If you like to E-cigarettes and Vapes If you vape, you've probably wondered whether you can use an e-cigarette indoors. Smoke Detector triggers it or not. Even though our tests in hotel rooms and other indoor spaces never resulted in a fire alarm being triggered by the use of e-cigarettes, extreme caution is still advised. We’ll explain how smoke detectors work and why e-cigarettes can also cause a Fire Alarm can be triggered.
Can an e-cigarette set off smoke alarms in a hotel room?
Yes, in principle, an e-cigarette can set off a fire alarm, since smoke detectors usually have an optical sensor. This sensor cannot distinguish between smoke from a fire and vapor from an e-cigarette. However, it takes a significant amount of vapor to trigger a smoke detector set to normal sensitivity. People who produce huge clouds of vapor using sub-ohm devices, in particular, should exercise caution. If you want to play it safe, use e-cigarettes only in designated areas or outdoors.
Can e-cigarettes set off a fire alarm in the airplane toilet?
Yes, smoke detectors on airplanes are set to be particularly sensitive and can set off an alarm even when you’re vaping. You certainly don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of all the other passengers by setting off the fire alarm in the airplane restroom and getting scolded by the flight attendants. That’s why: Don't Use E-Cigarettes on Airplanes.
How smoke detectors work
Most smoke detectors have a optical sensor. Most smoke detectors are equipped with an infrared LED and a light sensor. When smoke particles enter the smoke detector, they scatter the light, causing it to reflect back onto the light sensor. The interruption of the light caused by cigarette smoke or e-cigarette vapor is detected, and an alarm is triggered. Many people assume that smoke detectors are a CO2 Sensor have installed, but that is rarely the case, and the smoke detector cannot distinguish between smoke from a fire, cigarette smoke, and e-cigarette smoke. In addition, there are also thermal smoke detectors, which respond to elevated temperatures. However, these are mainly used in locations where optical sensors cannot be used due to steam buildup (e.g., steam rooms).
What fines can be imposed in the event of a fire alarm caused by e-cigarettes?
Anyone who sets off an in-hotel alarm will generally be fined, since most hotels prohibit not only smoking tobacco cigarettes but also vaping. The fine is usually between CHF 100 and CHF 300. If the smoke detector is directly connected to the fire department’s dispatch center and the fire department is dispatched as a result, costs of CHF 1,000 to 3,000 can be expected.
Anyone who disregards the smoking and vaping ban on an airplane will have to pay a much higher fine and risks being removed from the flight.
Conclusion
As is so often the case, it pays to follow the rules set by hotels and other establishments. Generally speaking, e-cigarettes do not pose a fire hazard, and the odor they emit is too faint to bother subsequent guests. If you simply can’t resist vaping in your hotel room, keep an eye on the location of the smoke detector and never blow vapor directly toward it.
We strongly advise against vaping e-cigarettes in hotel rooms or on airplanes. We accept no liability!
Tobias is the marketing director at Shisha Heaven and is responsible for the online store's product lineup. He has been working with tobacco alternatives, such as e-cigarettes and vapes, for years.
