Complete guide to vape detectors, sensors and alarms

What are vape detectors?

Vape detectors are specialized sensors designed to detect the presence of vaping and often smoking in areas in which these acts are prohibited. While multiple types of vape alarms are available to business owners and facility managers, most devices function in a similar way, with sensors configured to identify specific particulates associated with vaping.

Vape sensors and tobacco detectors are commonly installed in private businesses, colleges, schools and similar locations in which the acts of smoking and vaping are prohibited by law. The deployment of vape smoke detectors is intended not only to support facility managers in better identifying and addressing vaping incidents but also to act as a visible vaping deterrent. 

How do vape detectors work?

Vape detectors work by continuously monitoring the air in a specific environment for signs of certain chemicals and particulate matter associated with vaping. Most vape sensors operate by measuring the concentration of vaping particles in the air and then comparing these values to normal air quality data to determine whether vaping is taking place.

If the detected concentration of vaping particles surpasses a predetermined threshold, alerts will be sent to stakeholders remotely requesting a response. In addition, audible alarms may be triggered to warn offenders of their infractions and highlight the event’s location.

Common types of sensors used in vape detection systems include:

• Particulate sensors - Laser scattering technology is used to detect vape aerosols suspended in the air, including fine vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and nicotine particles, the presence of which will automatically trigger the sensor system’s alarms.

• Gas sensors - The presence of specific gasses associated with vaping and smoking are detected either by changes in electrical resistance or the absorption of infrared radiation; if levels surpass a predefined threshold, connected alarms will be activated.

• Combination sensors - Some vape monitors use a combination of particulate, gas and additional sensors like THC oil and temperature sensors to improve the accuracy of detection processes and reliably identify a wider variety of smoke-related offenses.

Vape sensors and nicotine detectors can be strengthened through integration with wider security technologies. For example, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors may be linked to vape monitors to add extra context to readings, while existing IP security camera systems may be connected to nicotine sensors to automatically flag footage of suspected vaping incidents.

The sensitivity and accuracy of vape smoke detectors

For business owners, school administrators, residential property managers, and any other persons considering the installation of vape detectors on their properties, it’s essential to understand the abilities and potential limitations of modern devices. The simplest way to illustrate this is to briefly discuss both the accuracy and sensitivity of standard vape alarms.

Vape alarm sensitivity

While exact figures may vary depending on the specific types and number of vape sensors deployed within certain environments, some information regarding the sensitivity of modern vape detection devices is readily available. For example, one study found that the particulate matter yield emitted when vaping can be up to 10 times lower than values observed in cigarette smoke. This means vape sensors must be significantly more sensitive than smoke detectors.

Generally speaking, commercial vape detection systems can detect particulate sizes down to around 0.3 microns, but multiple environmental factors can impact the efficacy of vape detector installations. To ensure effective deployments, consider the following factors:

• Airflow - As vape alarms rely on particulate matter passing through internal sensors to detect vaping, devices must be installed with the natural airflow of a room in mind, if a room has too much or too little airflow, sensors may struggle to work as intended.

• Coverage - Most vape monitors are only able to accurately detect particulate matter within a specific area of coverage. The style and number of sensors will affect this value, though as a general rule, one sensor should be able to cover a 12’ x 12’ area.

• False positives - Some vape detection devices may be accidentally triggered by fine particles associated with non-vaping stimuli; steam, aerosols, cleaning product fumes and dust particles can trigger some tools, so consider this when planning installations.

Vape detector accuracy

While there have been reports of vape and nicotine detectors being circumvented by actions like obscuring sensor units and filtering vapor through items of clothing, modern devices are considered to be highly accurate. This is primarily because modern vape alarms can identify particles much smaller than those filtered out by common clothing materials.

Other factors can impact the accuracy of e‑cigarette detectors, but this mainly concerns the installation considerations mentioned above. Provided that vape detection devices are installed in line with these considerations and that wireless vape detectors are regularly checked for potential battery-related issues, most modern devices should be highly accurate. 

Vape detector vs smoke detectors: what’s the difference?

The primary difference between vape detectors and smoke detectors is the types of stimuli each device can detect. Smoke detectors contain ionization or photoelectric sensors configured to detect smoke from a fire. Vape detectors contain particulate, optical, chemical and/​or gas sensors specifically designed to detect the unique characteristics of vape smoke.

Smoke detectors can be used to detect the presence of fires and, if integrations with fire suppression systems are developed, trigger automated incident responses. Smoke detectors cannot identify e‑cigarette vapor or cigarette smoke consistently, which means e‑cigarette detectors and nicotine detectors will be required to address smoking and vaping incidents.

Why is vape detection harder than smoke detection?

Property owners and facility managers who wish to keep their residences free from vaping may wonder whether an alternative solution to the use of vape sensors might be considered. However, as the common signs of vaping are often significantly different from those associated with traditional cigarette smoke, similar preventative measures are not typically as effective.

Common challenges of vape detection without the use of specialized vape sensors include:

• Particulate size - Vape particles are considerably smaller than those associated with cigarette smoke, which means traditional smoke detectors will not typically be able to detect the presence of vaping with any reasonable degree of reliability or accuracy.
• Environmental indicators - Vape smoke usually dissipates much faster than smoke associated with combustible materials like tobacco or marijuana, so it’s usually much more challenging to visually identify. E‑cigarette liquids can also come in a wide range of flavors meaning unlike traditional smoke vapes do not share a distinct or identifiable smell.
• Emission variability - Different e‑cigarette models emit different amounts and types of particulate matter. This significant variability between different devices can make it much harder to identify the presence of certain vapors without aid from vape sensors.
• Potential for concealment - A combination of the above factors can make it easy for offenders to conceal the use of e‑cigarettes in terms of visual and olfactory indicators.

The challenges listed above can negatively impact the efficacy of traditional smoke detection methods, including the use of smoke alarms, cigarette detectors and security monitoring staff. By installing vape smoke detectors – specifically, devices configured to alert security teams of unfolding events remotely – stakeholders can address vaping incidents more reliably.

Industries that benefit from vape detection systems

The deployment and utilization of active vape detection systems can assist facility managers and property owners across several major industries in measurably reducing the impact of unwanted vaping and smoking incidents. Provided installations are thoroughly planned and vape monitors are continually maintained, such devices can benefit the following industries.

Commercial businesses

Vape detectors installed in customer-facing businesses like retail stores, restaurants, hotels and leisure facilities can help on-site employees better address vaping and smoking events. By positioning vape alarms in high-risk areas like bathrooms, changing rooms and secluded locations, stakeholders can identify and address vaping incidents promptly.

By developing a remote-access vape detection system, on-site security staff can be notified of suspected vaping incidents via automatic text alerts. Accurate time and location data can be sent to commercial security system teams to improve incident response times, while the presence of visible nicotine sensors can help business owners deter vaping offenses from occurring in the first place.

Many commercial vape detection systems also feature analytics software used to enhance preventive measures. Sensors can collect time and location data to help security teams identify patterns in vaping incidents, enabling businesses to adjust shift patterns and identify potentially effective integrations with wider security devices to better address events.

Commercial vape detectors can connect to video security cameras which can then be programmed to automatically record footage of target areas in response to triggered alarms. Similarly, integrations with access control systems can be developed whereby commercial vape detection systems instantly engage smart locks in response to positive sensor triggers.

Educational facilities

Vaping incidents and finding ways to stop vaping in schools have become a major issue for many educational facilities in recent years, with one study finding that almost 30% of high school students and over 10% of middle schoolers vape on a frequent basis. In light of these challenges, settlements involving Juul have provided funding aimed at addressing youth vaping, offering an opportunity for schools to implement live vape detection systems and vandal-proof vape alarms as a visible deterrent. Administrators can better address this issue with support from live school vape detection systems and vandal-proof vape alarms acting as a visible deterrent.

Educational facilities can also benefit from combination vape detection systems and installations featuring multiple sensor types, such as marijuana detectors, sound sensors and occupancy sensors. These school security systems can be configured to monitor a wide array of common threat factors with live alerts and automated responses helping teams to protect students and staff better.

Residential properties

Owners and managers of both short and long-term rental properties can utilize vape sensors to ensure units remain smoke and vape-free. Such apartment building security solutions can be particularly beneficial in large complexes and for property owners managing units remotely, with live alerts ensuring offenses will be identified regardless of whether manual checks can be performed.

Healthcare institutions

The utilization of vape detection devices in hospitals and similar healthcare facilities can help caregivers ensure a healthy and safe environment for staff and patients. Such developments can be particularly beneficial in hospital environments, as it’s not uncommon for long-term smokers to attempt to circumvent no-smoking regulations by instead trying to vape indoors discreetly .

Much like in school environments, facility managers may integrate vape detection devices into broader healthcare security systems to improve the efficiency and efficacy of threat detection solutions. Vape sensors can be combined with existing IoT sensors, CCTV tools and access control systems to offer security teams with limited resources a more holistic view of what’s going on in their facility.

Public environments

Public spaces like shopping malls, libraries and transit centers can be fitted with vape alarms to create and maintain vape-free zones. In many states and jurisdictions, vaping is prohibited by law in all public areas in which traditional smoking is banned. By installing vape detection devices in high-risk locations, stakeholders can maintain compliance with current regulations.

What to look for in a vape detector

Property administrators and managers looking to implement vape detection technology may want to weigh up the functionality of devices in parallel with their facility’s needs. While there are many detectors available that can serve their primary purpose of detecting vape particles, some include features that can benefit premises further.

Here’s what you should look for in a vape detector to most benefit your premises.

• Real-time alerts: Devices that transmit real-time notifications can send instant text messages, emails or app notifications upon detecting vape particles, allowing security teams to respond swiftly.
• Remote management: Detectors with remote management and visibility enable responsible parties to maintain oversight of vaping instances, even when they are off the premises. Examples include observing current air quality levels and vape detection warnings displayed through dashboards on mobile devices.
• Security system compatibility: Vape detectors that integrate easily into existing security systems can save on time and costs, functioning and communicating effectively with other safety devices on premises.
• Smart safety features: Devices with additional smart features often yield further benefits to overall health and safety in a facility. These can include THC detection, integration with other devices, occupancy tracking and data analytics for safety insights.
• Range and sensitivity: The area coverage and sensitivity of a vape detector could be a considerable factor for property managers, as facilities can vary in their size and layout. Some may require devices that detect for an exceptionally long range or require high sensitivity.

Tips for developing an effective vape detection solution

For property owners and facility managers interested in developing a unique vape detection solution customized to the needs of their organization, below is a selection of five tips and best practices intended to help teams choose appropriate devices and installation configurations.

1. Power source availability

Vape sensors are continuous monitoring devices that must always be powered to remain effective. If connecting sensors to a mains power supply is found to be impossible in high-risk locations, wireless vape detectors should be considered, alongside plans to frequently check and maintain each device’s battery supply during regular use.

2. False positive avoidance

When assessing where to install vape smoke detectors, teams must consider the presence of potential false positive-causing stimuli. For example, the presence of steam or aerosols may impact sensors in bathrooms and changing rooms. In this situation, particulate sensors are less appropriate than gas sensors designed to detect vaping chemicals.

3. Vandalism concerns

While visible vape and tobacco detectors can deter some offenders from committing offenses, others may try to tamper with sensors to avoid detection. When planning new installations, stakeholders must consider this possibility and either install sensors in difficult-to-reach areas or select tamper-proof vape detection devices.

4. Necessary coverage

Facility managers must consult vape sensor manufacturers regarding the coverage potential of different systems. Some high-risk areas may require the installation of multiple sensors to ensure no blind spots are present, while others may be negatively affected by environmental factors like airflow. Teams must consider these points carefully during the planning process.

5. Integration considerations

Modern vape monitors can often be integrated into existing security systems to help teams develop comprehensive threat detection and building management solutions. When connected to a broader cloud-based management platform, data collected from multiple solutions can be analyzed together. Some possible integrations worth considering include the following: 

• Occupancy monitoring sensors

• Sound detection devices

• Motion and pressure sensors

• Temperature and humidity sensors

• Air quality index sensors

• Carbon monoxide monitors

• Video security system integrations

Key takeaways

Vaping can not only be a health concern inside a property, but it can also be against local law. Property managers, facility managers and school administrators are now adopting solutions to both protect the health and safety of those inside facilities and to comply with legal requirements

Smart vape detectors can help ease concerns and take vigorous action against the rising number of incidents. There’s a lot of information about the devices, how they work and what they can do to help your properties.

However, we’ve broken down the key information from this guide into the takeaways below:

• Rising incidents of vaping inside public and private properties have administrators and managers concerned
• Vape detectors are devices that use smart sensors to detect vaping particles, sounding alarms and alerting security personnel upon detection
• The devices identify vape aerosols through laser scattering or infrared radiation absorption, or a combination of both, looking for a particular concentration of chemicals such as nicotine and vegetable glycerin in the air
• Property managers are installing vape detectors because of their high accuracy and advanced detection features, mitigating the challenges of traditional vape detection
• They will look out for detectors that offer real-time notifications, alarms, remote management and existing system compatibility
• Vape detectors with smart sensors are becoming more common in commercial, residential, educational, medical and public properties to protect health and safety
• The devices help deter persons from vaping inside through highly effective detection and fast action
• Vape detectors have become an integral part of a property’s overall health and safety strategy, implementing them with other security devices through cloud-based management platforms