Smoke alarms & e-cigarettes in hotel rooms | Fire alarm?
If you like e-cigarettes and vapes you've probably wondered whether or not vaping indoors sets off the smoke alarm. Even though our tests in hotel rooms and other indoor areas have never triggered a fire alarm due to the use of e-cigarettes, the utmost caution is still required. We explain how smoke alarms work and why a fire alarm can also be triggered by e-cigarettes.
Can an e-cigarette set off smoke alarms in a hotel room?
Yes, in principle an electronic cigarette can trigger a fire alarm, as the smoke detectors usually have an optical sensor. This cannot distinguish between fire smoke and e-cigarette vapor. However, considerable amounts of vapor are required to trigger normally set smoke alarms. Especially those who produce huge clouds with sub-ohm vapor devices should exercise caution. If you want to be on the safe side, only use e-cigarettes in designated rooms or outdoors.
Can e-cigarettes set off a fire alarm in the airplane toilet?
Yes, the smoke detectors on airplanes are particularly sensitive and can also trigger an alarm when vaping e-cigarettes. You certainly don't want to make a fool of yourself in front of all the passengers if you set off the fire alarm in the lavatory and are reprimanded by the flight attendants. Therefore: stay away from e-cigarettes on the plane.
How smoke detectors work
Most smoke detectors have an optical sensor. An infrared LED and a light sensor are usually installed. When smoke particles enter the smoke detector, they scatter the light and reflect it onto the light sensor. The interruption of the light by the smoke from a cigarette or the vapor from an e-cigarette is detected and an alarm is triggered. Many people assume that smoke detectors have a CO2 sensor, but this is rarely the case and the smoke detector cannot distinguish between fire smoke, cigarette smoke and e-cigarette smoke. There are also thermal smoke detectors, which react to increased temperatures. However, these are mainly used in places where an optical sensor cannot be used due to steam development (e.g. steam bath).
What fines can be imposed in the event of a fire alarm caused by e-cigarettes?
Anyone who sets off an internal hotel alarm will usually be fined, as most hotels not only prohibit the smoking of tobacco cigarettes, but also the vaping of vapes. This usually amounts to between CHF 100 and CHF 300. If the smoke detector is connected directly to the fire department's operations center and the fire department is called out, costs of CHF 1,000 to CHF 3,000 can be expected.
Those who disregard the smoking and vapor ban in the aircraft must dig even deeper into their pockets and risk being banned from the aircraft.
Conclusion
As is so often the case, it pays to comply with the regulations of hotels and other institutions. In principle, an e-cigarette does not pose a fire hazard and the odor emissions are too low to disturb guests at a later date. If you can't stop vaping in your hotel room, you should keep an eye on the position of the fire alarm and never blow the vapor directly in the direction of the device.
We expressly advise against vaping e-cigarettes in hotel rooms or airplanes. Any liability is rejected!
Vape & e-cigarettes
Tobias Schneider is a member of the management team at Shisha Heaven and is responsible for the leading online store's product range. He has been dealing with tobacco substitute products such as e-cigarettes and vapes for years.