Vape Sets Off Fire Alarm: How Do Vape Detectors Work?

The worst thing could happen when you return to the hotel after a rough day and just want to lie on the bed and take a few puffs before sleep. Suddenly, the fire alarm rings and everyone squeezes out of the hotel. At last, people find out that you are to blame as your vape sets off the fire alarm. You just wonder: How do vape detectors work and where the hell is the detector? Today I'd like to explain why vape smoke sets off a fire alarm, how it works and most importantly, where it is located.

1. What Does A Vape Detector Look Like?

Fortunately, vape detectors are not invisible and are easy to notice when you raise your head. Shapes may vary but they are usually white and a little bit larger than the common smoke detector. If you see a Roomba on the ceiling, there is a 99% chance that it is a vape detector.

2. How Do Vape Detectors Work?

Generally speaking, vape detectors are more advanced and complicated than traditional smoke detectors, as the former are designed to sense aerosol particles and determine whether somebody vapes or not. There are mainly two detections involved, particle detection and chemical/VOC detection.

(1) Particle Detection

A vape detector sends a laser beam into the air. If there are aerosol articles, they will scatter the beam and the detector analyzes the size and concentration of the particles to determine whether they are vape particles or not. Usually, the higher the power of your vape is, the more likely your vapor will be detected. Even if you use a decent pod kit like Mr Fog DRT Pod System Kit, you will be busted.

(2) Chemical/VOC Detection

Some versions may contain a chemical sensor to target and differentiate cigarette smoking and vaping. These more sophisticated machines can detect the VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) released by vapes. Propylene Glycol (PG), Glycerin and flavoring chemicals are all their targets. The high accuracy makes stealth vaping much more difficult, even for a sleek one like Nexa Ultra Invisacloud 50K:

3. Common Places Vape Detectors Are Installed

Policies and regulations may vary but vaping indoors remains a no-go. Wherever vaping is regulated, there are vape detectors.

• School Bathrooms: Vaping is not cool. It is still harmful, especially for kiddos without fully developed brains
• Hotel Rooms: Think about the fees higher than the room rate
• Airplanes: Try to piss off hundreds of people with one puff
• Workplace Restrooms: Is Vaping At Work Allowed In The USA?

4. Can A Vape Set Off A Fire Alarm?

Yeah, we all know that we didn't start the fire and we tried to fight it. But I still wonder whether vape smoke sets off a fire alarm or not.

The answer is quite simple. Vapor does set off fire alarms. Although vapor is aerosol and quite different from smoke, the small particles in it can still trick photoelectric smoke detectors into thinking there is smoke. To prevent the War of the Worlds panic, we had better avoid vaping indoors for the best.

5. What Do Hotel Vape Detectors Look Like?

You might lose money to a crappy motel by violating the vaping regulations. Ask the front desk staff first about rules and choose a room that is smoking-permitted if you must.

However, if you only have ambiguous answers, you'd better check the room first, just in case. Look for white boxes near the dresser or TV. If you find any, find a designated area for your cravings instead. Nicotine pouches or nicotine strips will be good options as well for more relaxing and hassle-free nicotine use.

6. Conclusion

It is a matter of fact that vapor triggers fire alarms and whether it is detected as vapor or smoke, it may cost you extra for vaping indoors. Find out the local laws and regulations about vaping first and then try not to break them. I hope you guys get no alarm but the notice of up-to-date new vapes and I'll see you next week.