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CAN E-CIGARETTES SET OFF SMOKE DETECTORS? - SMOKO E Cigarettes

CAN E-CIGARETTES SET OFF SMOKE DETECTORS?

Mike Cameron @

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Yes, Vapes Can Trigger Smoke Alarms
    The vapour from e-cigarettes can set off photoelectric and optical smoke detectors, especially in small or poorly ventilated areas.

  • It Depends on the Type of Detector
    Ionisation alarms are less sensitive to vapour, while optical and heat-based detectors are more likely to be triggered by dense clouds of aerosol.

  • Always Follow No-Vaping Rules Indoors
    To avoid false alarms, never vape in restricted areas, especially on planes, in public transport, or near smoke detectors in hotels and workplaces.


CAN E-CIGARETTES SET OFF SMOKE DETECTORS?

In most situations, E-Cigarettes will not set off smoke alarms. The particles evaporate too quickly to set off alpha particle style alarms, and don't generate enough heat to trigger a heat-based smoke alarm. With that said, one instance has been observed of an in-flight passenger vaping in the airplane bathroom that triggered the fire alarm on board so avoid vaping in small, enclosed spaces with a fire alarm.


INTRODUCTION

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This question has been asked quite a lot and the simple answer is yes, e-cigarettes can set off smoke detectors.  This does all really depend on the type of smoke detector that is being used though, so please make sure that you are aware of all your surroundings and know if you can actually use your vaping set.

There are three commonly used smoke detectors that are used: Ionisation, Optical and Heat fire alarms, and it is usually up to the density of the vapour that you have in your e-cigarette and how close you are to the sensors that will determine whether the alarm will detect vapour or not and set off an alarm.

We are now going to inform you about the most used smoked detectors and depending on the type, suggest which fire alarms may raise false alarms and set the detectors off.


WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF COMMONLY USED SMOKE DETECTORS?

Ionisation Alarms: Inside Isolation alarms, there are two electrically charged radioactive plates and when any type of smoke particle gets detected, it will set the alarm off.  Electronic cigarettes can trigger this alarm. (1)
 
Optical Alarms: These types of smoke alarms, also known as Photoelectric smoke detectors, have a beam of infrared light inside them and are set off by smoke particles when they hit the infrared and cause it to be scattered on to a light detector, which in hand triggers the alarm. E-Cigarettes can also trigger this alarm. (2)
 
Heat Alarms:  These sorts of alarms are activated when (as you guessed it) any cigarette smoke is detected. Therefore, this particular smoke alarm is placed in kitchens as it is clearly alerted by heat and heat alone.  These types of alarm are not usually set off by e-cigarette devices as vaping does not give off heat, instead, it gives off a vapour. (3)

HOW LIKELY IS YOUR ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE TO SET OFF A FIRE ALARM?

Smoke alarms are physically built to detect smoke and smoke alone, not vapour.  As a general rule, if you are not using your e-cigarette device near a smoke detector then you should be ok, however, this is not written in stone. (4)
If you know that there are rules and regulations around vaping within the confines of where you are standing, then the best course of action would be is to just step outside and use your device.


CAN I VAPE IN A HOTEL ROOM?

To answer this question honestly, the best bit of advice we can give you is that you should ask permission from the hotel you are staying in, especially if you are abroad.  We would suggest not putting yourself or other people in harm’s way, by setting off a fire alarm, especially when it is not needed.
Some hotels will have no issue at all with you vaping in one of their rooms, but other hotels forbid vaping entirely (same as smoking).
 
I know that we have not actually said a specific yes or no to the question of 'can I vape in a hotel room?' However, is it really worth taking the risk as there are different types of smoke alarm that are in use in hotels and all areas?


is vaping allowed in a hotel room


CAN E-CIGS SET OFF A SMOKE DETECTOR IN A PLANE?

We do need to stipulate that smoke alarms in aeroplanes are very sensitive and most, if not all airlines have a strict ban on the use of standard e-cigarettes on their aeroplanes. (5) 

There have been known cases when people have been caught and heavily fined, spent a night in jail, or even banned from flying with that particular airline again.
 
In the UK, it is a standard procedure that on trains/platforms or buses you are (90% of the time) not allowed to vape.


HOW DO I TELL WHETHER I CAN SMOKE UNDER AN ALARM?

Firstly, you should not be using your e-cigarette / vaping device if there is a policy put in place at that specific location.
 
Whilst we may not understand the reasons behind people’s policies, isn’t it better not to risk a fine?
 
However, there are still places where you are allowed to vape, and they do have fire alarms. So, we would like to give you some advice on how to discreetly use your device, but to not set off panic once fire alarms go off. This is known as stealth vaping:
 
1 – Open a window
By opening a window, you will help to remove the vapour quicker and it will hopefully not get near to the fire alarm
 
2 – Use a small/discreet device
One device we would like to suggest is a SMOKO e-cigarette as this is a small device that does not let out billows of vapour
 
small e-cigarettes do not produce huge and annoying clouds of vaper


3 – Blow vapour away from the alarm
Sounds very simple but blow your vapour away from the fire alarm.
 
4 – Use a high PG e-liquid
Liquids favouring high levels of propylene glycol produce less vapour. If you do not already use a SMOKO e-cigarette, then you may also have to think about the type of e-liquid that you use.
 
Higher VG e-liquids are known for producing larger clouds of vapour and is not suitable for discreet vaping.
 

CAN E-CIGARETTES SET OFF SMOKE DETECTORS - CONCLUSION

As you may have realised through reading this article, using an e-cigarette / vaping device anywhere near a fire alarm can get you in serious trouble, and at the end of the day, is it really worth it?
 
We have gone through the three most commonly used smoke/fire alarms and have stipulated that if the location has policies around vaping that you adhere to these.
 
If a hotel has a relaxed policy and allows you to use an e-cigarette, then why not try our e-cigarette and vape starter kits as these are small, slimline devices and are easy to use, have a realistic smoking sensation, are dramatically more affordable than a pack of the traditional cigarettes, are 95% less harmful than normal cigarettes and do not bellow out clouds of vapour, that could get misinterpreted by a fire alarm.

*2024 Update - Get a FREE E-Cigarette starter kit when you buy a box of E-Cigarette refills! (One per customer)


CAN E-CIGARETTES SET OFF SMOKE DETECTORS FAQ

Q1: Can vaping trigger a smoke alarm?
A: Yes, e-cigarette vapour can set off smoke detectors, especially in small, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. While vape aerosol isn't smoke, it can still be dense enough to be detected by certain alarm types.

Q2: What types of smoke detectors are most sensitive to vapour?
A:

  • Photoelectric (optical) detectors are the most sensitive to vapour and mist.

  • Ionisation detectors are more sensitive to actual smoke particles but less likely to react to vapour.

  • Heat detectors usually won’t be triggered by vapour, as they respond to temperature changes, not particles.

3: Where is vaping most likely to trigger alarms?
A: Vaping may set off detectors in:

  • Airplanes and airport toilets

  • Hotel rooms

  • Office buildings

  • Public toilets or transport hubs
    Even small clouds of vapour can cause a false alarm in these sensitive environments.

Q4: How can I avoid setting off a smoke detector while vaping?
A:

  • Don’t vape indoors in public or restricted areas

  • Avoid vaping near detectors or air vents

  • Vape near open windows or outside

  • Use lower vapour-producing devices discreetly, if permitted

Q5: What are the consequences of triggering an alarm?
A: Activating a smoke detector by vaping can result in fines, evacuation procedures, or even prosecution, particularly in airports, aeroplanes, or public buildings.


REFERENCES

(1) How Ionisation Smoke Alarms Work

(2) What is a Photoelectric Smoke Detector?

(3) Everything about heat alarms you need to know

(4) Can Smoke Detectors Detect Vaping? Unveiling the Truth

(5) Can you take a vape on a plane? A vaping and travel guide

 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage – is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.


Last updated 31/07/2025

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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHY YOU SHOULD QUIT SMOKING CIGARETTES AND SWITCH TO VAPING

If you are an adult smoker who has struggled to quit cigarettes or you are a vaper using a Chinese-made vape, here are some important facts about using SMOKO E-Cigarettes and Vapes.

It is common knowledge that tobacco cigarettes are really bad for us. There are over 4,000 harmful chemicals in cigarettes and 50 known carcinogens!

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