27/05/2025 • by Lauren Heap
Most people understand the dangers of smoking. But what about vaping?
Current UK smoking laws ban smoking in public spaces. Information about the serious health risks of regular smoking is easy to find.
However, in recent years, misinformation has circulated that vapes are the new ‘safer’ alternative. Vaping causes addiction, mental health issues and physical health complications. Vapes are also more readily accessible than ever. This has caused a dangerous increase in vaping in schools.
Schools have a legal obligation to protect their students from the harm caused by vaping. But protecting students against vaping does not stop with those who directly vape. Vaping affects everyone – from vapers to other students and teachers. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in vape alarms for schools.
This blog provides a complete guide to vape detectors. Let’s start by exploring what vape detectors are, then how they work, and where they should be installed.
Vape detectors are small detection devices that monitor areas for traces of nicotine associated with vaping. If nicotine is detected, the vape detection system is triggered, and an alarm goes off to alert others to vaping.
Like traditional smoke alarms, vape alarms detect particles in the air. Smoke alarms are made to detect rising smoke particles in the air.
In contrast, vape detectors use a sensitive laser system. This system finds the chemical traces of nicotine in the air.
Vape detectors utilise precision laser sampling technology to identify even trace amounts of nicotine and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in the surrounding air.
Vape alarms have several features that make them comprehensive security measures:
Alarms: The FireSmart WIFI Detector has a built-in 85 dB alarm. This ensures that the triggered vape detector can be heard throughout the premises.
In-app monitoring and notifications: The FireSmart WIFI Vape Detector has an app monitoring function. This enables managers and teachers to connect their phones to the vape detection system. If the vape detector is activated, the device will send an alert to the phone.
This ensures accurate and efficient response times. Similarly, vape detectors can be used alongside CCTV cameras to quickly pinpoint the exact area where vaping is occurring.
Visual and functioning deterrent: Like the presence of CCTV cameras, vape detectors help deter people from vaping in prohibited spaces simply by being visible. Alongside this, the fast-acting detectors ensure efficient vape detection.
Accurate Response: CCTV cameras monitor and protect unsupervised areas. However, simply recording vaping on CCTV will not stop vaping, nor will it protect others. Vape alarms activate as soon as vaping is detected. This means you can trust the accurate response of the alarms.
Compact Design: At FDS, we pride ourselves on supplying equipment that adapts to your environment. For schools, where children could be tempted to tamper, damage or steal the vape alarm, our sleek vape detectors seamlessly fit in with your school’s design.
Deters Vaping: Sometimes, all people need to be deterred from vaping is having the vape detector visible. Especially in schools where peer pressure can lead to other vulnerable students vaping, installing vape detectors can help protect students and deter others from starting.
Vape detectors are mostly found in schools and educational settings.
Vape detection systems are designed to protect our health, making them a useful addition to homes, offices, flats, restaurants, shopping centres, airports and aeroplanes.
Vape detectors should be installed in high-traffic communal areas where there is an increased risk of vaping.
Typically, offices, flats, schools, nightclubs and universities should install vape detectors in hallways, landings or stairwells. However, for some schools, vaping may also occur in unsupervised areas like bathrooms and bathroom stalls. Therefore, these unsupervised areas might also need to be equipped with vape detectors.
To maximise the effectiveness of the detection device, vape detectors should be installed:
In the centre of the room: Vape detectors should be fitted in the centre for maximum effectiveness.
High up: Any detection device left exposed and unsupervised may be vandalised, stolen or tampered with. Installing the vape alarm high up removes this risk.
Investing in a vape detection system creates comprehensive safety in schools. But what are the different types of vape detectors available?
At Fire Detection Shop, we offer both mains-powered and battery-powered vape detectors for reliable monitoring and versatile protection. Both types of vape detectors provide long-lasting protection against vaping. However, they operate slightly differently to adapt to the specific environment they are needed to protect.
Make sure you choose the best detection device for your needs by reading on.
The FireSmart WIFI Vape and THC Detector is the ideal choice for mains-powered vape detection.
A mains-powered vape detector is directly wired to the building’s mains. This means the vape alarm is linked to the building’s systems. This removes the risk of faulty or dead batteries.
However, if an emergency does occur (like a blackout or fire) our mains-powered vape detectors will use their tamperproof batteries to ensure they continue to work even without electricity.
Our mains powered vape alarms are highly sensitive, equipped with backup battery power, anti-tamper proof technology and can be remotely monitored and controlled through the free TUYA app.
Choose battery-powered vape detectors for areas where mains-powered vape alarms are not suitable.
Vape detectors, like smoke alarms and heat alarms, need constant power to work effectively. For halls and corridors, vape detectors can be connected to the wiring infrastructure without causing excessive downtime or extra work. However, there are some areas where this isn’t possible.
Bathrooms and bathroom stalls are particularly challenging to have vape alarms fitted as they may require extensive wiring or costly installation. But don’t worry. The solution is simple – battery-powered vape detectors.
At FDS, our FireSmart battery-powered vape detector is designed for fast installation. Simply fit the batteries, install them on the wall, and the device will start monitoring and protecting the area. They are perfect for bathrooms or aeroplanes where mains wiring is not possible.
FireSmart vape detectors are a reliable, fast-acting choice to protect schools and other buildings against vaping. They provide:
Highly Sensitive Detection: Advanced laser sampling system precisely identifies chemical signatures of vaping products
Dual Detection Capability: Monitors for both nicotine and THC particles in the air
Easily Accessible Control: Seamless remote monitoring and management through the complimentary TUYA app
Visual Deterrent: Prominent design serves as an effective preventative measure
Enhanced Security: Built-in anti-tamper technology prevents unauthorised modifications
Reliable Operation: Integrated backup battery ensures continuous protection during power interruptions
Customisable Alerts: Choose between local alarm with app notification or discrete app-only alerts
Adjustable Sensitivity: Customise detection thresholds to suit your specific environment
Vapes can have serious consequences for the user and other students. Regularly breathing in second-hand vape smoke can drastically increase the risk of stroke.
While vapes are often deemed a healthy or safe alternative to cigarettes, vaping can cause more harm. Vapes even contain between 20 and 50 times more nicotine than a cigarette. This increases the risk of addiction, mood conditions, brain fog, lethargy and respiratory problems.
Smoke alarms can detect vaping. However, the accuracy of this depends on the smoke alarm's sensitivity.
Smoke particles are bigger than vape particles. This means the smoke alarm may not detect vaping. Smoke alarms and vape detectors are different types of devices.
They help keep people safe from fire or vaping. Both are important parts of your building’s safety system. Although smoke alarms may successfully detect vape smoke, they will not be as reliable as vape detectors.
Schools: There has been a drastic increase in students vaping. Vape detectors for schools are crucial to protecting students, teachers and users. Even the presence of a vape detector can help deter vaping.
Hotels: Many hotels have a no-smoking policy. This refers to cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes. Vape detectors help enforce these policies and protect staff and other holiday goers from the effects of vaping.
Aeroplanes: Both aeroplanes and airports will have bathroom stalls. These confined areas may encourage others to vape, affecting other passengers and crew. Vape alarms can be installed here to keep the plane safe. Remember: smoke alarms fitted in airports and aeroplanes may still activate from detecting vape fumes. Installing a vape alarm will provide maximum protection.
Vape detectors are an immediate safety solution that protects your children’s future.
Schools often fall victim to vaping as students can get away with sneaking vapes in bathrooms or peer pressure other students into joining.
But being vigilant with the tools the school supply can reduce vaping and keep students safe. Vape detectors are affordable safety solutions that protect schools and other buildings from vapes.
When the vape detector finds vape smoke, it will trigger an alarm. This alarm will sound loudly to warn students and teachers. It will also send a notification straight to teachers’ phones. This allows staff to respond quickly and intervene before vaping can escalate.
Fire Detection Shop offers a range of vape detectors. But that’s not all. From fire protection to security systems, FDS has you covered. For more information on our products and services, simply go to Fire Detection Shop today.
