ingredients * No ignition required, no fire hazard * Eliminates about 4000 toxic chemicals found in normal tobacco cigarettes * Harmless to the user, other people and the environment * No first or second hand smoke, no pollution The electronic cigarette is the latest in cutting edge technology to hit the market. This simple, yet effective vapourising device comprises of either two, or three components. The older 3 part model (old ECS 4081) comprises of a rechargeable lithium battery, an atomizer and a pre-filled nicotine cartridge. The new 2 part model (the ECS 2010) comprises of a rechargeable lithium battery and a pre-filled cartomizer, which does the job of both the atomizer and the cartridge. Electronic Cigarette Suppliers stock cartomizers for both the ECS 4081 and the ECS 2010 models, so if you are still using an atomizer and cartridge, change over today! Good news for ECS 88 users, is that the new 2010 cartomizers fit your model too! The 4081 cartomiszrs fit most opposition brands. The electronic cigarette device works much like a real cigarette. Once you draw on the filter end of the cigarette, air is drawn into the atomizing chamber, via air inlet holes on itsside. The air flow triggers a micro-switch and the battery heats up the atomizer, which then vapourises the fluid in the cartridge, to produce "smoke". A red light at the end of the cigarette glows as the user inhales. The mixture consists of nicotine, water, propylene glycol and some food flavouring. The cartridge part is also known as an inhaler.  The smoker then inhales a nicotine and propylene glycol vapour. The nicotine is ingested through the tongue and a smoky, coloured vapour is exhaled, giving the smoker the visual effect, the taste and the nicotine satisfaction of a real cigarette, without the harmful chemical, tars and burning effects of a real cigarette. The device does not have a flame and does not burn any tobacco, so there is no second hand smoke, or odours, or pollutants. This allows the user to smoke anywhere and everywhere. One thing is for sure, by switching to e-cigarettes today, you can drastically reduce your chances of becoming a victim to any smoking related disease, such as lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease and the list goes on. This is truly a better alternative to the tobacco cigarette, with the same great satisfaction.  How Does The ECS 2010 Electronic Cigarette Compare To An Ordinary Tobacco Cigarette? What this vapourising device offers, is the freedom to smoke anywhere and at any time. No longer are you restricted to designated smoking areas. You are now totally free to smoke, when you like and how often you like, with out the shame, guilt or health hazards and you are no longer doing any real physical harm to yourself, or to those around you. Having a smoke at the mall, at the office, at your favourite coffee shop, or at the movie, should no longer be of concern. Overall, the ECS electronic cigarette is a great product to have, whether you use it to supplement your current habit, or just want to take advantage of it's many benefits.  Who Should Use Electronic Cigarettes? * People who have been smoking and have become addicted to it and want to change * People who frequent places where smoking is banned * People who worry about their health and who want to enjoy smoking, without the damaging effects associated with smoking * People who are around young children Who Should Not Use An Electronic Cigarette? * People under the age of 18 years * People who are sensitive to nicotine or propylene glycol * People with serious health problems * Pregnant and nursing women What Benefits Will I Experience? * Better overall health * More energy * Less coughs and respiratory problems * less complaints from others What Adverse Effects Can I Expect, Once I Convert To An Electronic Cigarette? After the first few days of using the electronic cigarette and refraining from smoking tobacco products, you will start to notice increased phlegm on your lungs. This will probably cause a cough, particularly while lying down. This is normal. It is the body trying to clear out the resultant, accumulated phlegm, from your days of smoking tobacco products. This could last for a few weeks. You might also find yourself getting headaches. Again, this is not from using your electronic cigarette, but the withdrawal symptoms from the body purging itself of the thousands of chemicals, which your body is no longer receiving from tobacco. If you find your choice of cartomizer and e-liquid too strong, drop to a lower nicotine level. Some people have also reported slightly upset tummies and a foul odour. Again, this is all the foul chemical toxins leaving your body. Others have reported a little insomnia. All those poisons were putting you to sleep! The good news is that after only about two weeks, your cough will clear, your wheezy chest will be much better, your sense of smell will improve, your food will taste better and your energy levels should increase. Even your clothes, house, car and hands will smell better. People who hated smokers will accept you. Because the electronic cigarette is heavier and harder than a tobacco cigarette, it is possible to incur sore or even blistered lips. You will soon get used to this. We are not aware of any other side effects from using our electronic cigarettes or liquid refill, however, it is possible that some people could perhaps have an allergy to one of the ingredients in the mix. If worried, please consult a medical doctor. What Is The best way to inhale? The best way to smoke the e-ciggiedevice, is to take a drag just hard enough to light up the LED at the tip of the battery and then continue to suck steadily for about 4 seconds, while keeping that LED light on. Sucking really hard does not produce much more vapour and sucking slow and long is the secret. Don't try to take short drags like you used to do with an ordinary cigarette as this could cause overheating. Why am I not getting much vapour? There are a few possible reasons: a) There is not enough e-liquid nicotine reaching the heating coil. Solution: Change to a new cartomizer or refill the old one.Cartomizers are pre-loaded at the factory, but to avoid leakage are only half filled. Note that it is possible to be too wet. Don't think the more liquid, the more smoke. It doesn't work like that and you may need to get rid of some excess fluid. b) You are not taking long enough drags. Solution: Inhale longer c) The battery may be running low and there is not enough charge to heat the coil to the correct temperature. Solution: Charge the battery Is the electronic cigarette safe to use? The e-cigarette only contains a mix of water, propylene glycol, nicotine, a flavourant and a membrane to suspend the ingredients. The e-cigarette has been extensively tested and the liquids have been toxicologically tested. None of the ingredients are considered to be cancer causing agents, or damaging to one's health. Our ECS products hold CE & RoHS certifications. Compared to traditional cigarettes and cigars, the e-cigarette is infinitely safer. See an article on this topic on our ECS Blog. Electronic cigarettes have not yet been fully tested and passed by the medical authorities, but many doctors are recommending them to patients as a better alternative to smoking tobacco. Anything is better! What Is Contained In The E-Liquid? Ingredients list for our e-Liquid Nicotine Cartridge Refills  What is propylene glycol? Propylene Glycol is a food additive, found in many foods we eat today. It is used in food colouring, flavouring and is also used to keep food, medicines and cosmetics moist. It is considered to be generally safe and it is the element in our products, that helps to create the vapour that simulates smoke. It is the same compound used by actors, in creating stage smoke. What is a cartridge? The older 3 part models of electronic cigarette used an atomizer and a slide on cartridge. The cartridge is simply a liquid reservoir. These are available in various flavours and strengths. The cartridge has been superceded by the new cartomizer. How long does a cartridge last? The old fashioned cartridges were not very efficient. A cartridge only has a small reservoir, or wick and will usually last between 65 to 85 inhalations, which is equivalent to approximately 4 to 6 cigarettes, depending on the inhalation of the user. Thus, a cartridge only lasts a couple of hours. At this stage, it can be discarded or refilled. What is a cartomizer? The latest electronic cigarettes are 2 part models - a battery and a cartomizer. Cartomizers (or cartomizers) are a new addition to the ECS range. A cartomizer is basically both an atomizer and a cartridge, all in one. The cartomizer can be disposed of when empty and replaced, or it can be re-filled with e-liquid. These are highly recommended. The advantages are that they simplify e-smoking with no dead atomizers and no messy cartridge refilling. They are able to produce far more vapour. A cartomizer holds 3 times as much liquid as a cartridge can hold. They last longer than cartridges, therefore, need replacing less often. It is similar to using a brand new atomizer every time, as it never clogs up. How long does a cartomizer last? A cartomizer is roughly equivalent to around 15 to 20 normal cigarettes, but this depends largely upon the user and the way it is used. It should last anything from a day, to 3 days, depending on the user's smoking habits. By refilling the cartomizer, with our refill liquids, (or e-liquids) you will get another days usage from it. It can be refilled and used until the atomizer element dies and then it is simply discarded and replaced with a new one. On average, a normal tobacco cigarette only takes about 15 draws to finish and a cartomizer supplies about 220 - 250 draws (15 to 18 cigarettes). When do I replace the cartomizer or cartridge? We recommend you replace the cartomizer or cartridge when the vapour released by your e-cigarette decreases. This is often an indication that the nicotine dilution, within the vapourising chamber, is running out. Continuing to smoke when this stage is reached, is unpleasant and can burn the wick causing permanent damage. We also recommend that you recharge the battery, if necessary. How Do I Refill A Cartomizer, Using A Needle And Syringe? After a while the cartomizer will stop producing vapour and will start tasting “dry and burny”. At this stage it is time to either replace the cartomiser with a new one, or to refill it. Click here to see how to refill cartomisers.Don't use when dry as you can burn the wadding and cause permanent damage to the cartomizer. Sometimes I find leakage in a new cartomizer. Why is this? Although new cartomizers are well sealed with silicon washer and an end cap and then enclosed in end boots and still enclosed in an airtight cellophane wrapper, a little leakage does sometimes occur. The cartomizers are pre-filled under pressure at the factory and then every precaution is taken during transportation. This includes ensuring the cartomizers stand the right way, are packed in insulated containers and are not subjected to too many bumps or to too much heat. Our agents are taught how to store these packages and very few accidents have been reported. It is usually an oversight on the user's part. Make sure you stand the box of cartomizers with the mouthpiece uppermost and the threads below. Make sure you don't leave them in warm places like the kitchen or in a sunny spot and never ever leave them in a vehicle. The cubby hole of a car is the most common source of leakage. The cartomizers get warm and sweat inside the packaging.
Should this happen to you, don't worry - it is easy to resolve. Simply remove the cartomizer from the packet and remove the silicon boots. Wipe clean with a tissue or a piece of toilet paper, blow sharply through it and wipe clean again. Now it is ready for use. This often happens when refilling cartomizers yourself. Can I inhale too much nicotine? No, because if you inhale for longer than 5 seconds, the battery light will flash several times to warn you. If you inhale continuously, about 15 times, the device light will flash several times to warn you. The battery contains micro switches and a protection circuit. The light flashing warns you to stop for a while. This prevents overheating and damage to the working parts. About 15 inhalations is equivalent to one normal cigarette. If you see the light flashing, don't assume that the battery is flat and put it on charge as this confuses the charge cycle memory. Make sure that the battery is actually flat and you weren't just overdoing it! If you think the nicotine level is too high, drop to a lower level. What is the smoke that is released? The vapour like smoke that is released, is simply condensation, that evaporates into the air within seconds. This is not unlike the functioning of a humidifier, like harmless steam. The e-cigarette leaves no visual residue in the air, whereas traditional smoking can leave an unsightly, acrid cloud, which is known to irritate eyes and bother people’s senses. What does it taste like? The taste of the e-cigarette resembles that of tobacco, but feels much smoother and cleaner, as there are none of the impurities associated with real tobacco. ECS have recently launched a number of new flavours, as well. Other flavours taste different to tobacco. You will soon get used to it. Can the e-cigarette be used anywhere? The e-cigarette does not release smoke, only a harmless vapour, like steam. It is not alight, does not smell, gives off no smoke and does not cause any mess, so it cannot offend anyone. It can be used in public areas, restaurants and offices, where smoking is prohibited. However, do not be surprised when people ask about your smoking of the e-cigarette. To the casual observer, using the device creates the appearance of traditional smoking. Users report that simply explaining to others how it works, usually creates acceptance for using the product anywhere. It is always good practice to establish whether the owner of the building or business allows e-smoking in their establishment.Don't call it an electronic cigarette. The word "cigarette" causes suspicion. Rather say it is a personal vapouriser or atomizer. Can anyone use the device? No, the electronic cigarette device may not be sold to those under 18. It is also not intended to be used by pregnant women or those who are sensitive to nicotine, or have a serious respiratory disease. Some people may be allergic to one of the ingredients. How do I turn the e-cigarette on? There is no on or off switch on the e-cigarette. The battery contains tiny pressure switches, so it works automatically. The device activates when the user draws on the e-cigarette and switches off when not in use. The battery contains small pressure switches which are triggered by air flow.. How long does the battery last? The battery will last between 100 and 140 inhalations, which is approximately equal to between 10 to 12cigarettes. Obviously, it depends on how much you smoke and the way you smoke. If you puff away frantically, the battery won't last as long. A spare battery is provided for in the starter pack and extra batteries can be ordered from us, should you require them. Generally, the cartomizer lasts twice as long as the battery lasts. There is a very informative article about batteries on our ECS Blog. How long does it take to charge the battery? Initial charging takes a good 6 hrs, thereafter recharge for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Do you offer a warranty? Yes, we offer a manufacturer's warranty, against faulty workmanship and/or defective components. This covers the batteries, charger and cable from the Starter Pack. It does not cover consumable items. See our customer satisfaction and conditions What are peoples' main reasons for using e-cigarettes? Most smokers smoke because they enjoy the tactile, emotional and physical sensations. The electronic cigarette provides all these same pleasures, but without all the problems commonly associated with traditional smoking. The leading reasons people use e-cigarettes include: reduced health risk; freedom to smoke in most public places; social inclusion versus isolation; no first or second hand smoke; virtually odourless; non-flammable, convenient and lower costs than traditional smoking when using fluid to refill cartridges or cartomisers. Can pregnant women use the electronic cigarette? We are often asked if is safe to smoke electronic cigarettes during pregnancy. We are by no means experts on expectant mothers and pregnancy, but the answer to this question is an obvious “NO.” Anything a pregnant woman ingests into her body, travels to the baby via the umbilical cord, including the chemicals found in cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. As you know, nicotine is an extremely powerful and addictive chemical. If an unborn child is exposed to nicotine, it stands a chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms after being born, as well as a multitude of other problems. The chances of birth defects and other complications are increased if the expectant mother drinks, smokes, or ingests other toxic chemicals during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers who smoke could even run the risk of losing their baby. Under no circumstances should you smoke electronic or any other cigarettes while pregnant or nursing. Good luck and remember to always think about your baby’s best interests so they can live a happy and healthy life! The bottom line is, you should quit totally, but having said that, it is far better to use an electronic cigarette, than to take a risk by using normal tobacco products, with all the bad ingredients. What Sort Of Withdrawal Symptoms Can I Expect? After the first few days of using the electronic cigarette and refraining from smoking tobacco products, you will start to notice increased phlegm on your lungs. This will probably cause a cough, particularly while lying down. This is normal. It is the body trying to clear out the resultant, accumulated phlegm, from your days of smoking tobacco products. This could last for a few weeks. You might also find yourself getting headaches. Again, this is not from using your electronic cigarette, but the withdrawal symptoms from the body purging itself of the thousands of chemicals, which your body is no longer receiving from tobacco. Some people have also reported slightly upset tummies and a foul odour. Again, this is all the foul chemical toxins leaving your body. The good news is that after only about two weeks, your cough will clear, your wheezy chest will be much better, your sense of smell will improve, your food will taste better and your energy levels should increase. Even your clothes, house, car and hands will smell better. We are not aware of any other side effects from using our electronic cigarette or luiqid refill, however, it is possible that some people could perhaps have an allergy to one of the ingredients in the mix. If worried, please consult a medical doctor. Not all people are affected. Some report no adverse effects at all. Here Are A Few useful tips. * Always charge your new battery for 6 hours, prior to using it for the 1st time. Do not be tempted to use beforehand, even if the light on the charger turns blue before 3 hours is up. All subsequent charges should be between 3 to 4 hours, even if the light has gone out. * Keep the electronic cigarette vertical, with the cartromizer at the top and the battery below. If you have nothing to keep it upright while not in use, lay it flat on a table. Try not to let the battery be higher than the cartomizer. * Take slow steady drags and only draw hard enough to light up the LED. Each drag should be about 4 seconds long. * Do not stress too much, as you will soon learn how to smoke the electronic cigarette. As with anything, there is a slight learning curve. * Keep the batteries clean, especially if refilling the cartomizers How Do I Select The Correct Nicotine Density And What Strength Should I Use? Good question! See the options, tables and formulae in the Consumables section on the spares page and the liquids page. What Are The Nicotine Densities? See the nicotine densities of the product you wish to use, on the on the Spares Page and on the Liquids page. What Do I need To Know When Using My Electronic Cigarette For The First Time? When you open the ECS 2010 model for the 1st time, do not simply screw a cartomizer on to a battery and start using it. The batteries need to be fully charged first. Before you start using your new electronic cigarette, please read the instruction booklet provided. Once you have charged the batteries and placed a fresh cartomizer on the device, then you can continue to use your new electronic cigarette. Caution: The 1st few drags may not always taste great, as the cartomizer has been moved and shaken and possibly subjected to heat and humidity while in transit. It has been at sea for a couple of weeks. These handling factors may cause sweating or leaking of liquid from the cartomizer. Do not worry, as this is easily remedied. Unscrew the cartomizer from the battery and blow hard into the end of the cartomizer. This will remove excess fluid and force the rest back into the wick packing. Try again and it should be fine. Note: Do not put your fingers over the air inlet holes completely when you inhale. They are those little open rectangular slits, where the atomizer and battery join. The only time we ever suggest covering one inlet hole, is if your drag is too easy and you are not getting much vapou, then "choke" the one airhole while drawing. After using your electronic cigarette for a few days, you may start to notice a green or black substance building up on the battery thread and head. We suggest you clean the battery every few days as required.See our blog for tips on battery care and cleaning. In short, wipe the battery clean every time you change over. To clean, just use some toilet paper, tissue or an earbud and screw into the battery threaded section. Fortnightly use a toothbrush or earbud moistened with surgical spirits or methylated spirits and then wipe it clean. How Do I Get The Best From My Batteries? First, you must charge a new battery for a full 6 hours. Thereafter, recharge them for 3½ to 4 hours. Don't leave them on charge for more than 4 hours, as this can cause overheating and damage the battery. Don't be tempted to take the battery off charge too soon, as this affects the memory and the charge cycle. The rechargeable battery is like that of a cellphone or camera, where a memory is set and can become confused by different charge cycles. Don't be too hasty to discard a battery and quickly put it on charge. It may not be flat yet. The light flashes when a battery is getting flat, but it also flashes when used too much. It has a built in protection system and flashes when over used. Try the battery again, after a short wait and ensure that it is flat, before attempting to recharge it. Like all mechanical devices, the battery requires a little basic maintenance, which should be carried out at regular intervals. The liquid from the cartomizer often leaks into the battery threads and if left, can work its way into the pressure switches. This causes the switch to stick and can affect your smoking, by making it harder to drag, or by delaying the light action.This can cause battery failure. Remember, the thread section should be kept clean of the liquid. If some liquid spills, use a tissue to clean the thread section. Just twirl it into a thick spike and turn it in the threads. Every week or two, the threads should be cleaned properly. A toothbrush dipped into some Methylated Spirits works well. After rinsing, use a tissue to dry it again. Blow it and leave for a few minutes to dry, before use. Another factor, particularly prevalent in South Africa, is our power supply. Our supply is notoriously erratic, with fluctuating voltage drops, voltage peaks and cuts. The battery suffers from power surges and of course, if the power goes off and then back on, the charge cycle starts over. Thus when you remove the battery after the stipulated period, you never really know how well or for how long it has charged. TIP: If you have several batteries to charge, or if you need to charge at night, or while going out, this tip will hep you. Use a timer switch to set the stipulated charge period! Then you can rest assured that the charge will stop at the specified time. These timer plugs are available at hardware or electrical stores for around R90. Batteries are like light bulbs, in that they could last for ages, or they could suddenly pack in without warning, but with regular care, they should last well. See the article on battery maintenance on our ECS Blog. Anything Else I Should Know? If you go into a night club, with loud music playing, it may activate the battery. If so, we recommend you detach the cartomizer from the battery, until you are ready to use it. Sometimes you may hear a whistling or a crackling sound coming from the atomizer. If you hear crackling, it is most likely the nicotine boiling on the heating coil and there is really nothing you can do about this. If you hear a whistling sound, it is most likely that the cartomizer is not a good fit in the battery and is sucking air. It is drawing too much air. Try twisting it for a better fit, placing a finger over an airhole, or changing the cartomizer. The cartomizer is primed with the nicotine mixture in the factory and is packed in cellophane, to prevent it from drying out. Once you have removed the cartomizer from the packet, it dries very quickly, depending on the weather. If you are not smoking much, or want to preserve the shelf life of the cartomizer, it is a good idea to keep them in a sealed Tupperware or similar air-tight container. The easiest is to keep the 2 silicone end caps and use them to seal the cartomizer when not in use. While not in use, try not to leave your electronic cigarette lying around. Wherever possible, store it in an upright position. The cartridge should always be at the top. This allows the nicotine mix to run down onto the atomizer, rather than into the mouthpiece. I Have Heard Some Strange Terms. Is This Electronic Cigarette Terminology? Yes, there is a whole new language used by electronic cigarette users. Click here to see our "Vaper's Dictionary" and learn the main terms and their meanings. I Am still Not sure About This - How Do I Know Which Electronic Cigarette Is Best? I Have Seen Some Advertised Cheaper. Don't be fooled by cheap and nasties. Read some of the articles about this in general and especially read the post on How To Buy An Electronic Cigarette. User Manuals All the advice, help, tips etc are contained in these User's Manuals. Download your copy now. Download our 4081 User's Manual for the older ECS cartridge models here. To download the new ECS 2010 User's Manual, just sign up on the Homepage and we will mail the link to you.
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