Can an e-cigarette really trigger a smoke detector?

The answer is yes. We explain which smoke detectors trigger an alarm while vaping, which ones are suitable for home vaping, and how e-cigarettes fare in hotel rooms.

The reaction of smoke detectors to vapor fumes from an e-cigarette depends on its design and functionality. Three types of smoke detectors trigger the alarm tone with liquid vapor: the optical, the ionizing and - somewhat less frequently - the dual smoke detector.The reaction of smoke detectors to vapor fumes from an e-cigarette depends on its design and functionality. Three types of smoke detectors trigger the alarm tone with liquid vapor: the optical, the ionizing and - somewhat less frequently - the dual smoke detector.

Most people in Ireland have the optical smoke detector on the ceiling in their home. It detects smoke photometrically, using scattered light methods. This has the consequence – which is unpleasant for vapers – that the optical smoke detector triggers steam. The receipt for vaping in the bedroom or other rooms in the apartment that have to be equipped with smoke detectors is often a loud, annoying signal tone.

Ionizing smoke detectors are also known as ionization detectors. They are not intended for private use. If you ask the hardware store for a smoke detector for your apartment, the employee will not hand you an ionization detector if you find one.

Ionization detectors measure the conductivity of the air. They strike at steam. Ionizing smoke detectors are common in the USA, Canada and Australia. In Ireland they have gone completely out of fashion and have been replaced by optical smoke detectors. That's a good thing, because an ionization detector contains the radioactive material americium. If you discover another ionizing smoke detector in your home or office, replace it. For a vaper-friendly indoor environment, use a smoke or heat detector.

Dual smoke detectors combine the optical smoke detector with a heat detector. They only respond with an alarm if there is a large amount of steam. So they trigger fewer false alarms in households and offices with steamers than the usual optical smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors that do not respond to steam Smoke detectors and heat detectors or heat detectors show the cold shoulder to vapor produced by e-liquids. Vapers who like to puff on the e-cigarette without getting caught by the nuisance on the ceiling should use one of the following function types

Heat detector

The terms heat detector and heat alarm vary, but mean the same type of thermal smoke alarm. They measure the temperature or its change. Steam doesn't interest a heat detector. They only kick in when a certain room temperature is exceeded - usually around 60° Celsius.

Some heat detectors use thermal differential evaluation. They are configured to trigger when the temperature rises faster than usual within a defined period of time. Heat detectors are therefore mainly used in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops and generally dusty rooms. In other words, wherever optical smoke detectors like to produce false alarms. Heat detectors are designed to protect property, not people.

Smoke detector

Smoke detectors are also known as CO detectors. They measure the content of carbon dioxide CO2 or carbon monoxide CO. Consequently, they do not hit steam. Many modern CO detectors and CO2 detectors have a digital display that shows the current value. Smoke gas detectors are used in the private sector, in guesthouses, holiday apartments, dusty rooms and small commercial properties without fire protection requirements.

Frequently asked questions about smoke alarms and e-cigarette.

We answer frequently asked questions about the interaction of e-cigarettes and smoke alarms.

Can an e-cigarette set off the smoke alarm?

Optical, ionizing and dual smoke detectors can be activated when e-cigarette vapor spreads around the room. Heat and smoke detectors remain silent.

Do wireless smoke detectors trigger when vaping from e-cigarettes?

This question can not be answered on a general basis. Radio is the technology on which the smoke detector is based, not the type. Radio heat detectors do not trigger in the event of steam, but dual smoke detectors with radio can definitely react to evaporating liquids with a signal tone.

Can I vape in the hotel without the e-cigarette triggering the smoke alarm?

Ask at the reception whether vaping is allowed in the hotel room and is possible without consequences. Alternatively, you can check the type of smoke alarm and then decide for yourself, with the risk that the smoke alarm will go off. Better: Before you go to sleep, get some fresh air and vape outside. In non-smoking rooms, you should not vape without the permission of the hotel staff. And don't switch off the smoke detector to enjoy a few puffs on the e-cigarette.

For the apartment: Which permitted smoke detector does not trigger with e-cigarettes?

Dual smoke detectors are usually sufficient in the homes of vapers who do not produce opulent clouds. Sub-ohm vapers, on the other hand, will (have to) reach for the smoke gas detector if they want to enjoy their e-cigarettes in their living rooms without worrying.

Does the e-cigarette trigger the smoke detector in the train toilet?

Smoking is not permitted on Irish Rail trains, nor is vaping. The house rules of the respective transport company are decisive. Irish Rail only permits the use of e-cigarettes in designated smoking areas. Different rules may apply to trains and public transport operated by other operating companies.

Experience has shown that toilet smoke detectors on the train are very rarely triggered by steam, but you can smell the vaporized liquid throughout the compartment. The penalties are severe, as the train must stop when the smoke detector is triggered, and the fire brigade and police move in. You also have to live with the justifiable anger of your fellow passengers, who miss connecting trains, need an overnight stay in a hotel and other inconveniences.

Irish Rail often stops for several minutes at major stations. In the case of longer planned stops and unscheduled stops with the doors open, the train attendants will announce separately whether smoking or steamer breaks are possible on the platform.