AUSTRALIAThis is a technical explainer, not a recommendation of any product. In Australia, vapes can only be supplied through pharmacies and within strict limits. See our guide to Australia’s vaping rules.
Specification sheets compress a lot of engineering into a few short lines. Some figures are physical measurements, some are regulatory information, and some are manufacturer estimates. Knowing the difference helps you read any sheet more critically, whether it describes a phone, a power bank or a small electronic device.
Battery capacity (mAh)
Battery capacity is usually shown in milliamp-hours (mAh). It describes how much charge the cell can store. A higher number means more stored energy, though real-world running time also depends on how much power the device draws.
Two related details are worth reading alongside it:
- Charging port. Many current devices use USB-C. The sheet may also give a charging time, usually measured from empty under specific conditions.
- Rechargeable or not. Some small devices have sealed batteries that are not designed to be recharged or replaced. This affects how the device must be disposed of. See our disposal guide.
Liquid capacity (mL)
Liquid capacity, in millilitres, is the volume of e-liquid the device or pod holds. It is a physical measurement and one of the more reliable figures on a sheet.
Nicotine concentration (mg/mL)
Nicotine concentration is expressed in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL). It describes how much nicotine is present in each millilitre of liquid. It does not describe how much a person absorbs.
This figure has direct regulatory significance in Australia. Adults can buy a vape of 20 mg/mL or less from a participating pharmacy without a prescription. Higher concentrations require a prescription. A sheet that lists a higher concentration describes a product outside the no-prescription pathway.
Nicotine salt and freebase
Sheets sometimes describe the nicotine as “salt” or “freebase”. These terms refer to the chemical form of the nicotine in the liquid, not its quantity. The mg/mL figure is still the number that indicates concentration.
Coil and resistance (Ω)
The coil is the heating element. Its electrical resistance is measured in ohms (Ω). Resistance, together with battery output, determines how much power the coil draws. You may also see the coil’s construction described, for example “mesh”. This refers to the shape of the heating element, a mesh strip rather than a wound wire.
Puff count
Puff counts are the figure to read most carefully. They are manufacturer estimates of how many inhalations a device might deliver. Test methods vary between manufacturers, and real-world results depend on how the device is used. Treat a puff count as a rough indication, not a measured guarantee.
Physical details
| Figure | What it describes | Measured or estimated? |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | Height, width and depth | Measured |
| Weight (g) | Mass of the device | Measured |
| Battery (mAh) | Stored charge | Rated by manufacturer |
| Liquid (mL) | Volume held | Measured |
| Nicotine (mg/mL) | Concentration in the liquid | Declared by manufacturer |
| Resistance (Ω) | Coil electrical resistance | Rated by manufacturer |
| Puff count | Estimated number of inhalations | Estimated |
Compliance information on the label
Beyond performance figures, a compliant product should carry clear regulatory information. In Australia that includes plain packaging requirements and limits on flavours to mint, menthol and tobacco for the pharmacy pathway. Missing or inconsistent labelling is one of the warning signs covered in our article on counterfeit and non-compliant devices.
Conclusion
A specification sheet is most useful when you separate what is measured from what is claimed. Dimensions and liquid capacity are physical facts. Battery ratings and resistance are manufacturer ratings. Puff counts are estimates. In Australia, the nicotine concentration figure also tells you whether a product sits inside or outside the regulated pathway.
Sources
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Changes to vaping in Australia from 1 October 2024 (fact sheet)