The Elf Bar BC5000 uses a lithium-ion battery, and like all lithium-ion batteries, it carries fire risk if damaged, overheated, or defective. In 2025, a lawsuit was filed in Washington federal court (Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company v. i5 Distribution) after an Elf Bar BC5000 allegedly caught fire and exploded in a user's pants pocket, causing severe burns and resulting in an above-the-knee leg amputation.
Safety rules: (1) Never carry a loose BC5000 in a pocket with keys or coins — the metal can short the charging port. (2) Never charge unattended or overnight. (3) If the device feels unusually hot, makes hissing sounds, or the LED blinks erratically, place it on a fireproof surface outdoors and do not use it further. (4) Do not use a damaged or swollen device. (5) Dispose of used devices at a battery recycling facility, not in household trash.
If you experience auto-firing (the device activates without inhalation), this indicates a vacuum sensor fault. Immediately place the device on a fireproof surface outdoors and let the battery deplete completely. Do not attempt to use or charge an auto-firing device.
For health considerations related to vaping, read our VapeScan heart health study analysis and consult your healthcare provider.
