Where to place a vape sensor: a practical guide for washrooms and changing rooms

You can buy the best detector on the market and still miss events if it is in the wrong place. The good news is that the rules are simple, and they all follow from one fact: vape aerosol and smoke rise towards the ceiling.

The golden rules

• Mount on the ceiling, near the centre of the room or above the cubicle row.
• Ceiling height between 2.4 and 3.5 m.
• One sensor per enclosed room, covering up to approximately 30 m².
• Check for a good Wi-Fi signal at the mounting point first — or use Ethernet.

Spots to avoid

• Within 1 m of extract fans, air-conditioning or heating vents — they pull the cloud away before it is measured.
• Directly above showers, sinks or hand dryers.
• Inside cubicles, corners or recesses where the air is still.
• Anywhere that can be reached without a ladder.

A typical washroom

In a standard pupil or staff washroom, the sensor goes on the ceiling over the walkway in front of the cubicles — where air from every cubicle naturally collects — and well away from the extract fan. In a changing room, aim for the centre of the main space, not above the showers.

Installation and power

VapeSense is hard-wired to mains power and must be installed by a qualified electrician. It uses under 5 W, fits to a ceiling plate and is locked in place with security screws. If anyone opens, covers or removes it, staff get a tamper alert.

Fit the sensor last

During building work, keep the vents clear of dust and fit the sensor at the end. Note each sensor’s room as you go — you will name it during setup so alerts arrive with the right location.

Standalone or hub?

For a single room or a pilot, a standalone unit does everything on its own. For several rooms, install the hub first; each sensor then joins it by itself.

Planning a rollout? We can help you map sensor positions. Talk to us →