Before answering this question, we need to outline the difference between smoke alarms and fire alarms. Smoke alarms detect smoke and trigger an alarm generally within a localised space, notifying people where the smoke is coming from. It’s for this reason that smoke alarms are mainly found in smaller buildings such as houses.

A fire alarm, on the other hand, is part of a wider system of smoke detectors and alarms, triggering when smoke is detected and responding by emitting a widespread alarm so that people may evacuate the premises. For this reason, fire alarms are mainly found in schools, offices, or other public buildings with many rooms.

For now, we’ll focus on whether or not vapes set off smoke alarms.

There are two main types of smoke alarms to consider when answering the question of whether vapes set off smoke alarms. Whilst both alarms function slightly differently, they are both triggered by the presence of vapours or smoke.

Special cases

There are some cases in which vaping may not set off smoke alarms or they may be less likely to set off an alarm. For instance, a much less common type of fire alarm is a heat-based alarm, which is designed to detect a sudden rise in temperature. In these circumstances, vaping would not trigger these alarms.

Another factor to consider is the type of vaping device being used.

High-powered vaping devices produce a high volume of vapour and would therefore be more likely to trigger a smoke or fire alarm than a lower-powered vape device. Additionally, the use of e-liquids can also impact the probability of vaping triggering an alarm.

Preventive measures

Whilst you can never guarantee that you won’t set off a smoke or fire alarm when vaping nearby one, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of triggering an alarm.

For instance, you could ensure you are vaping in a room with good ventilation, or you could create better ventilation yourself by opening windows and doors. Additionally, you could make sure that you are vaping a good distance away from any alarms, as close proximity will mean the vapour has less time to disperse before reaching the alarm and will be more likely to trigger it.

Finally, picking a vaping device that emits a less dense, or a lower volume of vapour can also help you prevent triggering any smoke or fire alarms. However, there is still always a chance you may set off alarms with any vaping device you use.

Alternative options

Vapes and heated tobacco products are both alternatives to traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars. However, unlike vaping products, heated tobacco products still offer users an authentic tobacco taste, feel, and satisfaction.

Most heated tobacco products function by gently heating the tobacco as opposed to burning it, leading to a smoother experience. Here at Ploom, our specific heated technology is called HeatFlow™ technology and is specially designed for Ploom. 

HeatFlow™ technology works by allowing a free flow of air throughout the device chamber, creating a more efficient, faster, and – most importantly – lower temperature heating of the EVO tobacco sticks. This optimal temperature results in a smooth, true tobacco taste with minimal charring and a unique smokeless experience.

Whilst – like vaping products - there is always a risk of heated tobacco products setting off smoke and fire alarms, there is considerably less chance than if it were a traditional cigarette.

When it comes to the issue of setting off smoke and fire alarms, there is no way to guarantee heated tobacco products won’t also trigger smoke detectors.

However, there are plenty of other benefits to choosing Ploom over vapes or cigarettes. For instance, smoke reduction and cost. By gently heating tobacco, Ploom allows for a more unique smoke-free, and smell-free tobacco experience without sacrificing any of the taste or satisfaction of tobacco.

Ploom’s cost-efficiency is another major benefit of our products. Ploom customers can save up to £4,100* a year with 20 sticks in a pack of EVO tobacco sticks, and a recommended retail price of £5.00, EVO costs a third of the price of a pack of cigarettes.

*Calculation compares the average cost of smoking 20 cigarettes and consuming 20 EVO tobacco sticks per day. With 20 sticks in a pack and a recommended retail price of £5.00, EVO costs a third of the price of a pack of cigarettes. The current average selling price of a pack of 20 king size cigarettes is £16.35 (ONS data November 2024).

**EVO is the lowest priced heated tobacco stick brand in the UK