You're not alone - Many vapers share the frustration of triggering smoke alarms while trying to unwind. Whether you're curious about why it happens or need practical tips to avoid it, we've got you covered.
In this article, we'll explore:
- The different types of smoke alarms
- Why vaping can trigger them
- How to enjoy your vape without setting off the alarm
Say goodbye to the hassle and vape in peace!
Firstly, Get To Know Your Smoke Alarm
Ionisation Alarms
Ionisation alarms are the most common type of smoke detector. They function by sensing changes in the air's conductivity caused by smoke particles. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the electrical current, triggering the alarm.
Here Are Some Solutions!
Adjusting Vape Settings
Using a lower-powered device or adjusting the settings on your current device can help reduce the amount of vapour produced, lowering the likelihood of triggering the alarm.
Lower-powered devices usually come in the form of disposable vapes, rechargeable disposable vapes or pod vapes. Meanwhile higher-powered devices are your classic vape pens and box mods.
The original rechargeable disposable vape
The compact Vape Pen
Proper Ventilation
Ensuring your vaping area is well-ventilated can help dissipate the vapour more quickly, reducing the chances of setting off the alarm. Open windows, use a fan, or vape near an air vent or an open window to help with this.
Using Smokeless Devices
Some vape devices are designed to produce minimal vapour, such as pod systems or stealth vapes. These devices are less likely to set off smoke alarms.
There are also vapourless vape juice available which provide you with the vaping sensation you love, without producing any vapour. The ultimate way to prevent vaping setting off smoke alarms as well as getting around those pesky vape bans.
Here at JAC Vapour, we have a couple of vapourless vape juice flavours available in our Clear Steam range as well as providing you with an incredible range vapour flvaours with our PICNIC 50ml vape juice range. Simply choose the flavour you want and then choose the "vapourless" base.
Also, Why Does Vaping Trigger Them?
How Vaping Triggers Alarms
Vape clouds can set off smoke alarms because some alarms mistake the vapour for smoke. This is more common with ionisation and optical alarms than with heat alarms.
Heat alarms are less common and are designed to detect a rapid rise in temperature or a fixed high temperature. These alarms are not typically triggered by vaping.
Vape Devices and Alarm Sensitivity
The type of vape device you use can also affect whether your alarm is triggered. High-powered devices that produce large amounts of vapour are more likely to set off the alarm than low-powered devices.
The Role of VG/PG Ratios
E-liquids are made up of vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). VG produces thicker clouds of vapour, while PG provides a stronger throat hit. E-liquids with higher VG ratios are more likely to set off smoke alarms due to the thicker clouds produced.
Want to know more about PG/VG ratios, check out our helpful "What is PG/VG" guide.
FAQs
Do vapes set off smoke alarms?
The short answe is yes, the vapour produced by e-cigarettes / vape pens can be mistaken for smoke, triggering some smoke alarms, particularly ionisation and optical alarms.
What type of smoke alarm is least likely to be triggered by vaping?
Heat alarms are the least likely to be triggered by vaping as they detect rapid or large changes in temperature rather than the presence of smoke particles. Unlike Ionisation or Optical smoke alarms which detect smoke, or in this case vapour particles in the air.
Can the VG/PG ratio of my e-liquid affect the likelihood of setting off a smoke alarm?
Yes, e-liquids / vape juice with higher VG ratios produce thicker clouds of vapour, which are more likely to set off smoke alarms, especially with the Ionisation and Optical alarms, as the more vapour in the air, the more there is for these types of alarms to detect and potentially sound the alarm.
Is it safe to disable or cover my smoke alarm while vaping?
We cannot stress enough how much we do not recommend ever disabling or covering your smoke alarm as it compromises your safety in the event of a fire. Always prioritise safety and explore other solutions, such as proper ventilation or using a lower-powered device.
How many cigarettes are in a vape?
The cigarette to vaping ratio depends on quite a few factors, including vaping style, nicotine strength, VG / PG ratio and others. You can read find out more on our helpful blog post below.
Read More: How Many Cigarettes In A Vape
How to Vape
If you're new to vapng, it may be worth covering some of the basics with our helpful how to vape guide. Our guide covers everything you need to know about vaping, which may also help you to keep your smoke alarm from sounding.
Read More - How To Vape