Can vaping set off smoke alarms?

Yes, vaping can set off smoke alarms, although it is more likely to trigger an alarm in enclosed spaces such as hotel rooms and aeroplanes. However, it also depends on the type of smoke detector and the amount of vapour produced. Under no circumstances is it permitted to vape on a plane.

Types of smoke alarms and their reactions to vapour

Firstly, while e-cigarettes produce vapour rather than smoke, it's worth noting that not all 'smoke' detectors are triggered solely by smoke. Some, such as Optical detectors, use infrared beams to detect smoke - or anything that breaks the beam, such as vapour.

Heat sensitive: Unlikely

These smoke detectors are the least likely to trigger when vaping in the same room, as they are designed to respond only to the heat or increase in temperature produced by a fire. Although e-cigarettes produce vapour instead of smoke, the vapour is unlikely to trigger these alarms since it doesn't significantly increase the ambient temperature.

Ionisation: Less Likely

Commonly found in oublic buildings and offcies and designed to detect smoke from fires, Ionisation smoke detectors work by applying an electrical charge to two plates, which creates a space between them. The air particles in this space are monitored, and if any substance, such as smoke, is detected, it will disrupt the electric current, triggering the alarm. These types of detectors are less likely to go off due to vaping than photoelectric smoke detectors and are being phased out in favour of optical smoke alarms, so you’re less likely to come into contact with these in your day-to-day.

Photoelectric (Optical): Most Likely

Optical, or photoelectric alarms, use infrared beams to detect particles. These alarms have a light source, typically an infrared LED, that shines a beam across the sensing chamber. When particles enter the chamber, it scatters the light beam, causing some light to hit the sensor, which then triggers the alarm. This particular type of smoke detector is the most widely used and is highly sensitive to the vapour produced by an e-cigarette, which can disrupt the light beam just as smoke would. The denser the vapour, the more likely it is to set off the alarm, especially if vaped directly underneath the detector. You'll find them in some hotel rooms, such as the Premier Inn, and onboard aeroplanes.

Know the Rules and Regulations

While there is no law that prohibits vaping indoors in the UK, venues and private businesses - including transport operators - have the right to impose their own vaping restrictions. Before you consider vaping indoors, know the rules beforehand to avoid any unwanted fines