Electronic Cigarette - Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Why is my Electronic Cigarette not smoking?
A - Firstly, check the cartridge has not dried up. Change cartridge when the smoke begins to diminish. Try standing a weak cartridge on its end for a while - it should smoke well again. Check the battery is fully charged (try a freshly charged battery) if there is still no smoke, it may be that the atomizer needs to be replaced. Try not to drop, knock or sit on your Electronic Cigarette as this will damage the component parts. Protective cases are available via this website. We strongly advise you have two atomisers and rotate them daily - this appears to prolong their life. Regular cleaning is also recommended.
Q - How long will one cartridge last?
A - This will depend on what type of smoker you are – heavy or light. Our customers have found that one cartridge is roughly equivalent to 7 – 15 cigarettes.
Q - How do I clean my atomizer?
A - there are several tips circulating on the Internet, but the best way is to get some canned air, and blow this through the atomiser. Blow through the small hole (i.e the battery end, as this will blow out any debris). Do this last thing at night, and the atomiser is then clean and ready for use the next day. Don’t forget to blow through the small side hole in the atomiser also.
Q - How often should I change my battery?
A - When you first receive your kit, your batteries may be part charged, so you may only need to charge them for a few hours, not the full 8 hours that the manual states. Once you are using your Electronic Cigarette, have one battery on charge while you are using the other, and you may find that in use, one battery will last 3 – 4 hours before needing to be re-charged.
Before going to bed disconnect the battery from the atomiser, batteries can drain over night as they are in standby mode when not being used.
Q - Is there a "right" and "wrong" way to smoke the e-cig?
A - Try these handy tips to help you get the most from your e-cig;
Tip one:
You will generate better smoke if you inhale slow and long.
Tip two:
It is important that the battery is fully charged (the light on the charger is green) and that all the parts are properly connected to one another (so that no leaks can develop).
Tip three:
Do not overcharge the battery - it may become too hot and no longer perform optimally.
Tip four:
Make sure that your cartridge is not empty!
Q - I am considering ordering an e-cig and extra cartridges from your company, but don't have a PayPal account. I do have debit cards, credit cards and a cheque book. Is it possible to order from you using one of the above methods?
A - Yes! Please note: You do NOT need to have a PayPal account in order to shop with us. Simply click "continue" (to the left hand side of the page) when you are prompted to log in - this will take you to our checkout, where you may use your credit/debit card. Alternatively, you may send us a cheque (payable to "PCM Global Trading Limited") together with a covering letter detailing your order.
UPDATE: No matter which card I use at the checkout, it is an invalid type!
A - Should you experience the problem of your card not being accepted at the checkout and you have previously held a PayPal account, click the "Add a new card..." link at the top of the checkout error page. Once you have entered the new card details, your payment should be accepted.
Q - No matter which card I use at the checkout, it is an invalid type!
A - We believe this is an issue with certain customers' computers only and is not a fault with our secure Paypal credit card system. Those customers affected should try deleting the cookies and temporary Internet files within their browser before trying again.
Q - "I plug battery into charger but light is green straight away..."
A - Smoke the electronic cigarette for a few minutes before plugging in to charger - this will deplete the small amount of charge that is present in the battery when it leaves the factory.
Q - Is it safe to use the electronic cigarette
- what are the risks?
A - There are no toxins or by-products of combustion, ie carbon monoxide, given off by the e-cig because you aren't really inhaling smoke - its vapour! There is however, nicotine present in the cartridges which is believed to pose some health risks, especially in large doses or to those at greater risk (young people, pregnant women, persons with heart conditions and or high blood pressure for example). It is always best to consult your doctor or physician before using any nicotine replacement product. Having said that it is almost universally accepted that using an e-cig is far less dangerous than smoking!
Q - How long does the electronic cigarette nicotine cartridge last?
A - We have found that 1 - 2 cartridges should last a day for a light to medium smoker. Heavy smokers will probably need three to four cartridges per day. We do not recommend using too many cartridges per day as high doses of nicotine can be harmful in rare cases i.e. you wouldn't smoke 100 cigarettes in a day!
Q - Where can I buy replacement cartridges for my electronic cigarette?
A - You must use the correct cartridge for you e-cigarette (available to order from this site).
Q - Does my electronic cigarette require any cleaning or maintenance?
A - From time to time yes. Keep your e-cig in good working order by gently cleaning the contact plate between battery & atomizer with a cotton bud to ensure good electrical contact is made. Some users have reported that giving the atomizer head a quick, sharp blow of air helps give thicker "smoke". Please be careful when cleaning your e-cigarette as it can be damaged by rough handling or chemicals. This is especially true of the atomizer unit.
Q - I have lost/broken part of my electronic cigarette - can I get it repaired?
A - Yes! We have access to spare parts for our entire range and will be happy to assist you.
Q - Where do I get help & support if there is a problem with my electronic cigarette?
A - Help and support is available via e-mail
Q - How many puffs should I take on my electronic cigarette?
A - A traditional cigarette delivers approx 12 puffs before it burns down. Most e-cigarette users feel satisfied after approx 6 to 8 puffs of their e-cigarette.
Q - Can I really smoke my electronic cigarette in the pub/restaurant/public place?
A - Yes! At present there is no law against using the e-cigarette in public places. Due to public ignorance and general lack of awareness the e-cigarette user may find themselves having to explain what they are doing is not harmful to others!
Q - Exactly how long is the mini electronic cigarette?
A - v2009 = 11.7cm
Q - I don't have a credit card - can I pay by bank transfer?
A - We accept payment by bank transfer on bulk orders only (250 units or more).
Q - I have heard that electronic cigarette cartridges are diluted - what does this mean?
A - When making a cartridge, it's not pure nicotine that is used - that level would be too high and potentially dangerous. In order to mimic the true nicotine yield of a traditional cigarette, a solution is produced which contains a fixed percentage of nicotine. For example, a 16mg cartridge is made from a solution which contains 1.6% nicotine per 100mg of liquid. Take a look at the side of a packet of regular cigarettes - there's maybe 0.9mg of nicotine per cigarette - so you see, even "real" cigarettes aren't 100% nicotine!
