What Are the Best Vape Detectors for Schools?

If you’re looking for help dealing with children vaping in school, then you may well have come across vape detectors. These subtle devices offer an effective means of enforcing no vape policies, but how do you know which device to choose? 

Product descriptions and the language used in marketing can confuse, and that can lead to hesitancy. That’s why we put together this guide to provide you with clear, essential information to help you choose the best vape detectors for your schools. 

We take a deep dive into the best product features to look out for, compare and contrast these features, and share our advice and experiences when it comes to what to avoid. 

By the end, you’ll be left with no doubt in your mind as to what vape detectors you need. 

What makes a vape detector suitable for a school?

Vape detectors are relatively new to the market. They adopt modern technologies to offer schools a non-intrusive, fully legal means of monitoring areas that can’t be covered by the likes of CCTV, such as bathrooms and locker rooms. 

All a vape detector does is monitor the air quality. When it detects particles and chemicals found in vapes and THC pens, it sends a discreet alert to school staff. This allows them to make an active intervention. 

Our case studies have found that when such interventions are made, proper help and support can be put in place for the young person, so that they can kick their habit and regain focus on their education. 

This is a solution and outcome that no other anti-vape strategies can achieve. 

The best vape detector features for schools

You may have already decided on integrating vape detectors into your current set-up, but the tricky part is knowing which one is best to buy for your specific needs. That’s what this part of our guide is designed to help with. 

Let’s take a look at the key features to look out for, beginning with the most important of all.  

1. Vape detection accuracy

Accuracy is everything when it comes to vape detectors. A sensitive device can give false alarms and false positives, responding to the likes of steam, deodorant and dust. 

To ensure a device has the greatest accuracy, it’s important to check any documented testing results, check out references and claims made, and also whether sensitivity levels can be altered. 

Schools should ask suppliers to explain:

• What the detector is designed to identify.
• Whether it detects general particulates or specifically classified vaping events.
• How the stated accuracy rate was calculated.
• Whether testing was conducted in laboratories, schools or both.
• Which vaping devices and aerosol types were included.
• How room size, ventilation and humidity affect performance.

With all of this information to hand, you can make a better judgement. 

2. Resistance to false alarms

False alarms can distort your data and undermine the whole system. It’s therefore wise to look for services that can rule out any false positives. 

Vape detectors can be triggered by the likes of:

• Aerosol deodorants
• Hairspray
• Perfume
• Cleaning sprays
• Air fresheners
• Steam
• Dust
• Sudden changes in humidity

If staff keep getting alerts and turning up at the location to find no children, then it can grow tiresome for them, and seeds doubt in their mind about the usefulness of the system. 

This is an issue we found here at Triton. Our sensors are designed to distinguish vaping events from common environmental interference, and this in turn has boosted the confidence of staff in using the system. 

If you can obtain a demo kit, you can carry out these tests before you commit to buying anything. 

3. Detection and alert speed

A vaping student could scarper within a few seconds. This makes the window of opportunity for staff a slim one, meaning prompt alerts are vital. 

Schools should examine two separate measurements:

1. How long the sensor takes to recognize an event
2. How long the complete system takes to deliver an alert to staff

Tests should again be carried out on demo kits, and questions should be asked of suppliers to see if improvements can be made. 

The best devices should respond almost immediately. That’s what we do here at Triton, sending alerts and messages via text, email and in-app alerts within just 5 seconds of detection. 

4. Nicotine, THC and substance classification

Not every device can pick up on all the chemicals in the environment. However, with legalization of marijuana expanding, it’s more important than ever to be able to detect an array of chemicals; otherwise your devices may be rendered ineffective. 

If you’re at all sceptical about the claims made about a device detecting THC, then ask for a demonstration or a trial to see for yourself. 

5. Privacy-preserving monitoring

When it comes to their children’s privacy, schools must do all they can to protect it and comply with data protection regulations. A vital consideration when it comes to vape detectors is compliance. 

For example, a vape detector that also has a camera built into it would not be able to be used in bathrooms or locker rooms. Similarly, devices that record audio may also breach the rules. 

However, the biggest perk of using a vape detector is that they simply monitor air quality. It’s impossible to breach anyone’s privacy by doing this alone.

So, always spend some time reviewing the documentation and how the device functions to ensure you stay on the right side of the law. 

6. Alert delivery options

When it comes to using the vape detection system, it’s important to feel comfortable with the alert delivery setup. For example, you may want to make sure that alerts get sent to three individuals, but the device you choose only allows for one. 

Likewise, it’s important to check how exactly alerts can be delivered. Better quality services offer multiple delivery options, such as:

• SMS or text message
• Email
• Mobile application notification
• Desktop dashboard
• Browser notification
• Security control room software

If you have a product that gives you full control over the alerts, you’ll have the ability to create a system that works best for you and your school. 

7. Exact device and location identification

Linked to the above, it’s also important to select a system that gives you reliable data that you can use, namely which device is triggered and where in the school. Without this, you’ll be running around like a headless chicken. 

This is especially important in larger schools where there could be multiple vaping hot spots. Having the ability to name each individual device will give you excellent control of your vape detection system. 

8. Tamper and vandalism detection

An advanced feature found in some vape detectors is the ability to send an alert if the device is being tampered with. 

It’s not uncommon for unruly students to try and cover up detectors, or try and break them altogether. Advanced detectors like Triton Sensors can notify you of this, protecting your investment as well as ensuring continuous monitoring.  

9. Network reliability

Some vape detectors are connected to local networks by wifi, others are powered by an Ethernet cable. 

Wifi can be unreliable at times, especially in old buildings, but it does offer flexibility if you’ve got any awkwardly located hotspots. A weak network can see alerts not being sent or received, or the device failing to work altogether. 

The other option is to connect your detectors via Ethernet cables. This means it's plugged directly into your network. This ensures continuous uptime and a more reliable service. Many Ethernet cables can also power the devices, meaning you don’t have to change batteries.

School vape detector comparison checklist

We’ve covered a lot of different features above, so we thought it would be helpful to provide a quick checklist. With the answers to the below, you’ll be able to make a quick, effective decision. 

How should schools test a vape detector before buying?

If you want to see if a new technology or device works, it’s best to run a trial period before you commit to a large order. 

Not all devices may be suitable. For example, some products may be powered by battery, and others may not be effective enough at detecting vapor. 

Before you commit to any product, it’s best to test it out first. Investments can be significant, and if you make a mistake with a limited budget, you may end up in a hole. 

Here at Triton, we offer an easy-to-install demo unit which you can install in a hotspot within your school, like a bathroom. Within a few days, you’ll be able to see how effective it is—alerts sent to staff, interventions tested out. 

If you’d like to order a free demo unit, please tap here. 

Common mistakes when comparing vape detectors

Not all vape detectors are built the same. Some are better at detecting vapor and chemicals, and others have extra features like anti-vandalism alerts. It all comes down to what you need for your specific school. 

Let’s take a deeper look at the common mistakes to avoid when picking your device:

• Choosing The Cheapest Unit - while a lower cost may look better for your budget, if the device you choose doesn’t perform to the standard required, you may invest lots of money and still have a vaping problem
• Focusing On Sensitivity Over Accuracy - while a sensitive device sounds better, it could send a lot of false positives. This can create even more issues down the line
• Failing To Involve IT Staff - given the need to set up the device and plug it into your existing network, failing to consult your IT team could see you buy something that cannot be easily integrated
• Installing Detectors Without A Response Plan - from our experience, the schools that have had the best results with their vape detectors put in place a solid plan for responding to alerts. Without one, staff can feel confused and uncertain while pupils may feel the punishments are ineffective 
• Expecting Vape Detectors To Solve The Problem - vape detectors are a tool to help you enforce a no smoking policy. It cannot be expected to resolve all issues. In fact, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has advised schools of the importance of offering mental health support alongside using the likes of vape detectors

How Triton compares against the school selection criteria

Here at Triton Sensors, we’ve worked hard to provide one of the market’s leading vape detectors. 

Our vape detectors have a 98% accuracy rate. They’re supported by the latest in modern technology to achieve this level. 

We also specialize in school vape detectors. Over the years, we’ve helped scores of schools and educational institutions tackle problem vaping. In some cases, such as with Luling Schools, our devices reduced vaping incidents by over 75% in a matter of weeks. 

With a strong track record of excellent results and a free demo unit to try out, Triton stands above the rest of the pack in ensuring your school’s no-vape policy is effectively enforced.