Complete guide to cigarette smoke detectors for property owners

What are cigarette smoke detectors?

Cigarette smoke detectors are specialized devices configured to detect and warn property owners of cigarette smoke in enclosed spaces. Cigarette detectors use specially designed sensors to analyze air quality for signs of tobacco smoke. If detected, built-in alarms will sound and alerts will be sent to security operators.

Nicotine and tobacco smoke detectors are often installed in restaurants, retail stores, hotels and offices, as well as rental properties. Their main purpose is to deter and detect smoking in prohibited areas, helping mitigate property damage and maintain compliance with smoking bans.

How do cigarette smoke sensors work?

Cigarette smoke sensors continuously analyze the air for chemicals and particles associated with tobacco smoke. Depending on the type of cigarette smoke detector, different types of sensor technologies may be used. 

Common types of cigarette smoke sensors include:

• Laser scattering sensors: detect the unique ways that cigarette smoke interacts with light beams using lasers and photodetectors to identify tobacco smoke particles.
• Chemical sensors: identify specific particles, gasses and harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, with some devices also able to detect THC and e‑cigarette vapor.
• Sample collection sensors: passive cigarette smoke sensors continuously collect air samples to analyze for signs of nicotine and THC.
• Combination sensors: these types of cigarette smoke alarms contain multiple built-in sensors to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.

What can cigarette smoke sensors detect?

Cigarette smoke sensors can detect a wide range of chemicals and particulate matter found in tobacco smoke. While nicotine is the primary focus of most smoke detectors, other particles and types of smoke may trigger these sensors.

Examples of stimuli that advanced cigarette smoke sensors can detect include:

• Vape aerosols: some types of nicotine smoke detectors contain sensors that can reliably identify vape aerosols like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
• Marijuana smoke: comprehensive smoke detection devices can identify THC particles to differentiate between cigarette and marijuana smoke.
• Non-smoking particles: some tobacco detectors can detect more than cigarette smoke, identifying cooking smoke, the presence of chemicals and air quality changes.

Common use cases for cigarette smoke alarms

Property and business owners across all industries benefit from cigarette smoke detection devices. Hardware can be installed in any location where smoking is prohibited, with instant alerts helping to deter and address incidents.

Residential real estate

Landlords are responsible for providing a clean and safe environment for their tenants. Smoking indoors can lead to property damage and increased health risks. By installing cigarette smoke detectors in hallways, stairwells and private units, you can detect and address smoking incidents.

Landlords must know how to detect cigarette smoke in apartments and other similar shared residential spaces. While personal checks for signs of smoking — like discolored ceilings, cigarette butts and lingering odors — are important, cigarette smoke detectors offer an additional layer of protection. These devices can detect smoke in real time, allowing you to take immediate action.

Advanced cigarette smoke detectors for landlords can also identify additional hazards like carbon monoxide, vape aerosols and THC, as well as monitor air quality to help provide a clean environment for residents. When connected to a cloud management system or apartment building security system, you can review and respond to alarms remotely to offer support across multiple sites.

Hotels

Hotel operators are often legally required to prevent guests from smoking in enclosed spaces. To comply with these requirements, hotels need to be able to accurately identify and respond to smoking incidents. Even where smoking isn’t legally banned, hotels may impose their own restrictions to prevent property damage and maintain a safe, clean environment for visitors.

Cigarette smoke detectors for hotels may also contain additional sensors to help address other health and safety concerns. For example, noise and occupancy sensors can be used to prevent guests from causing disturbances through the night, while air quality sensors linked to HVAC devices can be configured to instantly ventilate rooms if changes in air quality are detected.

Schools and educational facilities

With an estimated 2.8 million school-aged children regularly using tobacco products, smoking and vaping pose serious health and safety concerns at schools. Installing smoke detectors that detect cigarette smoke and THC in bathrooms, changing rooms and stairwells can help school staff address smoking incidents in real time. School vape detectors are also commonly used to comprehensively detect vaping.

Office buildings

Cigarette smoke detectors installed throughout office buildings help security teams ensure compliance with smoking bans. Devices with multiple sensors to detect cigarette smoke, e‑cigarette vapor and THC can be installed in areas like restrooms, break rooms and stairwells to help detect violations.

Cigarette detectors with air quality sensors offer additional benefits, helping maintain a safe and clean work environment. These sensors can identify harmful particles, pollutants and volatile organic compounds, supporting a healthier workplace and demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being.

Customer-facing businesses

Customer-facing businesses, like restaurants, retail stores and entertainment venues, can also benefit from cigarette and vape detectors. These devices help ensure a safer and more enjoyable environment for both customers and staff by quickly identifying and helping address smoking incidents. By installing these detectors, businesses can protect their property from smoke-related damage and maintain air quality.

Key features of cigarette and nicotine smoke detectors

There are many different types of cigarette and nicotine smoke detectors, each with a unique combination of features and capabilities. It’s important to review the needs of specific installations before choosing a suitable device. Below are examples of key features to look for in cigarette smoke detectors.

• Multiple sensors: devices with multiple sensors offer more accurate readings and are less prone to false positives. Look for hardware with multiple types of particulate and smoke sensors.
• Real-time alerts: effective cigarette smoke detectors integrate with your Video Management System (VMS) to send real-time alerts and enable rapid response. Look for devices that provide accurate time, location and cause-of-activation data to enable informed response.
• Anti-tamper casings: it’s important to look for vandal-proof housing for vape and cigarette detectors to ensure continuous and accurate detection.
• Adjustable controls: look for smoking detection systems with adjustable sensitivity controls to help tailor alerts to your environment and reduce false positives.
• Integration capabilities: consider detectors that can be integrated into wider security systems to enable real-time detection, verification and automated response.

Advanced features of cigarette smoke detectors

To develop an advanced security system capable of detecting a wider range of hazards and threats, consider cigarette smoke detectors with the following features:

• THC/​vape smoke sensors: some cigarette smoke detectors may fail to differentiate between tobacco and marijuana smoke or struggle to identify e‑cigarette vapor. Look for devices with nicotine, THC and vape sensors to cover all possibilities, reducing the potential need for additional vape detection devices.
• Air quality monitoring: advanced cigarette smoke detectors can provide additional benefits. Devices can be configured to detect pollutants and particles to help you detect and address air quality hazards.
• Health index technology: some advanced cigarette smoke detectors feature health index technology designed to provide a real-time indication of the potential risk for the spread of airborne infectious agents in buildings.
• Noise/​occupancy sensors: some cigarette smoke detectors are equipped with noise sensors to detect signs of aggression, disturbances or other events that may go unnoticed, adding another layer of protection.

Detect and prevent cigarette smoking with HALO Smart Sensors 

The HALO Smart Sensor is an all-in-one solution designed to help property owners and administrators detect cigarette smoke, vaping and THC in areas where video security and IP cameras are not feasible, such as restrooms, changing rooms and non-communal living spaces. With no reliance on visual or audio recording, the sensor helps maintain privacy while ensuring compliance with smoking bans. HALO integrates seamlessly with existing security technology, notifying staff in real-time about incidents and enabling rapid response.

HALO uses advanced multi-sensor technology to detect cigarette smoke, vape aerosols and THC. In addition to smoking detection, HALO offers air quality monitoring, detecting harmful gasses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter to help you maintain a clean and healthy environment. Additionally, the sensor can detect abnormal sound levels, such as shouting or aggression, providing an extra layer of security.

Tips for implementing cigarette smoking detectors

Choosing the right type of cigarette smoke detector is only part of the equation. For smoking detection solutions to be effective, property owners must ensure that chosen devices are installed and configured to meet unique requirements.

Identify high-risk locations

An assessment of the property should be conducted to determine which areas will benefit most from cigarette smoke detectors. Review previous incidents and think about locations in which unauthorized smoking is likely to cause significant issues.

Common examples of high-risk locations include:

• Public bathrooms
• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Entrances
• Apartments

Assess power availability 

Cigarette smoke detectors require continuous power to work effectively, so it is important that they are connected to a reliable power source. Typically, installation teams can connect these devices to the existing wiring infrastructure.

When connecting new detectors to existing infrastructure is not feasible, wireless cigarette smoke detectors may be an alternative to consider. These devices connect to VMS using a secure Wi-Fi connection to provide real-time alerts. However, the efficacy of these devices will be dependent on Wi-Fi signal strength and regular battery replacement.

Positioning and false positives 

The positioning of cigarette and nicotine smoke detectors is critical for accurate readings. Most models rely on natural airflow to capture smoke and particulate matter, so it is essential to position devices with the natural airflow of the room in mind. Avoid areas near windows or HVAC systems, as they can divert smoke away from the sensor.

Some types of cigarette smoke sensors can also result in false positives in some environments, like steamy bathrooms. To minimize this risk, choose devices with multiple sensors to detect specific chemicals like nicotine and THC.

Consider privacy concerns

In areas like bathrooms, changing rooms or private rental spaces, privacy is a key concern. Installing security devices with audio or video recording features in non-communal living spaces can lead to legal issues in some states and the removal from platforms like Airbnb.

Cigarette smoke detectors that do not record audio or video are essential for keeping these private areas safe. Advanced devices like HALO Smart Sensors can be safely installed in these areas and used to observe factors like air quality and noise without recording audio or video.

How to detect cigarette smoke in your property

To support the deployment of smoking detection solutions, property owners and managers should explore additional methods of identifying and addressing smoking incidents. Detecting the signs of smoking indoors can help landlords locate optimal installation positions and determine the types of sensors to prioritize. 

How to detect smoking in an apartment or other property:

• Identify smells and odors: The most obvious sign of cigarette smoking is the smell. Property owners should be aware of this odor and watch out for the excessive use of cleaning products or perfumes used to mask the smell.
• Look out for smoking-related items: The presence of ashtrays, lighters, cigarette cases and cigarette papers may indicate that tenants are smoking indoors.
• Check for visible damage: Cigarette smoke can cause discoloration and yellow stains on walls and ceilings. Additionally, discarded butts and ashes may leave burn marks and stains on furniture and other surfaces.

Strategies to prevent smoking in properties

While cigarette smoke detectors offer an effective way to address smoking incidents, property owners should also prioritize preventative measures to discourage individuals and tenants from smoking indoors. Best practices include:

• Screen potential tenants: During the application process, discuss your no-smoking policy and ensure prospective tenants understand and agree to the rules.
• Publish clear policies: Create an easy-to-understand document outlining your smoking regulations. Make sure all tenants and guests have access to it.
• Invest in signage: Install clear ​“No smoking” signs and warnings about cigarette smoke detectors in prominent locations throughout the property.
• Impose fines: Inform tenants and guests that smoking indoors will result in fines and they will be responsible for any damages or cleaning costs.

Even with these measures in place, some individuals may still try to disregard smoking bans. To protect your property and help your staff address incidents effectively, consider installing cigarette smoke detectors in high-risk areas. When looking for a device to detect cigarette smoke in an apartment or private property, prioritize hardware with features like vape, THC, air quality and sound sensors to offer additional protection and functionality.