Vape detectors and sensors: the complete guide

What are vape detectors?

Vape detectors are specialized electronic devices designed to detect and alert to the presence of e‑cigarette vapor in confined environments. Vape sensors are installed in areas like hallways, bathrooms and similar indoor spaces where vaping may be of issue. Installed sensors continually monitor the environment for telltale signs of vaping, including the presence of unique vape chemicals and nicotine.

In addition to vape detection capabilities, some vape sensors can be configured to identify combustible tobacco products and the presence of THC. Marijuana and tobacco detectors can be particularly useful in educational environments where identifying and addressing substance abuse is viewed as a major priority.

No matter the type of vape or nicotine detector in use, all alarm systems will be programmed to sound when the concentration of target chemicals exceeds a set threshold. Vape alarms may be audible, silent or both depending on the needs of stakeholders, with different sensor types suited to different environments. 

Common types of sensors used in vape detection systems include:

• Particulate sensors: Laser scattering technology is used to detect vape aerosols like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and nicotine particles suspended in the air. 
• Gas sensors: Identify specific gasses related to vaping and smoking through changes in electrical resistance and infrared radiation.
• Optical sensors: Optical vape sensors use light beams to detect the presence of vape aerosols. If vape particles pass through these beams, connected alarms will activate. 
• Chemical sensors: Identify the unique chemical structure of vape aerosols. These types of vape monitors look for specific compounds consistent with vaping to ensure detection accuracy.
• Combination sensors: A combination of particulate, gas, optical and specific chemical sensors like THC or nicotine sensors are used to improve the accuracy of and efficacy of readings.

The challenges of vape detection without sensor devices

Identifying vaping incidents can be much more challenging than detecting the use of traditional tobacco products. Not only do vaping devices come in different shapes and sizes, making it difficult to identify them consistently, but they can be small, easily-concealed and emit vapor that does not have a single distinctive aroma like cigarette smoke.

Without any reliable evidence of a vaping offense taking place, security staff may not be able to conduct a physical search without breaching privacy laws or regulations. This is of particular concern in schools and learning environments where strict rules regarding contact between students and staff must be adhered to.

In addition, the particles in vape smoke are usually much smaller than those associated with traditional tobacco products. This means normal smoke alarms cannot reliably identify vaping events. By choosing to operate vape alarms, and specialized sensors like marijuana detectors, stakeholders can ensure vaping and smoking are accurately identified and addressed consistently.

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

The main difference between vape detectors and smoke detectors is the types of sensor technologies utilized in each style of device. Vape detectors use particulate, optical, gas and chemical sensors to identify specific chemicals found in e‑cigarette vapor. Vape sensors cannot detect the carboniferous particles associated with combustion. In addition, optical vape sensors are not configured to detect the unique ways that light interacts with smoke from a fire.

As a result, smoke detectors are viewed as safety devices used to warn inhabitants of fires, and to trigger fire suppression systems in response to smoke from fires. However, smoke detectors are not considered to be effective when it comes to detecting the presence of cigarette smoke.

If a business or property owner wants to reliably detect the presence of e‑cigarette vapor and cigarette smoke, vape sensors containing nicotine detectors should be installed. If a property owner wants to develop a system to reliably detect fires, smoke detectors should be installed. Some modern vape sensors have the capability of detecting both vaping and smoke, which can help streamline alarm and sensor systems.

How accurate are vape sensors?

Modern vape detectors are incredibly accurate and remain one of the most reliable ways to detect vaping. This accuracy is achieved through the advanced sensor technologies vape alarms use which enable them to distinguish between vaping aerosols and other airborne particles.

Most commercial vape detection devices can identify particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns in size. However, some environmental factors can impact the accuracy of readings.

• Airflow: Target particles must pass through vape sensors for the system to identify their presence. If the natural airflow of the room directs particles away from the sensor, alarms may fail to trigger.
• Detection range: Different vape detector models have different coverage characteristics, meaning larger spaces may require multiple units. A typical vape sensor will cover an area of 12’x12’ in size.
• False positives: Some types of vape monitors can be falsey activated by non-vaping stimuli. For example, particulate sensors may sometimes be triggered by steam and aerosol deodorants.

The benefits of using vape detection devices

Organizations that choose to utilize vape detection technology gain a number of significant benefits. Major factors to consider include:

• Improve public health: With vape detectors in operation, business owners can eliminate risks associated with secondhand vape aerosol exposure from their premises. This creates a safer and more welcoming environment for the public, and helps organizations maintain regulatory compliance.
• Quickly identify and address incidents: Reliably enforcing no vaping policies can be difficult, especially in spacious environments like malls, schools and transit stations. The use of vape alarms enables on-site security staff to reliably address all vaping and smoking incidents with the aid of real-time alerts. 
• Enhance safety and accountability: The presence of visible vape sensors demonstrates a commitment to safety on behalf of stakeholders. If students, customers or members of the public know vaping and smoking incidents will be identified and addressed, they’ll be less likely to offend.
• Save on security efforts and costs: Long-term exposure to vape aerosols and smoke can cause physical damage to properties and leave lingering odors/​stains that could impact trade. By ensuring all vaping incidents are reliably addressed, property owners can avoid the cost of repairs and redecorating.

Common use cases for vape detector systems

Vape detection systems can be effectively deployed in all manner of commercial, educational, private and public environments. Provided the target area is indoors, and factors like airflow and power availability have been considered, vape detectors can help to reduce the occurrence of vaping and smoking offenses.

Environments where vape detection systems can be of benefit include:

Commercial buildings

Customer-facing businesses like restaurants, retail stores, hotels and gyms can use vape detectors to ensure high-risk areas remain vape and smoke-free. Vape sensors can be installed in restrooms, changing rooms and other areas where commercial security cameras may not be permitted to ensure a safe environment for customers and employees.

Commercial vape detection systems can be integrated into existing security solutions to support security teams in addressing vaping offenses. For example, commercial vape detectors may be linked to nearby cameras and access control readers, enabling on-site teams to visually inspect the target area and lock access points remotely to improve the speed and efficacy of responses.

Vape detection systems can also come with analytics tools designed to help businesses better understand patterns in vaping events and integrate with other commercial security systems. Data collected from these sensors can be used to identify times and dates at which vaping events are most common.

Schools

Research suggests as many as 30% of high school and 10% of middle school students vape on a frequent basis. School administrators can use vape detectors installed in high-risk areas to deter students from this habit and identify those who may need professional intervention.

Developing a way to reliably identify vaping events is incredibly important in schools due to the adverse effects that vaping can have on the health and learning capabilities of children. Reports suggest vaping may significantly increase the risk of strokes in young people. Additionally, some information indicates children who vape typically perform worse academically than their peers.

By installing nicotine and e‑cigarette detectors in high-risk locations like restrooms, locker rooms and secluded areas of schools, administrators and teachers can ensure vaping events are detected promptly in their school security systems. Children caught vaping can then be provided required support.

Healthcare facilities

Vape sensors installed in healthcare facilities ensure high-risk patients are not exposed to harmful chemicals and secondhand smoke.

Vaping in healthcare environments is not only harmful to the person vaping, it can also cause distress and harm to patients, staff and visitors. This is especially true in maternity wards and intensive care units where vulnerable patients are cared for. Hospital vape detectors help staff identify events promptly and ensure they’re handled discreetly, while mitigating harm to others.

Vape detectors for hospitals also ensure vaping events are addressed reliably without imposing on the privacy of patients. Discreet e‑cigarette detectors can be installed in private rooms where the use of hospital security cameras would not be appropriate. This helps to deter patients from trying to circumvent vaping bans when staff aren’t present without breaching relevant privacy regulations.

Multi-tenant residential properties

Property owners and managers of multi-tenant residential properties can use vape detectors to prevent vaping incidents throughout their buildings. Sensors can be installed in individual units, hallways, stairwells and elevators, as well as in shared spaces like on-site gyms or meeting rooms, to eliminate the risk of smoking and vaping-related damages.

Vape detection systems are ideal for public and affordable housing as they enable property managers to detect vaping and smoking incidents remotely across multiple sites and work in conjunction with multifamily security systems. Sensors can be installed in public and private spaces without compromising the privacy of residents, helping managers to deter vaping events that may distress residents or cause damage to the property.

Public spaces

In many states, vaping has been banned in all public spaces. Vape detectors installed in malls, transit stations, libraries and other public spaces help hired security personnel address vaping activity and ensure a safer and cleaner environment for the public to enjoy.

Key features of vape smoke detectors: what to look for

There are many different types of vape detectors available to modern business and property owners, with different types of detectors better suited to different locations. However, no matter which type of sensor is chosen, stakeholders must prioritize the following features to ensure systems are accurate and reliable.

• High sensitivity: Vape aerosols are not consistent across devices, meaning some vapes emit smaller particles than others. To ensure vape detectors are able to identify all vaping incidents, look for systems capable of detecting particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns in size.
• Multiple sensors: On occasion, vape sensors can be falsely triggered by non-vaping stimuli like aerosol deodorants, steam or chemical fumes. Choosing vape detectors with multiple sensors like THC and chemical detectors provides extra contextual data to help staff identify false positives.
• Real-time alerts: Some vape detectors can be programmed to send instant SMS or email alerts to security teams in response to activated alarms. Choosing to utilize these types of sensors ensures all vaping incidents will be addressed promptly.
• Security integrations: Choosing to integrate vape sensors into wider security systems enables the development of automated responses. For example, CCTV cameras may be linked to sensors and programmed to automatically flag surveillance footage to ensure evidence is reliably captured. 
• Remote monitoring: Cloud-based vape detection systems can be monitored remotely at all times from any secure computer or smart device. With these types of sensors in operation, both on-site and off-site security staff can view live events and gather information to plan informed responses.
• Customizable settings: The best vape detectors allow for the adjustment of detection thresholds and sensitivity levels based on specific environmental conditions and compliance requirements.

Integration possibilities for vape detection systems 

While vape detectors are incredibly effective as standalone security devices, the efficacy of these systems can be greatly improved if stakeholders choose to explore wider integrations. By choosing the correct vape alarms and connecting their operation connecting the operation of vape alarms to existing physical security systems, automated insight and advanced event responses can be developed.

Security cameras

By integrating vape sensors into existing security camera systems, stakeholders can program cameras to automatically record footage of incidents in response to triggered alarms. Footage can be flagged in video management systems to speed up reviewing processes, and live feeds can be accessed by security staff remotely to gain a better understanding of unfolding events.

Building management systems

Vape detectors can be connected to building management systems, providing admins the ability to adjust HVAC systems in response to air quality and vaping incidents. Smart building ventilation systems may be programmed to activate in response to triggered alarms, with air quality monitoring devices used to ensure harmful chemicals are removed before systems disengage.

Access control systems

Integrations between vape detectors and access control systems can help security staff better address vaping offenses. If needed, access systems may be programmed to lock automatically in response to triggered alarms, ensuring that offenders cannot escape before security teams reach them. Access events may also be automatically flagged to help teams verify the identity of persons thought to have committed offenses.

Considerations for implementing vape sensors

To ensure newly developed vape detection systems function effectively, stakeholders must consider how each device is chosen, installed and configured. Below are some key considerations for selecting and installing vape detectors.

• Sensitivity and accuracy: The best vape detectors will feature customizable controls. Admins should take the time to adjust sensitivity and accuracy settings in accordance with environmental factors. For example, if sensors are installed in bathrooms, check that the presence of steam does not trigger vape alarms unintentionally.
• Power availability: If sensors are to be installed in a location where mains power supplies are inaccessible, consider the use of wireless vape detectors. However, teams must consider that wireless units will need their batteries replacing regularly and need a stable Wi-Fi signal to work.
• Maintenance and support: Implement a plan for regular maintenance and support of vape detection systems to ensure optimal performance. This includes periodic sensor calibration, software updates, and troubleshooting procedures to minimize downtime and maintain reliability.
• Training and education: Provide comprehensive staff training for monitoring and responding to vaping incidents. Educate users on the capabilities of vape detectors, proper response protocols, and the importance of adhering to no-vaping policies.

Conclusion

Vape detectors are quickly becoming essential devices for many business and property owners looking to combat the rising commonality of vaping incidents. With vaping becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people, stakeholders must develop reliable ways to both deter and address vaping in public.

By installing and operating bespoke vape detection systems in businesses, schools and public spaces, security teams can ensure vaping and smoking incidents are accurately and consistently addressed. If stakeholders choose to pursue wider integrations with existing security systems, custom automations can be programmed to improve the efficacy and efficiency of incident responses.

Provided teams choose appropriate types of vape sensors for their unique environments, ensure devices are properly calibrated and commit to frequent maintenance routines, the operation of vape detectors can help to eliminate vaping activity and ensure a safer environment for the general public to enjoy.