Imploding usually occurs when the 'distillate out' tube is submerged in the distillate being collected and in most cases in conjunction with when the power is turned off.
What happens here is that when the power is turned off, the vapour in the boiler condenses back into a liquid (as there is no heating anymore). This causes a partial vacuum to form inside the boiler and column.
Now, if the distillate out tube is open to the atmosphere, then the air would rush into the unit (through the outlet tube) negating the effect of the vacuum (so the boiler doesn't implode). On the other hand, when the distillate out tube is submerged in a liquid, air cannot flow into the boiler through the outlet tube so the vacuum causes the boiler to implode.
If you're used to distilling, you can actually hear the unit sucking air back in after turning the unit off... it's the same sound made when you're sipping on a drink with a straw and there isn't much liquid left in the cup.
So it doesn't really matter whether its a water distillation or an alcohol distillation. Customers should never submerge the distillate out tube in the distillate they are collecting.
Note - separate to this, do not distil alcohol above 40% ABV as this could also cause a vacuum.