Do Vapes Set Off Smoke Detectors? (in 2023)

Yes, it is possible for a vape to set off a smoke alarm, especially if the vape produces a large amount of vapor or if the smoke alarm is particularly sensitive. Vapes emit a vapor that can contain particles that can trigger a smoke alarm, especially if the alarm uses a photoelectric sensor. Some vapes may produce less vapor than others, reducing the likelihood of triggering a smoke alarm.

If vape directly, they can as demonstrated in the below video.

Key Takeaways

• Vaping can trigger smoke detectors due to small particles in the vapor.
• Vape emissions may contain chemicals that can cause respiratory issues or lung damage.
• Factors such as particle size, detector sensitivity, airflow patterns, and proximity of the vape device can influence smoke detector activation.
• Responsible vaping practices, such as using devices with lower vapor production and exhaling vapor away from smoke detectors, can help minimize the risk of setting off smoke detectors.

Can Vape Trigger a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

No, a vape cannot set off a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide gas, which is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as gas, oil, wood, and coal.

Vapes do not produce carbon monoxide gas, so they cannot trigger a carbon monoxide detector. However, it’s important to note that vapes can still pose a health risk if used improperly or if the liquid used in the vape contains harmful chemicals.

The Composition of Vape Emissions

One intriguing aspect to consider is the chemical composition of emissions produced by vaporizers. Vapes typically consist of a mixture called e-liquid, which is heated and converted into aerosol for inhalation. 

The ingredients in e-liquids vary, but they often include propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. PG and VG serve as the base liquids that create the vapor, while nicotine provides the addictive component. 

Flavorings add taste and aroma to the vape experience. It is important to note that there are potential health effects associated with vaping due to these ingredients. 

Factors That May Trigger Smoke Detectors

The presence of certain particulate matter in the air, such as fine dust particles or aerosols generated from cooking activities, can coincide with the activation of smoke detectors. When it comes to vapes and smoke detectors, there are several factors that may trigger them.

• Vaping devices produce a vapor that contains small particles. These particles can be similar in size to those produced by cooking or burning materials, potentially leading to false alarms.
• The sensitivity of smoke detectors varies depending on their design and technology. Some detectors are more sensitive to small particles and aerosols than others.
• Factors such as airflow patterns within a room and the proximity of the vape device to the detector can also affect whether or not it is triggered.

Studies on Vapes and Smoke Detectors

Recent studies have focused on the interaction between vaping devices and smoke detectors. These studies examine factors such as particle size, detector sensitivity, and airflow patterns within a room. The aim is to address safety concerns surrounding vapes and their potential to trigger smoke detectors.

Particle size is an important factor. Smaller particles are more likely to disperse quickly and may not reach the smoke detector’s sensing chamber, potentially causing a false alarm. 

Detector sensitivity also plays a role. Some detectors may be more sensitive to aerosol particles produced by vapes compared to others. Airflow patterns within a room can affect the movement of aerosol particles toward the smoke detector. 

The latest research is led by Ribisl and co-authors recently published a letter in Tobacco Control.

False Smoke Alarms Triggered by Vaping

Examining the occurrence of false alarms caused by vaping activities provides valuable insights into the potential impact on fire safety measures.

Vape safety is a crucial concern, as false alarms can lead to complacency and delayed response in real emergencies.

False alarms caused by vaping are increasingly prevalent due to the popularity of e-cigarettes and the widespread use of smoke detectors in public spaces.

To illustrate this issue, consider the following scenarios:

• A vape cloud triggers a nearby smoke detector during a crowded event, causing panic among attendees.
• In an apartment building, multiple residents vaping simultaneously set off interconnected smoke detectors throughout the entire complex.
• A false alarm at a school due to vaping leads to an unnecessary evacuation, disrupting classes and wasting valuable instructional time.
• At a hospital, patients using vaporizers inadvertently activate sensitive smoke detection systems repeatedly, affecting patient care.

Do Vapes Set off Smoke Alarms in Hotel Rooms?

Vape policies in hotels can vary, with some explicitly prohibiting vaping while others have no specific policy.

However, it’s important to note that even in hotels without a vaping policy, setting off a smoke alarm due to vaping may result in a fine or being removed from the hotel. Hotels typically have more sensitive fire alarms than those found in homes or offices. As manufacturers of Vape Detectors, we are seeing many hotels purchasing Vape Detectors as hotel owners are reporting this is a growing problem.

Allowed and Unallowed Vaping Locations

In certain open public spaces, vaping is allowed, while in others it is prohibited. However, areas, where vaping is not allowed, are more likely to have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. When vaping, consider these things at these specific locations:

Hotels: While smoking is prohibited in many hotels, the rules regarding vaping are not always clear. Some hotels prohibit vaping altogether, while others only permit vaping in designated smoking areas. Some hotels offer smoking rooms or rooms with balconies where vaping is permitted. However, it is important to be mindful of the vapor and its scent, which can travel through the vents and disturb other guests.

Airplanes: The aviation industry has banned smoking on all commercial flights, including vaping. This is because the vapor from e-cigarettes can interfere with the plane’s smoke detectors, resulting in unnecessary alarms and even emergency landings. Vapers can carry their vape on a plane, but it must be kept in the cabin or carry-on luggage. Some airports have designated areas where vaping is allowed before boarding.

Hospitals: To protect the health of patients and staff, most hospitals have strict no-smoking policies that also include electronic cigarettes. This includes all areas, including outside the building. Concerns have been raised about the effects of secondhand vapor on people with breathing difficulties.

Schools, Colleges, and Universities: Due to the demographic, many schools are purchasing vape detectors to combat the problem of smoking in restrooms and certain outdoor and indoor locations. Vaping among youth and young adults has exponentially increased and many state and federal grants are being dished out to help these schools install vape detectors.

Tips for Vaping without Setting Off Smoke Detectors

Implementing proper ventilation techniques is critical so that the vape does not accumulate when vaping. Also, the vape accumulates faster in smaller confined spaces, so the volume of the space is also important. Furthermore, the quantity of vape emission is important since some vapes emit more than others.

To avoid setting off smoke alarms, it is recommended to exhale vapor away from smoke detectors and towards open windows or ventilated areas. Using devices with lower vapor production can also reduce the chances of activating fire detection systems. Some vape filters are specially made to help vapers reduce the emitted vape quantity and avoid triggering smoke alarms and any vape detectors.

It is important to remember that even though vaping does not produce smoke, it can still trigger certain types of smoke detectors that are sensitive to small particles in the air emitted by vapes. 

Practicing good vaping etiquette by being mindful of your surroundings and taking precautions can prevent false alarms and potential disruptions caused by activated fire detection systems.

How to Vape at Home without Triggering the Smoke Alarm?

While it may be more manageable to vape at home, it can still be inconvenient if the smoke detectors go off when you’re trying to relax.

One approach is to be mindful of where you vape and avoid exhaling large clouds of vapor directly underneath the sensors. You might also want to consider sitting near an open window to improve ventilation.

Ultimately, the only effective way to minimize the risk of setting off smoke detectors while vaping is to ensure proper ventilation. Avoiding excessive cloud production and opting for lower wattage settings can also help reduce the chances of triggering alarms.

Final Thoughts

• Vaping can trigger a smoke alarm
• Vaping cannot trigger a carbon monoxide detector
• To reduce the chances of triggering a smoke detector ensure the vape smoke is minimal, ensure you have high ventilation with fresh air, and ensure the space you are vaping in is not small, otherwise, accumulation is faster.
• It is getting harder and harder to trick smoke alarms, as a vape detector looks very similar and many indoor areas at colleges, schools, workplaces, and hotels are installing vape detectors.

About the Author

Dr. Koz resides in the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, California. He is a subject matter expert on vape detectors, gas sensor technology, gas detectors, gas meters, and gas analyzers. He has been designing, building, manufacturing, and testing toxic gas detection systems for over 20 years.

Every day is a blessing for Dr. Koz. He loves to help customers solve their unique problems. Dr. Koz also loves spending time with his wife and his three children going to the beach, grilling burgers, and having cold beer. Read more about Forensics Detectors here.

Email:  drkoz@vapedetector.com